The Melanin Wellness Podcast: Mental Health, Nervous System Care & Healing for Black Women

Pokeweed—Southern delicacy or hidden danger? In this episode of [Your Podcast Name], we’re diving deep into the power and poison of pokeweed, a plant with deep roots in Black herbalism, Southern folk medicine, and Indigenous healing traditions. For generations, this plant has been used to treat ailments like rheumatism, skin diseases, and even immune disorders, yet it also carries a toxic reputati...

Did you know that the legacy of slavery, sickle cell disease, and malaria are deeply connected in Black health history? In this eye-opening episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast, we uncover how historical trauma, genetics, and ancestral healing practices have shaped the health of Black communities worldwide. We’ll explore how sickle cell disease—a condition that predominantly affects people of A...

Podcast Episode Description: "7 Must-Read Books on Black Health History: Essential Library for Black Wellness & Empowerment" Did you know that much of Black health history has been overlooked, erased, or ignored? If you’re ready to reclaim knowledge and empower yourself with ancestral healing, Black wellness, and the fight for health equity, this episode is for you! 📚✨ Today, I’m sharing 7 m...

In this powerful episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast, we dive into the rich history of Salem Chapel BME Church in St. Catharines, Ontario—a sacred space that served as a refuge for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. But this church was more than just a stop on the path to freedom—it was a hub for Black wellness, spiritual healing, and community resilience. Join me as we uncover the w...

Discover the hidden legacy of ancestral healing in our latest episode, "Nutmeg: The Unexpected Medicine of Our Ancestors." In this powerful installment of the Melanin Wellness Podcast, we explore how enslaved Africans and Southern folk practitioners transformed nutmeg—an everyday kitchen spice—into a potent herbal remedy. Learn how our ancestors used nutmeg not only to flavor sweet potato pie but...

Discover the transformative power of ancestral healing in our latest podcast episode,"Echinacea: The Legacy of Sampson Root in Our Ancestral Healing." In this engaging installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we delve into the rich history and potent benefits of Echinacea—also known as Sampson root—in Black herbal medicine. Learn how our ancestors used this revered herb to boost immun...

Discover the rich legacy of ancestral healing in our latest episode, "Mullein: The Ancient Remedy of Our Ancestors." In this empowering installment of our podcast dedicated to Black history and empowerment, we explore how mullein—also known as candlewick, Aaron’s rod, or Jacob’s staff—has been used for centuries as a natural herbal remedy in the Black community. Learn how Native Americans and ensl...

Discover the rich heritage and transformative power of ancestral healing in our latest episode, "Historic African American Herbalists: Unlocking the Legacy of Black Herbal Medicine & Natural Healing Traditions." In this enlightening installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we delve into the forgotten world of African American herbalists who preserved natural remedies and healing p...

Discover the transformative power of ancestral herbal knowledge in our latest episode, "The Power of Herbal Knowledge & Iron Leaf Tea." In this inspiring installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we explore the deep-rooted traditions of Black herbalism and natural healing. Learn how our ancestors harnessed the potent benefits of plant medicine to support their physical, emotional,...

Discover the hidden healing power of feverfew in our latest episode, "Feverfew – An Ancestral Remedy for Pain and Healing." In this inspiring installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we dive deep into ancestral herbal medicine and explore how feverfew has been used for generations to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing. This episode is perfect for anyone pass...

Discover the transformative power of ancestral healing in our latest episode,"Arrowhead & The Power of Ancestral Healing." In this compelling installment of the Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we explore the extraordinary legacy of natural remedies rooted in the Black community. Learn how our ancestors used arrowhead—a unique swamp plant—to create healing talismans and natural remedies that...

 Discover the powerful legacy of ancestral herbal medicine in our latest episode, "Fennel – The Resilient Remedy of Our Ancestors." In this compelling installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we dive deep into the history and healing properties of fennel—a remarkable herb that has been a cornerstone of natural wellness in the Black community for generations. Explore how fennel was tra...

Discover the hidden history and lasting impact of ancestral healing in our newest episode,"The Colonization of Herbalism." In this compelling installment of the Melanin Wellness Podcast, we explore how European colonization disrupted, appropriated, and reshaped the herbal practices of African and Indigenous peoples. Our conversation delves into the complex legacy of Black herbalism—examining how e...

Discover the powerful legacy of African American herbalism in our latest episode, "Basil & the Resilient Roots of African American Herbalism." In this compelling installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we explore how basil—a potent and versatile herb—became a symbol of healing and resistance within the Black community. Dive into the rich history of ancestral herbal remedies, as w...

Discover the hidden history of Sage – The Lost and Enduring Knowledge of Our Ancestors in this episode of Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices. Enslaved people used sage to treat fevers and chills, but much of their medicinal knowledge was erased through oppressive laws that restricted their access to healing plants and banned them from practicing medicine. Despite effor...

Explore the powerful history of Cotton Root – Reproductive Resistance and Healing in this episode of Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices. Enslaved women used cotton root as a natural contraceptive and to regulate menstruation, induce labor, and ease childbirth. In a system that sought to control their bodies, they resisted through plant medicine—asserting agency over th...

Discover the rich history of Okra – A Healing Legacy from Africa in this episode of Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices. Brought from Africa alongside yams and black-eyed peas, okra became a staple for enslaved Africans and African Americans. Used for scalp health, liver detox, and inflammation, it was also a trusted remedy for easing chills and healing skin ailments. T...

Uncover the history of Wild Licorice & The Survival of African Plant Medicine in this episode of Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices. Some Africans survived the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade with seeds hidden in their hair or sewn into their clothing—bringing essential plant knowledge to the Americas. Wild licorice, used to treat coughs and fevers, was on...

Explore the rich history of Peppermint & the Shared Healing Traditions of Black & Indigenous Communities in this episode of Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices. Used for soothing stomach issues, cramps, and respiratory infections, peppermint was a trusted remedy among both enslaved Africans and Indigenous healers. Discover how these communities exchanged medicin...

Discover the powerful history of Elderberry and the Resilience of Black Healers in this episode of Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices. Known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits, elderberry was a vital remedy for enslaved Africans and African Americans. Despite the dangers they faced—including laws that criminalized their healing practices...

Discover the healing power of Black Cohosh in this episode of Herbal Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices. Used for centuries to relieve menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms, Black Cohosh was also a vital remedy for enslaved Africans, who relied on its relaxing and sedative properties. Learn how plant knowledge was essential for survival, how black cohosh was used fo...

Welcome to Herbal Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices, a 28-day podcast series exploring the rich legacy of African and African American healing traditions. In this introductory episode, host Cori Dunn uncovers the resilience, wisdom, and survival strategies our ancestors used to care for themselves and their communities. From herbal remedies to sacred rituals, this ser...

Wellness Through Self-Care: A Guide to Thriving | The Melanin Wellness Podcast Prioritizing self-care is essential for thriving, especially in the Black community, where stress, generational trauma, and daily pressures can take a toll on our mental, emotional, and physical health. In this episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast, we dive deep into the importance of self-care for Black women and men...

Are you over 40 and struggling with post-workout recovery? In this episode ofThe Melanin Wellness Podcast, we’re diving deep into effective recovery strategies to help you bounce back faster, stay active, and feel stronger than ever. Whether you’re dealing with muscle soreness, low energy, or simply looking for ways to optimize your fitness routine, this episode is packed with actionable advice ju...

 "Good health is our power, and for Black communities, prioritizing wellness has never been more critical. In this episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast, we break down why good health is more important than ever and share actionable steps to cultivate wellness. From building a consistent exercise routine to adopting a healthier diet, you’ll learn how small, intentional changes can prevent chroni...