Black Drink

Download or read book Black Drink written by Charles M. Hudson and published by University of Georgia Press. This book was released on 2004 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Until its use declined in the nineteenth century, Indians of the southeastern United States were devoted to a caffeinated beverage commonly known as black drink. Brewed from the parched leaves of the yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), black drink was used socially and ceremonially. In certain ritual purification rites, Indians would regurgitate after drinking the tea. This study details botanical, clinical, spiritual, historical, and material aspects of black drink, including its importance not only to Native Americans, but also to many of their European-American contemporaries.