No matter your opinion on herbal medicine—I, for one, am an intrigued skeptic—it’s important to keep one thing in mind. In the book, Pursell describes 100 plants and herbs with medicinal properties as well as the ways naturopaths use them, where to find them, or how to grow them at home.
Photography by Shawn Linehan courtesy of Timber Press.
Gardeners may be interested to read about the possible medicinal properties of such common garden plants as bayberry, fennel, lobelia, and cedar.
Among the tools in an herbalist’s kit: a mortar and pestle for pulverizing dried herbs and a soup pot to make salves and syrups.
Pursell suggests that wild carrot, also known as Queen Anne’s lace, can stimulate digestion and ease lower back pain.
Pursell recommends chamomile tea to ease the discomfort of menstrual cramps.
Pursell cites hops as strong sedatives that can aid in stomach health and reduce inflammation.
Hawthorn berries, which Pursell says can aid circulation and relieve anxiety.
This recipe is for an electuary: herbal powders mixed with “something that tastes good,” like honey or fruit preserves.
Recipe: Throat Soother
Place herbs in a bowl and add just enough warm (not hot!) honey to create a thick, syrupy consistency, like sticky dough or putty.
The Herbal Apothecary is $15.21 ($34.95 in hardcover) on Amazon.