Teri M. Brown first developed an interest in Appalachian healing when her brother told her how some people can actually “talk off warts.” Apparently, it’s a thing!
Teri’s curiosity led her to write Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, a beautiful novel selected by North Carolina Humanities for its 2026 NC Reads program. FOLSOI hosted Ms. Brown, along with UNCW history professor Lynn Mollinenauer, at Harper Library on Saturday, March 21 st.
Daughter of Green Mountain Gap weaves together three generations of women living in Western NC during the late nineteenth century. Maggie is a “granny lady” who practices healing with herbal medicines. Her daughter Carrie Ann shuns natural healing and becomes a nurse who practices strictly modern medicine. Granddaughter Josie Mae sees the possibilities in both types of healing and strives to blend traditions. UNCW Professor Lynn Mollineauer spoke on healing methods from the 1400s – 1800s, such as the practice of ingesting turpentine for certain illnesses or pouring it on wounds!
Back then, North Carolina was the largest exporter of herbs, roots and natural medicines like ginseng. “Mountain Magic” included influences from many different European and African cultures. Participants responded with funny stories of old “medicines” they remembered, like whisky for a teething baby, garlic for infections, and honey for sore throats.
Mollineauer explained how the American Medical Association began an aggressive campaign against midwives in the late 19 th centruy, refusing to share modern birthing techniques with them and choosing instead the “professionalization of birthing.” Nowadays, ironically, midwiferies are well respected and frequently associated with medical centers.
Teri shared interesting finds from her own research for the book, such as how the different components of every plant (roots, stems, leaves, berries) have different medicinal uses. Some natural products with proven healing qualities can even be toxic if used incorrectly.
Brown discussed why she felt it was important that her book show how prejudices often get in the way of progress. “Even though the specific prejudices, medicines, or technologies change over time, humans don’t change. We still have the same basic fears, wants and needs.” What followed was a terrific discussion about the need to be open to new traditions, cultures, and ideas – whether ancient or modern.
Daughters of Green Mountain Gap is available in the Brunswick County Library system.
To learn more about this author, go to: www.terimbrown.com