Until its use declined in the nineteenth century, Indians of the southeastern United States were devoted to a caffeinated beverage commonly known as black drink. Brewed from the parched leaves of the yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), black drink was used socially and ceremonially. In certain ritual purification rites, Indians would regurgitate after drinking the tea. This study details botanical, clinical, spiritual, historical, and material aspects of black drink, including its importance not only to Native Americans, but also to many of their European-American contemporaries.

About the Author
Charles M. Hudson, a professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of Georgia, is one of the foremost authorities on the history and culture of the Indians of the U.S. Southeast. His many books include Knights of Spain, Warriors of the Sun and The Forgotten Centuries (both Georgia).

Reviews
A model of scholarly excellence... Well-researched, authoritative [and] well-written.-Anthropos ""A very commendable and valuable survey of an economic plant which is little known and poorly understood."" - Journal of Ethnopharmacology



Book Information
ISBN 9780820326962
Author Charles M. Hudson
Format Paperback
Page Count 184
Imprint University of Georgia Press
Publisher University of Georgia Press
Weight(grams) 253g