Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking

Since ancient times herbs have been used for medical purposes. Today pharmaceutical companies have synthesized the active ingredient of many medicines, there is still a large movement of those who want to return to the natural medicines, natural foods, and natural health and beauty products. All these require a steady supply of herbs, and many different kinds of herbs. While some of us are content to buy them, there are others who wish to grow or harvest them.

For those who are considering growing or harvesting their own herbs, this book can serve as an excellent introduction. It has thirty chapters, each devoted to a specific herb. Each chapter starts with a personal reflection relevant to the herb. This s followed by a short history of the herb. Next section son growing, harvesting and using the herb. The last part of the chapter provides recipes on medicines, topical treatments, or health and beauty products that use the herb under discussion.

There are several encyclopedias on various facets of herbs available. The intent of this work is not to be an encyclopedia but an introduction of the most common herbs used in the United States for those who are interested in growing, harvesting using herbs. Recommended for those just starting out exploring herbs and their benefits.