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Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family

Rosemary Gladstar
Storey Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781603420785
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (12/08)

“The terminology of plant medicine changes through the ages, different systems evolve depending on climate and costume, and various plants rise and fall in popularity, but the core truth remains the same:  Herbalism is an effective, natural, and inexpensive system of healing readily available to every human who chooses to use it.  We have eons of human experience to prove it.”  (p. 2) 

This book begins with an overview and history of herbalism.  Gladstar tells us that, despite what we may hear, there is no miracle drug or cure-all for life’s woes.  We must live a healthy well-rounded life to start with by exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, getting adequate rest, and reducing our stress.  Her addition to this familiar list is the usage of herbs on a daily basis to maintain wellness.  She then lists for us various superfoods, herbs, and recipes, and explains the benefits of each to our everyday health.   

What follows next is information on “taming stress and anxiety,” “home remedies for everyday ailments,” “recipes for radiant beauty,” and individualized sections for children, men, women, and elders.  At the end of the book there is an A to Z guide listing different herbs and explaining their benefits and uses.  

One of the most interesting areas for me was the skin-care routine that Gladstar recommends. In it she details a once or twice monthly five-step program that includes miracle grains, an herbal facial steam, a facial, tonic astringents, and a facial massage with cream.  It sounds very good for my skin and also very relaxing.  I will definitely be trying that one!

I also think that the elderberry syrup in the children’s section sounds like something that I would love to try for my boys.  Apparently this syrup is the “most popular herbal cold remedy in Europe” (p. 190) and it also is supposed to taste good.  All it consists of are blue elderberries, water, and honey.  In the winter season with two young children I can surely use this!

“Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health” is very comprehensive and provides recipes or herbs for almost any situation that you can think of.  The instructions are simple and easy to follow.  Gladstar’s book would make an excellent addition to any family’s home reference library.  It is full of useful and useable information!

 

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