From the book cover,  "This book is the first to describe the history, folklore, assessment methods, & remedies of Southern & Appalachian Folk Medicine-the only system of folk medicine, other than Native American, that developed in the U.S.  One of the system's last active practitioners, Phyllis D. Light has studied & worked with herbs, foods, & other healing techniques for more than 30 years. She explains how Southern & Appalalchian Folk Medicine was passed down orally through the generations by herbalists & healers who cared for people in their communities with the natural tools on hand."