Have you ever wanted to learn about herbalism, whether to be self-sustaining, use more natural ingredients, be connected to nature, or simply be crafty? Crack open this book, take a step onto the natural path, and learn to support your health with herbs…from nature, with love. This booklet includes an overview with an introduction to a handful of herbs for health. Several different herb preparation instructions are outlined, including tinctures, glycerites, decoctions, teas, syrups, honey drops, tonics, bath soaks, topical oils and salves, poultices, essential oil roll-ons, and diffusers, plus a section on seed cycling and cooking with herbs. Each section has a handful of suggested recipes to get you started. Everything we ever needed for our general health and well-being is already there in nature. Join us on our journey!
Willa Daniels’ An Introduction to Herbalism (The Natural Path Series) is a book for hobbyists and individuals interested in herbalism. In India, where I live, herbal concoctions are popular as natural remedies and even in religious rituals. That’s why I was curious to read this book.
Willa begins the book with a note on her motivation for writing it and what she hopes to offer the readers. She clarifies that the content is not medical advice but a natural and alternative approach to healing and reducing our environmental impact. In a world where most things are mass-produced and readily available, finding natural herbs and making concoctions at home can be a rewarding experience. If done correctly, the process can be therapeutic and the results can be beneficial.
Willa does not limit herself to the conventional definition of herbs. She also includes spices, seaweed, and berries in her herbal recipes. She explains how to handle fresh and dried herbs. She suggests guides to identify local herbs and encourages growing or foraging for them. Her tips on how to store, buy, and use herbs, and her warnings about potential hazards are very helpful.
The recipes are organized into meaningful sections. Our enthusiastic herbalist begins by explaining ingredients like menthol and glycerin, as well as uncommon ones like comfrey, seaweed, and algae. She then shows how to make water and oil infusions, decoctions, and tinctures, along with nuggets of information. She offers remedies for stress, pain, the common cold, and more.
Willa also shares some aspects of how she uses herbs in her life and the recipes that she uses frequently. I would have loved to read some testimonials and stories from others who benefited from her knowledge. Colored illustrations or photographs would have enhanced the appeal of the book, especially when it comes to recipes, as an image of the finished product can be enticing.
As is the course of nature, and the efforts of embracing all things natural, the journey is not hassle-free. Willa shares her wisdom, "Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. Any step you take away from chemicals and toxins is a win. Take it!" For me, this is valuable life advice, necessary to keep us grounded, and closer to our Earth and its bounties. I recommend this book to those interested in this subject and enjoyed acquiring the knowledge it provided.