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I've been meaning to write my The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies review for some time.
As someone who has an extensive collection of herbal remedy books, I wondered if it was worth picking up the viral "Lost Book of Herbal Remedies" that you see all over social media these days.
As an avid watcher of the series Alone, I can't deny that it was exciting to learn that one of the contestants (one of whom was actually very knowledgeable about plants and doing WELL in the show) had written a book on herbal remedies and how to use them.
So, naturally, I had to pick up a copy - but was this high demand book worth the purchase?
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Review
When you start dabbling in herbal medicine, an entire world opens up before you. One with so much to see, so much to explore that it can feel utterly overwhelming.
You might start feeling like you need every herb you read about and may even start collecting them until you have dozens upon dozens of different herbs lining your shelves.
Before you know it, you have so many that you begin wondering what to even DO with them. You get decision paralysis and the herbs end up collecting dust and lose their potency.
Or, perhaps you're on the other side of the spectrum and have no idea where to even begin and so you never take the first steps.
No matter where you are on your journey, the The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies will help you.
Its popularity reflects a collective yearning for sustainable living and a return to natural remedies that have nourished humanity for millennia.
A Comprehensive Guide to Herbal Medicine
This book is an extensive guide, covering over 800 beneficial plants and remedies within its 306 pages.
Each herb is meticulously yet concisely detailed with its uses, medicinal properties, and preparation methods making it an easy guide to flip to what you're looking for.
The clear, color photographs accompanying each entry make plant identification straightforward, ensuring you can confidently use the right herb for your needs.
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies covers a range of medicinal methods related to herbal medicine, medicinal wild plants, and even common backyard weeds you can find in American backyards.
What Techniques Are Covered in The Book?
The key methods and techniques in the book include but are not limited to:
- Herbal Teas: Instructions on how to prepare teas from various herbs, which can be used for their medicinal properties and health benefits.
- Tinctures: Recipes and methods for making tinctures, which are concentrated herbal extracts usually prepared with alcohol or vinegar. (you can learn more about tincture making HERE)
- Infusions: Detailed guidance on making infusions, where herbs are steeped in hot water to extract their medicinal properties. (you can learn more about infusions HERE)
- Decoctions: Methods for preparing decoctions, which involve boiling herbs to extract their active compounds, typically used for roots, bark, and seeds. (you can learn more about herbal decoctions HERE)
- Salves and Ointments: Instructions for creating topical applications like salves and ointments, which can be used to treat skin conditions or for external pain relief. (you can learn more about salve making HERE)
- Poultices: How to prepare poultices, which are applied directly to the skin to address localized issues such as injuries or infections.
- Syrups: Recipes for herbal syrups, which are used to soothe coughs, sore throats, and other ailments, often sweetened with honey or sugar.
- Vinegars: Methods for making herbal vinegars, which can be used both as a medicinal remedy and a culinary ingredient. (you can learn more about herbal vinegars HERE)
- Extracts: Guidance on creating various types of herbal extracts, including glycerites and alcohol-based extracts, which concentrate the medicinal properties of herbs.
- Capsules and Powders: Information on how to prepare herbal powders and capsules, which can be used for convenient dosing and storage.
- Essential Oils: While the primary focus is on traditional remedies, the book also touches on the use of essential oils and their applications for wellness and therapeutic purposes.
The book also includes information on various medicinal mushrooms (including those of North America) and their uses, reflecting their importance in traditional and herbal medicine.
You will learn:
- Identification and Benefits: Details on how to identify different medicinal mushrooms, including their unique properties and health benefits.
- Preparation Methods: Instructions on how to prepare mushrooms for medicinal use, such as making tinctures, teas, and extracts.
- Specific Mushrooms: Information on specific mushrooms known for their health benefits, such as reishi, shiitake, maitake, and chaga, among others.
- Health Conditions: Guidance on how to use these mushrooms to address various health conditions, including immune support, cancer prevention, and stress relief.
The inclusion of mushrooms in the book highlights their significant role in herbal medicine and provides readers with practical knowledge on how to incorporate these powerful fungi into their health regimen.
These methods are explained with practical, step-by-step instructions, allowing readers to effectively prepare and use herbal remedies for a variety of health issues.
What Conditions Are Covered in The Book?
Conditions covered in this book include but are not limited to:
- Digestive Issues: Remedies for indigestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn, using herbs known to soothe and regulate the digestive system.
- Respiratory Problems: Treatments for colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and sore throats, including herbs with expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
- Skin Conditions: Solutions for acne, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, burns, and insect bites, with a focus on herbs that promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Pain Relief: Remedies for headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and arthritis, utilizing herbs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Immune Support: Herbs that boost the immune system, aid in fighting infections, and enhance overall health and resilience as well as control a wide range of auto-immune conditions.
- Mental Health: Remedies for anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia, with a focus on herbs that have calming, mood-stabilizing, and sleep-promoting effects.
- Circulatory System: Treatments for issues related to blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and circulation, using herbs that support cardiovascular health.
- Urinary System: Remedies for urinary tract infections, kidney health, and bladder issues, including herbs with diuretic and antibacterial properties.
- Detoxification: Herbs that support liver function and detoxify the body, aiding in overall cleansing and health maintenance.
- Women’s Health: Treatments for menstrual cramps, menopause symptoms, and reproductive health, focusing on herbs that balance hormones and alleviate symptoms.
- Children’s Health: Gentle remedies and safety considerations for treating common ailments in children, such as colds, coughs, and digestive issues.
- Infections and Wounds: Remedies for bacterial and fungal infections, as well as guidance on how to use herbs to treat and heal wounds and injuries.
- Sleep Disorders: Solutions for insomnia and other sleep disturbances, using herbs known for their sedative and relaxing properties.
These conditions are addressed with practical, herbal-based solutions and remedies that align with the book’s focus on traditional and natural healing methods.
The book also provides information on how to prepare and use herbal remedies effectively for these various health issues and how to boost the body's natural ability to heal and support its daily needs.
Expert Authorship - The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Review
Dr. Nicole Apelian, an expert herbalist and survival skills instructor, brings her vast knowledge and personal experience to the table.
Dr. Nicole Apelian’s expertise spans a remarkable array of disciplines, reflecting the vast diversity of the ecosystems she has studied. Her academic journey began with a Biology degree from McGill University in Canada. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Ecology from the University of Oregon, followed by a Doctorate from Prescott College.
However, her education extended far beyond traditional classrooms. In the wilds of Botswana, she immersed herself in fieldwork as an anthropologist and botanist, gaining firsthand experience with the natural world. This hands-on approach to both learning and teaching is a defining feature of her work and is woven throughout The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies.
Dr. Apelian’s career is a testament to her deep commitment to understanding and preserving natural ecosystems. Her work in Botswana allowed her to immerse herself in the local flora and fauna, gaining invaluable insights into the traditional uses of plants and their healing properties through years of experience.
This experience provided her with a unique perspective that blends scientific knowledge with traditional wisdom, enriching her contributions to the field of herbal medicine.
In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Apelian is a seasoned survival skills instructor. She has taught countless individuals how to live sustainably and thrive in the wild, using her extensive knowledge of plants and their medicinal uses.
Her ability to convey complex information in an accessible and engaging manner makes her an exceptional educator and an inspiring figure in the world of herbal medicine.
Dr. Apelian’s approach is not just theoretical but profoundly practical. She emphasizes the importance of a deep connection with nature and encourages others to develop a hands-on understanding of the natural world.
This philosophy is evident in The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, where she shares her expertise in a way that empowers readers to take control of their health through the use of natural remedies.
Her diverse background, extensive fieldwork, and passion for teaching make Dr. Apelian a trusted authority on herbal medicine.
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies is a reflection of her lifelong dedication to exploring and sharing the healing power of plants, offering readers a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing the natural world for better health.
Complementing Nicole’s scientific expertise is Claude Davis, a man with a profound respect for the past and a visionary outlook on the future.
With roots deeply embedded in the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, Davis brings a unique perspective to the book through his expertise as a history enthusiast and survival expert.
Davis is the chief editor at Ask a Prepper, a prominent platform dedicated to self-sufficiency and survival strategies. Through this role, he shares his extensive knowledge and passion for traditional skills, helping individuals become more independent and prepared for various challenges.
His mission to resurrect the survival skills of our grandparents is a driving force behind his work. He believes in the timeless value of these skills, which have been refined and tested through generations.
In addition to his editorial work, Claude Davis is also known for his bestselling book The Lost Ways.
This book delves into the survival strategies of our ancestors, offering readers practical advice on how to live sustainably and self-sufficiently.
His dedication to preserving and promoting ancestral wisdom has earned him a reputation as a guardian of traditional knowledge.
Davis's contributions to The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies are integral to its success. His ability to blend historical insight with modern applications makes the book a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in herbal medicine and self-reliance.
Together with Nicole Apelian, Claude Davis has created a resource that not only educates but also inspires readers to reconnect with the natural world and embrace the wisdom of the past.
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies is a reliable source of information that’s both practical and historically grounded.
Practical Applications
Beyond just identification and description, the book offers practical applications for each herb.
From creating teas and tinctures to crafting salves and poultices, you’ll find step-by-step instructions that make it easy to incorporate these remedies into your daily life.
This hands-on approach demystifies herbal medicine, making it accessible even to beginners.
Sustainable Living and Self-Sufficiency
The focus on self-sufficiency is a major draw. The authors emphasize how these natural remedies can reduce dependency on conventional medicine, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
Whether you’re a homesteader, a prepper, or someone simply interested in natural health, the principles outlined can help you become more independent and resilient.
It's an invaluable resource for both experts and budding herbalists alike with no prior plant knowledge.
Historical and Cultural Context
What sets this book apart is its deep respect for the history and culture of herbal medicine.
It doesn’t just present the herbs; it tells the stories behind them, providing a fascinating glimpse into how different cultures have used plants for healing throughout history.
This contextual background enriches your understanding and appreciation of herbal medicine.
User-Friendly and Accessible
Despite the depth of information, the book is designed to be user-friendly.
It’s organized in a way that makes it easy to find information quickly and takes away the guesswork when using powerful natural remedies.
The index and cross-references are particularly helpful for navigating the wealth of knowledge contained within.
The photos offer easy identification so that you can use herbs with peace of mind and avoid unpleasant mistakes.
What The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies is NOT
While The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies has many strengths, there are also some cons to consider:
- Potential Overwhelm for Beginners: The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming for those new to herbal medicine. With over 800 plants and remedies detailed, beginners might find it difficult to know where to start.
- Quality of Physical Book: Some readers have reported that the physical quality of the paperback book, such as the binding and paper quality, could be better. This is particularly important for a reference book that might see frequent use.
- Lack of Scientific Citations: While the book is rich in traditional and anecdotal information, it sometimes lacks scientific citations and references to clinical studies, which might be a drawback for readers looking for more rigorously validated information.
- Regional Limitations: The book primarily focuses on plants found in North America. This might limit its usefulness for readers in other parts of the world where different plants are prevalent.
- Cost: Some users find the price a bit high compared to other herbal reference books. While it offers extensive information, the cost might be a consideration for budget-conscious readers.
- Accessibility of Some Herbs: Not all the herbs mentioned in the book are easily accessible to everyone. Depending on where you live, some plants might be hard to find, making it challenging to utilize all the remedies suggested.
- Repetitive Information: A few readers have noted that some of the information can be repetitive, which might detract from the overall reading experience.
- Requires Prior Knowledge: For those without any background in herbal medicine, some of the terminology and concepts might be difficult to grasp without additional research or background reading.
- Topic Coverage: If you are looking for in-depth information, you may be better served with a book that covers fewer herbs.
These cons don't necessarily detract from the overall value of the book, but they are worth considering for potential readers to ensure it meets their needs and expectations.
Despite the setbacks, I still find this book to be a valuable reference guide I use again and again.
Not only is it quick and easy to use and looks beautiful on my bookshelf, but it is also just so FULL of information all in one place.
If I need more in-depth information, I can reach for other books in my collection to round out my research.
If you're interested in seeing what herbal book are in my collection, please check out my post on the topic HERE.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies stands on its own as a practical medicinal herbal reference guide that tries to capture as much info in one place as possible and deliver it in an easy-to-use way.
I appreciate having a book like this in my collection for this reason instead of sifting through multiple books.
I do wish some of the photos were larger, perhaps even full page, and that this book was easier to find (it sells out OFTEN!).
But if you can manage to get your hands on it, I think you'll be pleased.
Evidently, The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies II is coming out soon as well! Keep an eye out for it as it will cover new helpful plants and how to use them.
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