Black drink >From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The black drink or white drink was a type of ritual beverage brewed by Native Americans in the Southeastern United States such as the Muscogee. It is thought to have been prepared from the roasted leaves and stems of Ilex vomitoria (commonly known as Yaupon Holly) native to the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, though it may also have been a concoction of other roots and herbs.[1] Yaupon beverages, which contain caffeine, were often used as a substitute for coffee and tea by colonists under the name cassine or cassina, the latter term derived from the Timucua name for I. vomitoria.[2] The black drink may also have had emetic properties. Prior to the 19th century, the black drink was consumed during the daily deliberations of the village councils and at all other important council meetings. Caddo, Muscogee, Cherokee, Choctaw and other indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands drank it for purification. The black drink was prepared by special village officials and served in large communal cups, frequently made of whelk shell. Councils were served in order of the precedence of individuals present, starting with important visitors. They consumed large quantities and often followed by ritual vomiting. Joyce Gaston Reece -----Original Message----- From: Fran West-Powe Sent: Friday, March 28, 2014 9:21 AM To: CHEROKEE@rootsweb.com Subject: [Cherokee Circle] Black drink Continuing with writing my history, I am reminded of a black drink Granny gave us kids every spring. Ordinarily, she sent me to "fetch" this or that root/plant but for the black drink she herself went and gathered so I have no idea what plant/root was make into the black drink. I do know it made all of us really sick but Granny said it was her spring tonic. Granny told us their men folks used to have this drink on certain occasions but due to lack of good food during winter our systems were full of "stuff" so the vile black drink was administered. Does anyone on this list happen to know from what plants/roots, etc. this drink was concocted? TIA Fran Chinkapin ======*====== List archives http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/index?list=cherokee ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to CHEROKEE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message