John B. Gordon chapter 383 UDC began the year’s programs with Dr. Charlene Parrish being the first speaker. She was introduced by Sheila Tucker, Historian. Dr. Parrish is a Doctor of Natural Health and a member of several reputable Organizations concerned with her profession. Some of her areas of extensive study have been Herbology, Nutrition, Aromatherapy, and Stress Management. She practices at her business in Thomasville called Sweet Basil’s Health and Wellness Center. Dr. Parrish has been in the Natural Health Industry for almost 40 years.
Dr. Parrish presented her program by renacting the part of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. Dr. Walker was a Union Army “nurse”. She was not considered a doctor during the time of the WBTS. Women were not allowed to hold that position.. After serving in the Union Army for a short time, she was allowed to cross the lines toward the south to serve as a spy. She worked with the Southern soldiers and assisted with their health needs. She was soon found out to be a spy and was held prisoner for four months. Late in the WBTS, Dr. Walker received the Congressional Medal of Honor, being the first woman to do so. She was presented this prestigious award because of her dangerous exploits as a spy. An interesting part of this story that Dr. Parrish shared was Dr. Walker was a suffragette for women’s rights to vote. Because of this, the US government reevaluated her due to her “militant” ways and wanted the Medal back. Her response was , “Over my dead body!”. It was taken away, but later in 1977 given back to the family .
Dr. Parrish gave some interesting information about the usage of plants and herbs used for medicines during this time of the war. The South was cut off from any medical supplies up North , so innovations for needed cures developed. The women were very innovative in the use of natural cures, and also learning from the African-Americans and American Indians. Dr. Parrish said that “Mullein leaves,corn husks, and plantain leaves were used for bandages. Yarrow was used to pack wounds and stop bleeding. Snapdragon plants were used for skin and stomach aches. Also, Valerian and hops were found to be useful for calming .Southern women learned to use White Willow as an aspirin.” The members learned that Tarragon leaves were placed inside soldiers’ shoes because they were so worn. Twigs of Magnolia trees were used for toothbrushes. Most of the tragedy of deaths occurred from diseases rather than being on the battlefield. Saw Palmetto fronds found in Florida and Georgia were used for cleaning and sweeping up areas where amputations by the doctors were being performed.
The doctors, nurses, and other women taking care of the sick and wounded were doing the best they could with what they had.
Dr. Parrish said that one could not get a patent on an herb. She ended her program by inviting the members to pick up several handouts she brought to share with them before leavingthe meeting.
Mary Margaret Tyson Quiggle , president presided over the meeting.