Rooted Wisdom: Ethnobotanical Alchemy – Kalinago, Maroon & African Plant Traditions in Wellness Innovation

Synopsis

"Rooted Wisdom: Ethnobotanical Alchemy – Kalinago, Maroon & African Plant Traditions in Wellness Innovation" by Irvin Pascal is a groundbreaking guide dedicated to reclaiming and revitalizing the profound ancestral plant knowledge of Dominica's Indigenous Kalinago people, African-descended Maroons, and broader African diasporic traditions. This ebook serves as a vital bridge, transforming ancient ethnobotanical wisdom into a dynamic framework for contemporary wellness innovation. It meticulously weaves together the spiritual, medicinal, and ecological insights of these rich lineages with practical applications in modern aromatherapy, herbal formulation, and conscious product design. By positioning plants as carriers of cultural memory and healing intelligence, the guide empowers creators, healers, and entrepreneurs to develop high-value wellness products that are not only ethically rooted and honor their origins but also actively resist extractive practices, thereby elevating Dominica as a global vanguard of culturally sovereign botanical enterprise. The book is born from a deep commitment to cultural reclamation, intergenerational healing, and economic justice, addressing the historical marginalization and appropriation of ancestral plant knowledge. Pascal aims to restore dignity to Indigenous and African-derived healing systems, presenting them as sophisticated sciences rather than mere folklore. It provides actionable strategies for local creators to develop premium wellness offerings grounded in authentic narratives and ethical stewardship, moving beyond mere raw material supply to owning culturally branded lines. "Rooted Wisdom" is designed to inspire youth and entrepreneurs to build businesses that honor legacy, foster community-led enterprise development, and contribute to Dominica's positioning as a leader in decolonial wellness movements, ultimately transforming ancestral memory into a blueprint for ethical, thriving futures.