Among the Gullah Geechee people of the Carolina Lowcountry, it was common to see a baby with a tiny cloth sack around their neck, tucked under their clothing.
This wasn’t just a home remedy; it was a spiritual safeguard, handed down from Africa through generations of midwives, root workers, and “granny women.” (Speaking of incredible women, the hands that often crafted and tied these very sacks belonged to the revered Gullah midwives. You’ve got to meet Aunt Orian!
We have a blog post dedicated to her amazing story right here:
The nunsack—from the word “nun” meaning “none” (as in “no sickness shall touch them”)—was believed to protect infants from “crossed conditions,” “bad winds,” fevers, hexes, or even the “evil eye.” It was made with intention. Nothing in the sack was random.
Inside you might find:
- Wormwood or tansy – to keep away colic or stomach worms
- Garlic or sulfur – for purification and to drive away spirits or sickness
- Rue, sage, or hyssop – sacred herbs to bless and cleanse
- Snake root or sassafras bark – for teething and fever
- Red flannel or cloth – symbolic of life force and protection
- Cotton, camphor, or lavender – to calm and draw peace
It was often tied together by the baby’s mother, grandmother, or midwife—sometimes under a full moon, sometimes while prayers or Psalms were spoken.
The nunsack was never meant to be opened. Doing so could “let out the protection” or break the charm. Many elders believed it worked best when left alone, worn close to the heart, where the ancestors could watch over the child.
Some sacks were hung over the crib, others placed under the mattress, or sewn into the lining of the child’s clothes. And it wasn’t just for babies—children and adults also wore these sacks when they were sick, traveling, or believed to be under spiritual attack.
Though modern medicine has taken root, many Gullah families still remember the scent of those old herbs or the feeling of that soft pouch around their neck as a baby. It’s a legacy of African healing wisdom—part medicine, part magic, all love.
What ancient traditions protected you or your family? Share your stories and connect with us in the comments below!
