The word ‘Ozain’ was the first thing that struck me about Sobande’s proposal to teach an intensive at the 2018 American Herbalists Guild Symposium. In a naturalhealth world within which TCM flu remedies and Ayurvedic diet protocols areenjoying rising popularity, Ozain and the wealth of history it carries so far remain in the undercurrent of ancient systems of medicine.
I had come across Sobande’s name before, teaching seminars on memorable andvital topics you don’t hear talked about: ‘Herbs, Slavery, and the South’ and ‘TheUnderground Railroad and the Soul Food Diet’. But the word Ozain and I hadn’tcrossed paths before this. Having spent three years at the Appalachian Center for Natural Health with Phyllis Light, I have been soundly immersed in traditionalSouthern Folk Medicine. Since encountering Sobande, I have come to think of mytraining as one of the many springs which have emerged from a well which runs sodeep as Ozain.
In early September, I sat down for a long and juicy (virtual) conversation withSobande. Having no time for small talk when there is real talk to be had, we leapt straight into the depths of the divine cause of life, multiplicity of perspectives as away of healing, and of course, Ozain itself.