54 - Herbalism, Incarceration and Abolition, Part One

The Frontline Herbalism Podcast

Content warning - prison, racism, suicide, self-harm, medical neglect, chronic illness, trauma

This is part one of a workshop that explores herbalism, incarceration and abolition. This particular section introduces incarceration and the prison industrial complex, with a focus on the so-called UK and US.

About the workshop: This workshop explores the role of herbalism in supporting prisoners, families and communities affected by incarceration, and herbalist roles in the abolition of these systems of oppression. There are more than 11.5 million people incarcerated worldwide, including a massive 2.2 million in the so-called United States. Most are completely excluded from herbalism yet many can find plants cracking through the concrete. These plants can bring hope, connection and health support to people experiencing the worst of state violence.

In this workshop we will explore the health impacts of incarceration, and look at herbal strategies to support people experiencing traumatic stress and PTSD. We will look at some practical uses of plants commonly found in prison yards and what practicing herbalism in prison can look like. The workshop explores ‘abolition’ as a framework and the role of herbalists within these movements.

Links & resources from this episode

• You can find the workshop videos, PDFs and slides for free at: https://solidarityapothecary.org/product/herbalism-incarceration-abolition-workshop/
• Herbalism, PTSD & Traumatic Stress Course
• Herbalism, PTSD & Traumatic Stress Course Waiting List
• The Prisoner’s Herbal book
• Request a free copy of the Prisoner’s Herbal for someone in prison

Find them all at solidarityapothecary.org/podcast/

Support the show

Music from Sole & DJ Pain – Battle of Humans | Plant illustrations by @amani_writes | In solidarity, please subscribe, rate & review this podcast wherever you listen.