Ancestral Food As Medicine

By Toyin Falola

Let us begin to put ancestral knowledge into practice. Traditionally, human societies have long found ways to be in sync with their environment. This synchronization with the environment, which predated modern cities and technology, was not an African or European thing. It was well established across human societies irrespective of their current civilization. Just like other parts of the world, early African communities shared a deep, intimate connection with the world around them. The relationship exalted a deep connection with their environment where nature was not just a backdrop. The environment and its components were their constant companion, guiding them through every step across the earth.

 People learned to move with seasons and time, diligently following nature’s leads and rhythms to glean valuable lessons from green plants, the bountiful presence of domesticated and wild animals that roamed their world, and the wonderful dynamics of vegetation as they acquired basic skills that were paramount to survival and growth. Based on these experiences and discoveries, the elders would pass down value-packed stories about which plants healed, specific rivers where certain activities were best carried out, and the best hunting practices that dignified the environment, along with other viable lessons that became proved how the early settlers of the earth catered to and cared for it in a give and take relationship.

These lessons were usually shared around the fire through vocal transmission or stories that held deep meanings. Children would listen to tales about the spirits of the land according to individual societal beliefs and how every part of nature had its role and purpose. To these people, nature was not something to control but a bigger entity with which to coexist. Based on this, they only took what was needed and gave back in ways that honored the balance of life. Living in harmony with nature was more than just a way to survive; it was at the heart of who humans were, connecting them, their ancestors, and the world around them.

The various ways through which humans have benefited from their immediate environment can be streamlined into three parts: the derivation of food, the provision of materials for shelter, and raw materials for clothing to keep the body warm and ward off insect bites. Interestingly, none of these methods through which humans have found harmony with nature can be underemphasized. Each one is as important as the other; however, when the situation arises, preference is mostly given to the ability to obtain food for sustenance from the environment.

Going down memory lane, one can recall the various versions of tales that illustrated how the first settlers on Earth discovered their food. They found vegetables and edible roots, fruits, crops, legumes, and others. Over time, humans were able to tell and identify the specificity of each crop. They learned to differentiate the poisonous ones from the useful ones. Based on this, they were able to find immediate solutions to their hunger. As time went by, initiatives on how to preserve and store these food items became a source of concern as humans evolved from the survival stage into the existential state. It was at this point in evolution that discoveries began to emerge on other uses for these food materials.

One of the brilliant discoveries made was the realization of the multidimensional benefits of food. Initially, food was viewed as a mere solution to hunger without any consideration of its nutritional value. There was also little emphasis on the types of food nutrients or combinations that were best suited for specific conditions. This made the quest for food before these discoveries somewhat haphazard. Almost everything was ingested, and nothing was rejected until the great discovery, which, perhaps, happened by accident.

All these transpired long before the advent of modern medicine and scientific advancements. In reference to African communities, where the Indigenous population had a profound understanding of the vital connection they shared with their environment, food was beyond mere nourishment. It evolved into a powerful, multifaceted single source of sustenance, healing, and, eventually, a means of maintaining harmony with nature. Gradually, this new outlook led to the transmission of valuable knowledge across generations–knowledge of which plants to consume, which roots to brew, and which leaves to use for their medicinal properties–thereby creating a perfect existence where food and medicine were seamlessly intertwined.

Within those communities, food played a significant role in maintaining health, enabling people to remain strong, fend off various diseases, boost their immune systems, and sustain their vitality instead of seeking medical services as we do today. Astonishingly, popular opinions suggesting that our ancestors had significant health issues that made them “drop dead” at the slightest infection are mostly submissions with little or no element of truth. No doubt, the advent of modern medicine has gone a long way in correcting medical blunders that would have caused severe harm to previous generations. However, it is important to mention that there were also measures in place to mitigate these health hazards, promoting a healthy existence.

To effectively harness the use of food as medicine, our ancestors found ways to skillfully utilize the healing properties of food. One way this was done was through the adoption of herbs, teas, and food supplements–incorporating the surrounding plants and tree products into their daily routines as powerful and preventive remedies for ailments. For example, across many African communities, there is great reliance on the use of the baobab tree, known as the “tree of life,” whose fruit is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Upon its discovery, this fruit was used to ward off infections, strengthen the immune system, and boost energy levels. Its bark could also be ground into soluble powder and used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

In a close run, Moringa leaves are popularly referred to as “superfood,” which are consumed to cure indigestion, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the body against illnesses. Sometimes, the leaves are chewed or washed with both hands to extract their juice, which is then consumed for its health benefits. This practice shows the extent to which African ancestors found ways to harness their food.

Additionally, root-based remedies were significant in traditional healing practices. This involved the use of root-based products like ginger and turmeric for healing purposes. Early African healers understood the warming effect of these root crops as solutions to digestive issues and sore throats, so they were chewed raw or boiled into liquid form to be taken. These two crops could also be pounded or ground and added as ingredients in food or applied as gauze due to their powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. With medical advancement, both root crops have undergone extensive scientific study, leading to their popular use in supplements and wellness products worldwide.

Other examples of crops that serve as herbs and effective brewing components for making liquid medicinal substances include neem leaves and bitter leaves, which are used to cool the body during fever, regulate body pressure, and treat minor skin infections and wounds. Neem leaves are now made into powder or tablets and used as contraceptives, among other medicinal benefits.

   Apart from these, early African communities also cherished honey, not only as food but also as a potent source of natural medicine. Honey, in its finest form, was widely used for its healing abilities. It contains natural components that resist bacteria, fungi, and inflammation. As a result, it was a go-to remedy for various ailments. People would consume it raw to cure sore throats and calm persistent coughs. Its multidimensional use makes it a powerful component for strengthening the immune system due to the presence of natural enzymes, even though people were unaware of this at the time. In some healing practices, honey is sometimes applied directly to cuts, burns, or wounds as a natural antiseptic to reduce inflammation and quicken the healing process.

In addition to normal food consumption for its medicinal benefits, utmost care was given to special categories within society because of their fragile nature. Infants, pregnant women, and the aged were usually fed or advised to follow specific diets containing vital components that are needed for healthy growth and all-round development, which was a very common practice among people in those days. These food choices provided the body with necessary nutrients and served to fortify the body against infections.

Our ancestors regarded food not just as something to relish and enjoy but as a natural medicine and a means of healing for their bodies–unlike the “poisons” we often consume today in the form of sugar, MSGs, artificial colorings, and preservatives. Before sugar and the de-nutritionized food kill you, please realize that there are benefits in learning from our past.

PS: This piece was written in Accra following my lecture on African Ancestral Studies.