I would give this book 3.5 stars if possible.
What I like: I appreciate the introductory text about the use of herbs as medicine historically in cultures across the world, as it gives context to the study and use of herbalism. I haven’t yet tried any of the recipes at the back of the book, but I like that there is a mix of entrées, teas, smoothies, sides and sweets, along with cough drops and syrups. Some of these recipes incorporate herbs I have never used or in a way I wouldn’t have considered, and I appreciate this opportunity to try something new. As a gardener, I appreciate that there is a section on growing your own herbs as well as information on how to process them for storage. The book provides a general suggestion of herbs that can be used for various maladies, which can be a starting point for additional research. And finally, the book introduces a topic, explains it, and then offers a recap. This repetition might be useful for beginners.
I have three primary issues with this book, which is the reason for the lower rating. 1) The title claims to be a “complete” guide; however, while it does cover a number of health topics and introduces us to a variety of botanicals, it lacks quite a bit of information that everyone, especially a beginner, will need, such as which part of the plant is used, the botanical names of plants to avoid confusion, and necessary details for making the recipes.
2) This book is intended for beginners, but a number of the herbs discussed wouldn’t necessarily be considered beginner-friendly. It highlights botanicals that are useful to combat various issues but doesn’t specify how to actually use those herbs, in many cases. For a beginner, this could be especially confusing and unsafe, as some botanicals should only be used topically and not orally. Additionally, the book suggests herbs for treating major health issues, such as cancer, heart disease and dementia. While the book does reiterate that one should consult their physician when using herbs, these health concerns are very complex, and herbs used incorrectly could do much more harm than good. Instead, I believe that a more detailed focus on herbs that help with basic medical issues, such as headaches, coughs and proactive support of the body, would have been more appropriate for a beginner’s guide.
3) A third concern I have is that there is no explanation of who wrote the book and what their qualifications are. According to their website, “Divine Green Life is a collective of humans passionate about living a holistic life.” I could not find anywhere that explains the training the author(s) have in herbalism.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and believe it will be a nice addition to my library. The concept of the book is similar to Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs, A Beginner’s Guide, and while I appreciate the additional information I’ve gained from this book, if I had to choose between the two, I believe that Gladstar’s book is much more comprehensive, arranged in an easier-to-understand format, and more appropriate for beginners. However, if you already have Gladstar’s book and are looking for another to add to your shelf, this one does provide additional food for thought and recipes you might enjoy.