Plant Magic: Herbalism in Real Life

A fun, modern, and irreverent introduction to healing herbs, this field guide to feeling good includes more than 20 plant profiles.
Here is an invitation to the wild world of healing plants growing right outside your door. Highlighting herbs from catnip and plantain to nettles and rosemary, this book provides the information you need to assemble an herbal arsenal for combatting any ailment—everything from brewing up a slick lube tea for sexual health to fashioning a simple summer band-aid from backyard “weeds” to crafting an herbal smoking blend to quiet a busy mind. This accessible guide covers questions like: What is plant medicine? What can I put in my mouth and where do I find it? Can I still go to my doctor? We’ve got you covered.

From the Publisher

A Crash Course in Herbalism

Get answers to basic questions like: What is herbalism? Who can do herbalism? Where is it practiced? Can I still go to my doctor? Learn about your unique constitution and how you can create an herbal arsenal of wild plants to help combat any ailment and help you to feel good all over.

Stewardship & Wild-Crafting

It’s a plant world, we’re just living in it. This book will help you get to know plants better: understand their environment, learn how to respect them in their habitats, and respectfully engage with them to heal ourselves and the environment we share. Learn how to wild-craft respectfully and safely and become a steward of the environment.

Make Medicines at Home

Tinctures

A tincture is a concentrated extract of a plant in a menstruum (liquid) like alcohol, apple cider vinegar, or vegetable glycerin. Tinctures can be taken in lower doses over extended periods of time for chronic conditions and in higher doses for acute situations.

Herbal Honey

An herbal honey preserves any part of and delivers the medicinal actions of a plant in a naturally tasty, nutritious and medicinal substance. When we ingest or apply herbal honeys we receive the power of the herbs as well as the probiotics, vitamin C, and B vitamins that occur naturally in honey.

Oxymel

An oxymel is a sweet and sour medicinal preparation made from herbs, honey and apple cider vinegar. Since ancient times oxymel have been popular medicines for diffusing and expelling anything that needs to get out: a cold in your chest, gas in your stomach, or headaches.

Infusions

An infusion is basically a strong tea over time: an extended steep of the aerial parts of a plant in water. Infusions use more plant matter than you usually would for a cup of tea, generally 1 ounce of herb to 4 cups of water.

Use Plant Profiles to Assemble Your Herbal Arsenal

Catnip

While catnip relaxes, it is also gently stimulating. It gives us clarity to discern quickly without falling into a frenzy. A calming smoking blend with catnip can help with the anxiety and cravings associated with quitting cigarettes.

Chamomile

Chamomile relaxes the nervous system, calms an aggressive fever, eases gas and bloating, and soothes hot rashes or other skin conditions. Calm-Me Pills with chamomile are great for all ages. When ingested, these delicious pills soothe the mind and body.

Chickweed

Chickweed is a nutritive powerhouse with a high mineral content that makes it an ideal remedy to a backed-up digestive system that may also experience ulcers. A weedy smoothie will rehydrate your insides and provide the nutrients your body needs after a workout or a day in the sun.

Violet

Violets help soothe swollen glands, irritated tonsils, bruises, or a temper about to burst. Violet also has a lubricating effect that can be harnessed with lube tea to promote healthy digestion and sexual health.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Roost Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 31, 2020
Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1611806550
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1611806557
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.8 x 0.97 x 9.28 inches