In the heart of Mount Olive, North Carolina, Naja Wah stands as a reminder of tradition and resilience. As a Southern descendant from the Great Great Grandfather Thomas S. Pridgen (Born 1841) to Great Grandfather Haynes E. Pridgen (Born 1893) to Grandmother Notredane Pridgen Singletary (Born 1928), Naja has dedicated her life to preserving the art of natural medicine—a practice that was once a cornerstone of her community but is now slowly fading away. A century ago, Naja would have been revered as a root doctor or a medicine woman, roles that were essential in maintaining the health and well-being of the community.
The Healing Power of Plants
Enslaved Africans brought with them a profound understanding of botanical medicine, which they skillfully blended with the knowledge of Native Americans and European settlers. This unique synthesis of herbal medicine has been preserved through oral traditions and hands-on practice, and Naja Wah is one of its last steadfast keepers from the community and in the Pridgen family..
Naja uses a variety of plants to create remedies that address a wide range of ailments. Some of the plants commonly used in her practice include:
Elderberries and flowers are utilized to enhance the immune system and treat colds and flu.
Aloe, Anise, Allspice, Arnica, Astragalus
Basil, Bay Black cohosh, Black pepper, Boneset, Buckthorn, Burdock
Capsicum, Cardamom, Castor, Catnip, Cat’s claw, Chamomile, Chaparral, Cinnamon, Clary sage, Clove, Comfrey
Dandelion, Damiana, Devil’s claw, Dong quai
Echinacea, Elderberry, Ephedra, Eucalyptus, Evening primrose
Fennel, Feverfew, Flax, Fo-ti, Frankincense
Garlic, Gentian, Ginger, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Golden rod, Gotu kola
Helichrysum, Hops, Horehound, Horseradish, Horsetail, Hyssop
Jojoba, Juniper
Kaolin, Kava, Kelp
Lady’s mantle, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lemongrass, Licorice, Lobelia
Maitake, Mallow, Marjoram, Marshmallow, Milk thistle, Mullein, Mustard, Myrrh, Myrtle
Neem, Nutmeg
Oak, Oats, Oregano, Oregon grape
Peppermint, Plantain, Pokeweed, Prickly ash, Pulsatilla
Raspberry, Rose hips, Rosemary
Safflower, Sage, Sassafras, Saw palmetto, Schisandra, Senna, Skullcap, Slippery elm, Sorrel, St. John’s wort
Tea tree, Thyme, Turmeric
Valerian
White cohosh, Wintergreen Witch hazel, Wormwood
Yarrow, Yellow dock
In addition, she incorporates the use of Ayurvedic medicine, aromatherapy, essential oil blending, homeopathy, water therapy (constitutional hydrotherapy), nature cure, physical medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine in treating clients.
Natural Remedies in Daily Life
For Naja Wah and the Mount Olive community, these natural remedies are not just about healing—they represent a link to their past and a way to honor their ancestors. Despite the decline in the use of these traditional methods, Naja continues to integrate them into daily life, demonstrating their effectiveness and relevance.
Example Remedies and Their Uses:
Teas/Infusions: Internal preparation used to soothe, heal, and promote wellness for a wide range of illnesses.
Capsules/Tablets: Internal preparation used to treat issues quickly and efficiently.
Liniments: Topically used to soothe aching muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Decoctions, Extracts & Tinctures: Internally used to treat most physical conditions.
Fomentations: Used to treat sprains, strains, pain and broken bones.
Poultice: Effective in treating stings, wounds, broken bones, sprains and skin conditions.
Salves/Balms/Ointments/Creams: A topical treatment for burns, cuts, scrapes, stress, pain and inflammation.
Infused Oils: Can be used both internally and externally to treat a wide variety of ailments.
Sprays: Internally used for sore throat and externally for improved mood, pain, inflammation, cuts and skin irritations.
Syrups: Most commonly used to address respiratory conditions, & immune issues (cold, flu, cough), and digestive issues (indigestion, diarrhea, constipation).
Essential Oil Blends: Used to treat ailments from A to Z both internally and topically.
The Role of Community and Knowledge Sharing
The transmission of this precious knowledge is vital for its survival. In Mount Olive, community gatherings, gardens, and local herbalists play a significant role in educating younger generations about the benefits and applications of natural medicine. Naja Wah is at the forefront of this educational effort, ensuring that the wisdom of the past is not lost.
Naja teaches younger community members how to identify, harvest, and prepare medicinal plants. Her workshops and informal lessons are crucial in keeping the tradition alive, as she passes down the techniques and stories associated with each remedy.
Preserving and Modernizing Tradition
While preserving traditional practices is paramount, there is also a need to adapt and modernize these methods. By integrating contemporary scientific research with traditional knowledge, the community can enhance the efficacy and safety of natural remedies. For instance, modern extraction techniques can be used to obtain more potent and targeted plant extracts, making treatments more effective.
The Dying Art of Natural Medicine
Despite these efforts, the practice of natural medicine in Mount Olive is a dying art. The fast-paced modern world, with its reliance on pharmaceuticals and conventional medicine, has led to a decline in the use of traditional remedies. However, Naja Wah’s dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of these practices.
A hundred years ago, Naja would have been known as a root doctor or a medicine woman, titles that commanded respect and recognition. Today, she works tirelessly to revive and sustain these practices, fighting against the tide of modernity to keep this vital part of her heritage alive.
The use of natural medicine by Southern descendants of slaves in Mount Olive, as exemplified by Naja Wah, is a testament to the enduring connection between African Americans and the land they have nurtured for centuries. By continuing to embrace and adapt these practices, Naja honors her ancestors and ensures that their wisdom continues to benefit future generations.
Through her efforts, Naja Wah not only preserves a dying art but also instills a sense of pride and continuity in her community. Her work serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of natural medicine remains a living, breathing part of Mount Olive North Carolina.
We have consulted and used Dr. Naja Wah on numerous occasions. We can trust the information and the products. Grateful she has the knowledge to move us in the right direction for our physical and mental health. Continue the journey. We love you.
Rick Lindsey and Mary Shipman-Lindsey
Growing up in Mt. Olive, I can remember my great grandmother and others, going out into woods to dig “roots”. She would come back into the house, boil her finds, create a “plaster” with a red cloth and apply it to the chest of the sick one. There were very few occasions visiting the “white doctor” in those days. Cousin Naja’s ability to incorporate both Western and Eastern Medicine through Homeopathy therapies makes her a 21st century Healer! She is our “strong medicine “.
Clarence R Williams