When I started my journey to wellness in 1993, I was elated to find the wellspring of books by Queen Afua. Driven by an article that discussed the treatment of animals and the toxins they were fed, I threw my meat saturated diet to the wind and became a vegetarian - cold turkey (pun intended), the very next day. Prior to that point, every meal I ate had some animal protein as a part of it. I was just starting out, and soon became confused about what I should eat. It was particularly frustrating when my body did not respond favorably. I hope this post reaches someone in a similar circumstance so they can find the best nutritionally enhancing, energizing, fresh choices that fit their needs. Queen Afua reigns as herbalist extraordinaire with concentrated focus on the Black community that she is a part.
Queen Afua Book List
When Afriware Books, Co invited Queen Afua to give a book signing in 2010, we had a great turnout. She had just published her “City of Wellness,” book which was targeting healers in each family to come together to create cities. Though she is short in stature, she is tall in natural herbal knowledge. She was and still is a living legend and some large media outlets have promoted her important message. Her personal story is inspirational in that she had been diagnosed with many ailments when she was younger. Doctors kept throwing pills at her problems. Out of her frustration, she was led to fast, and the rest is history. As I mentioned in another blog called, “6 Books with Health Tips to Survive a Pandemic - Black Lives Matter Edition” the approach she has fleshed out is a winner. I have recommended this book countless times as the most people friendly steps to dietary change. I learned the hard way after making an abrupt change to my diet. I ended up getting ill as a result. I did not understand that my body would respond as if it had its own mind. When I attempted to change my food intake profile, it reacted violently. It was as if my body rebelled against the sudden change with sickness. If I could do it all over again, I’d read Queen Afua’s “Heal Thyself” to get a tested roadmap for success. In my opinion, “Heal Thyself,” is a welcome flagship in the sea of confusing shortcuts and gimmicks. She has used her experiences as a teaching tool for others to learn from.
When her “Sacred Woman” book was released in 2000, it was a groundbreaking blueprint for Black women. Prior to that, most books were culturally sterile and did not address the unique nutritional and dietary needs we have. I’m proud to own a hardcover edition. Individual sellers have taken advantage of its scarce availability and are offering it for a very high price. Some readers understand that with some books, it’s best to purchase them when you see them as they are an investment that pays for itself in more ways than just owning the physical copy. In addition to the specialized quality of the content, what put into practice has great potential to heal inside and out. Queen Afua sets herself apart from many practitioners because of her longevity and devotion to her craft. Her holistic approach discusses the link between mental and physical health. For example, by providing a brief introduction to ancient Khamit, the land of our ancestors, she offers it in hopes that we will “be so fascinated by the truth of its teachings that you will be inspired to explore much more deeply into our rich cultural treasures.” Embedded into her teaching are spiritual clarity on our historical legacy. In her “25 Sacred Movements of the Dance of the Womb,” just seeing pictures of Black women modeling the positions is uplifting. This may seem a small detail, but, the picture allows for easy identification with the subject matter for consideration. She also has Rejuvenation Bath recipes, Nature Cures, womb purification rituals, Clay applications, Transitional Dietary Practices and more. The book is almost 400 pages and easily doubles as a cookbook, workbook and journal with her “End-of-week Commitment” scroll." Those who were seeking guidance will have to deeply consider the contents herein with sincerity and mindfulness. It is not a book to rush through, but to reflect and meditate upon.
Just to demonstrate how culturally specific it is, she discusses how “Natural Hair is Freedom” and shares her personal story of when she went natural and “washed centuries of slavery and self-hate” out of her hair so she could love her self. She even has some headdress styles ( https://www.afriwarebooks.com/store/p1516/AFRICAN-FACE-MASK-3.html ) and notes the time of day that melanin is at its spiritual height. Alot of the material in the book previously resided only in our oral history. Combining history and spirituality into one resource has a grounding effect.
Queen Afua’s books give Black women a great big spiritual and cultural hug. This often overlooked and misunderstood group is deserving of sustained focus on self care and upliftment. Applause and salutes to Queen Afua for the time and energy she sacrificed to complete these important works. The community is indebted to you.
For the latest information on Queen Afua, you must check out her Youtube channel. She did a recent episode with mental wellness advocate and inspirational speaker Les Brown, and, Raw Food giant Chef Aris LaTham. She continues to provide needed information for today’s complex issues.
I was elated to learn of a newer title called, “Planet Heal.” It is appropriate that she started with Heal Thyself - to - City- to-Circle-to Planet of Health. Her “City of Wellness,” is another holistic masterpiece chock full of great information. It includes an Affirmation she opens with as followthis (excerpt): I am a City of Wellness, Vibrant and alive, From a microcosmic individual to A macrocosmic Global Citizen I dispel dis-ease City to City I light up this world I Rise! And brothers, she hasn't left you out. She dedicated an entire book to you called, "Man Heal Thyself." There are few other books that equal the depth of its content. All of her books can be found here.
Final Thoughts
As always, I appreciate that you have read through this blog post. I hope that you’ve become curious to read more books by Queen Afua. We ask that you consider purchasing your books from our Black owned bookstore, Afriware Books, Co. If there is a title you’d like to purchase that is not mentioned here, or could not be found on the website, feel free to email us at: afriwarebooks@afriwarebooks.com
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