The Essential Guide to Home Herbal Remedies

In the good ole days, people did not run to the doctor for every little thing. There were no specialists or any convenient drug stores at every corner. They relied upon grandma’s herbal formula’s and remedies to pull them through whatever was ailing them.

Today, people are getting back to the basics as a lot of the synthetic pharmaceuticals prescribed, can have ugly side effects. People are seriously looking for better, gentler, and more economical ways of getting healthy. I found a fabulous resource that offers herbal recipes for 125 conditions.

The Essential Guide to Home Herbal Remedies is a great book if you’re new to herbal remedies, like me. Nature is our natural “Farmacy”, and this book explores how we can use herbs, plants, and roots to create alternative yet effective solutions for our minor woes.

The book starts out with a brief history of herbal medicine, the return to the natural pharmacy, and morphs into how our kitchens can be the place to make our own natural remedies. It offers a lot of ‘how to’ information that is really invaluable. You’ll learn what parts of the plant to use and how to make teas, vinegar, tinctures, compresses & poultices, and aromatherapy oils. We are encouraged to purchase only the purest oils and fresh organic herbs when possible.

I’ve bought various organic essential oils and always thought you need to keep them in the fridge, but this is not advised. Essential oils keep their potency for a year if stored in a cool, dry place. Some essential oils like rose and lavender can be kept for three years or more. I had no idea. Next, you’ll be giving advice on what important utensils you’ll need to create your relieving, revitalizing, and restorative remedies!

Okay, now we get right into the recipes. This ingenious book has cleverly put the recipes into specific categories as you can access the solution you’re after quickly. First, let me mention that all the recipes are laid out so all the guesswork is taken out. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

As I scan through the recipes, I see oodles of them that can benefit me and my family. There’s one that caught my eye that I didn’t expect. The recipe is called Skin-Toning Oil. When applied externally, this recipe activates the skin’s metabolism, promotes waste elimination, and firms and smooths your skin. Is anyone else itching to try this? The only problem I can see it finding the ingredients, especially organic sources. I tried a few of the recipes, like the Spruce Bath Salts and the Lemon Poultice. They are easy and surprisingly effective.

I especially enjoyed reading about the Plant Portraits from A-Z. Understanding what a plant can do, how to use it, and what precautions to take is eye-opening. For instance, did you know that Flaxseed aka Linseed should never be taken by people who have a bowel obstruction, or intestinal inflammation? I love ginger and I consume it every day, it’s great for motion sickness, nausea, and post-surgery recovery.

If you have gallstones it’s suggested you consult a qualified practitioner before eating ginger. Tea Tree is fabulous for acne, bad breath, and athlete’s foot. Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women. These three products I use all the time but had no idea really where they grow, their many uses, or who should avoid it. This book offers a plethora of information and is a valuable tool to have on hand.

Disclaimer: I received product to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own, yours may differ.