Faces of Herbalism: Untold Stories of Historical Herbalists

Mary Seacole

As one of the oldest scientific practices known to man, natural healing is still an integral component in society. It's often overshadowed as primitive medical care, but studies are released constantly further validating the nutritive and healing properties of plants, foods and the healing arts.

One of life's main tenants suggests that we must know our history to avoid repeating past errors. Welp, this is no different when it comes to society's health care practices. Integrating the wealth of historical, scientific knowledge in the healing arts can inevitably improve the quality of life for the environment and people. 

Yet, rediscovering information about the healing arts is no easy feat, considering much of the data was not well preserved throughout the years. Information about the healers themselves also have been buried, forgotten or unrecorded. So, when I stumbled upon information about this natural healer I was compelled to share her story...

Mary Seacole, a 19th century Jamaican herbalist who helped British soldiers in the Crimean War during the Victorian Era. She received praise for her alternative practices. Even though she had no formal training, she is often referred to as a nurse throughout historical texts, accolades and plaques (see picture below) due to her many successful treatments.

Seacole, born and raised a "free" woman, learned herbal practices from her mother who used natural remedies to treat military officers (passing through Jamaica) and their wives. Many of the practices being used were passed down to her mother from African slaves. In 1850, cholera became an epidemic throughout Jamaica, Seacole watchfully studied the way the disease affected the body and learned useful treatment tips from a doctor friend. She traveled to neighboring Caribbean islands, deepening her understanding of natural remedies through hands-on learning and trial-and-error, she helped to heal several people afflicted with cholera and yellow fever. Those who had the means to do so paid exceptionally well for her services, but the majority of her patients could only offer their thanks.

The Crimean War took rise in 1853 when Russia invaded Turkey and Britain went to the Turkey's aid. Florence Nightingale, the celebrated nurse, called for women army nurses to join her in helping injured soldiers.

Seacole applied to this request, having much success helping to heal cholera, yellow fever and other illnesses, but was rejected. Consequently, using her own money, she and a business partner opened a hotel and store near the battle field at which Seacole treated ill and wounded soldiers. She carried large bags filled with bandages, alcohol, needles, food, medicine, as she risked her life to aid injured soldiers on the battlefield.

A Times of London correspondent chronicled Seacole's courageous efforts, "I have seen her go down, under fire, with her little store of creature comforts for our wounded men; and a more tender or skilful hand about a wound or broken limb could not be found among our best surgeons. I saw her at the assault on the Redan, at the Tchernaya, at the fall of Sebastopol, laden, not with plunder, good old soul! but with wine, bandages, and food for the wounded or the prisoners."

Plaque honoring Mary Seacole in London

Despite her many accolades from soldiers, dignitaries and the number of articles written about her in Times of London, she received criticism for selling alcohol to soldiers. Her story remains controversial in that many refer to her as a "nurse" while she called herself a doctress, a.k.a. herbalist or naturalist. 

Throughout her life, Seacole operated several successful businesses throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Wherever she went, her reputation as a natural healer preceded her, so it wasn't long before sick and injured came knocking at her door.

In recognition of selfless and sometimes voluntary services, money is being raised to help build a statue. It is scheduled for completion in summer 2015 at St. Thomas' Hospital in London.

Read more about Mary Seacole in her autobiography, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands

Click Photo for e-edition of the book

SOURCES: 
http://spartacus-educational.com/REseacole.htm

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Mary_Seacole.aspx

http://www.historytoday.com/helen-rappaport/invitation-never-came-mary-seacole-after-crimea

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2712683/Mary-Seacole-saint-Florence-Nightingake-smeared-twisting-history.html

- Avec Amour