The Essential Herbal for Natural Health How to Transform Easy-to-Find Herbs into Healing Remedies for the Whole Family

Entering the "herb world" can be intimidating; if you live in the city or have never spent much time in the wilderness or on a farm, learning about plants can seem impossible. And if you desire a more natural approach to healing for yourself and your family, today's herb books, filled with cultivation tables, harvest techniques, dye charts, and aromatherapy guides, can seem overwhelming. This book is a welcome entry point for those wishing to experience the beauty and simplicity of natural herbal remedies safely and easily. By focusing on just thirteen foundation herbs, you can easily jump into the world of herbs while still finding a wide range of remedies and recipes. With something for everyone in the family-men, women, and children-these simple and effective recipes can be made to help ease tummy aches, calm anxiety, moisturize skin, and more. After fourteen years as a professional medical herbalist, and as an avid crafter and homesteader, author Holly Bellebuono shares the joy of identifying plants, making handmade remedies, and experiencing a healthy lifestyle. Discover the pleasure of crafting your family's own useful medicines with simplicity and joy.

Since 1994, Holly Bellebuono has engaged her audiences with themes of personal transformation, purpose, and healing, providing guidance and inspiration for those seeking to improve their lives. Holly teaches about natural health, self-empowerment, creativity, creative business strategy, the craft of writing, and the art and science of herbal medicine. As a traditional herbalist, speaker, forager, formulator, and apothecary, Holly directs The Bellebuono School of Herbal Studies, providing training and certification in herbal medicine, and she has authored several books and an audio CD collection. She directs Vineyard Herbs Teas & Apothecary, a retail and wholesale apothecary on Martha's Vineyard, selling her 70 original and award-winning plant-based medicines and teas around the country and in Stop & Shop and Whole Foods Market. Holly traveled to interview women healers for her documentary book Women Healers of the World, featuring the traditional and indigenous healing practices of 31 women from 20 countries. Holly lectures widely at conferences, universities, and retreat centers, is a regular contributing writer for Taproot, Sage Woman, and other magazines, and is a member of United Plant Savers and the American Herbalist Guild. Holly was awarded the Martha's Vineyard Women's Network Business Owner of the Year Award in 2009 and The Cape Cod SCORE Business Owner of the Year Award in 2015.