This book is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in herbal medicine. Having been passionate about herbalism for some time, I particularly appreciate its focus on how herbal remedies can complement modern pharmaceuticals. The most important takeaway from this book is the emphasis on using herbal medicine alongside conventional treatments. The author encourages readers to always consult with their doctor and inform them of any new herbal additions to their regimen. Thankfully, most doctors are generally open to these natural supplements.

The book covers the basics of herbal medicine, offering a helpful introduction for beginners. It includes a concise list of essential plants to get started, along with a variety of recipes tailored to different health needs. I’m especially excited to try some of the recipes, particularly the aches and pains rub, which sounds promising!

While this book is an excellent resource for beginners, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Not all of the claims are supported by scientific studies, which might be a turn-off for some readers. Personally, I take what resonates with me and leave what doesn’t. I also noticed that the book doesn’t provide a comprehensive list of contraindications for the ingredients in the recipes. For example, elderberry, which is commonly featured in herbal medicine, is not recommended for those with autoimmune conditions, a fact I believe is crucial to mention. Always do your own research—search for plant names along with “study” or “PubMed” for more information—and, of course, consult your doctor.

Overall, if you’re looking for a solid introductory guide to making your own herbal remedies, this book is a great choice. Just be sure to approach it with an open mind and a healthy dose of caution when it comes to any potential risks.

Herbal Medicine for Modern Life is a beautiful entree into the world of herbs and healing. While the more seasoned herbalist might not find much to interest them, those new to herbalism, or those who are simply herb curious will receive a lot of benefit from this informative and well thought out book. The author starts by explaining herbalism and herbal healing, moves on to a chosen selection of commonly used herbs and explains them in detail and follows with a herbal remedies for some of the most common ailments that plague us in modern times. The author ends the book with resources for learning more and purchasing supplies.

I really enjoyed the books easy to digest format and writing. It was very clear and concise. One area where I felt that the book was lacking was that nearly all the recipes listed contain multiple herbs to make up the recipe. While I enjoyed the recipes, I would have liked to have seen it explained the power of just a single herb in a remedy. Sometimes a plain cup of passionflower tea can help with insomnia. If orange peel is good for blood pressure control, how is it used? Can it be simple consumed as a tea or made into a tincture? As this book seems geared toward beginners, they should be informed of how these herbs can be used singly as well as mixed with other herbs. It's a missed opportunity, as it leads a novice to believe that herbal healing is reliant on a mix of herbs when that isn't always the case. Despite this, the book is lovely and I would certainly give it to anyone interested in learning to create their own herbal apothecary.

The recipes were the highlight of the book. They were well laid-out and organized. Some additional details may have been helpful (such as including if an herb should be crushed or not) but overall, they were well-detailed.

It promotes sustainability and respect, advising when it is or is not appropriate to collect herbs, how much is safe to collect, and help in identifying the best places to purchase hers.

The book does tries to balance the "herbs are helpful" with the "medical science is still legit" stance, and takes note where certain herbs may impact certain conditions or interfere with certain medications, and encourages the reader to always defer to a medical professional. But I did feel like it got close to minimizing certain conditions, like in implying that COVID-19, a mass disabling disease, just needs a few herbs. I don't know that this was the intention of the author, it may have just been presented this way for the sake of length.

I'm someone who is probably between novice and mid-level experience, and I think this book is appropriate for anyone from beginners to those who have some experience and are looking to branch out more. It's absolutely something I will be keeping on hand for continual reference.

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

Herbal Medicine for Modern Life is a great book for budding herbalists and the herb-curious. The book begins with the history of using herbs through the ages, working with medicinal plants, and the different herbal preparations.

The author then walks the reader through 37 of the most common herbs as if she's speaking disbelief directly to the reader. She explains who she likes the particular herb, its qualities, plant family, the medicinal parts of the plant, maladies it addresses, common preparations, and important considerations. Each topic is not overly involved but it is easily understood.

The final section of the book has herbal folk recipes for numerous ailments. These recipes are extremely easy to understand. These preparations include teas, salves, creams, tinctures, and capsules.

I highly recommend Herbal Medicine for Modern Life if you're considering working with herbs.

I have been interested in herbs and what they can be used for, cooking and medicinally, since I was a child. It started with a chart in the back of my mother’s Betty Crocker Cookbook.

Unfortunately, every time I tried to delve more deeply into herbs and spices, I would quickly become overwhelmed and set it aside for another time. Until now. Ruth Blanding’s book was just the right amount of information for me—picking her favorite medicinal herbs and plants along with her succinct info about them rather than trying to tell me about all the possibilities was perfect for me.

Then, following that, she offers a few recipes for teas, tinctures, balms and the like and what they can be specifically used for so that I could easily focus on what is right for me. I also loved that she would repeat her cautions about which herbs mixed badly with prescription medicines, and which weren’t right for pregnant or lactating women, that type of thing.

She ends the book with a list of her favorite books; resources, including websites, and a bibliography. An added bonus is the many colorful photos. I am now considering taking a class on herbal medicine and getting to know more about what I can grow or source myself.

This is an invaluable reference that I will definitely refer to for years to come. I started gardening in 2020 and this year I decided that I would like to learn more about growing herbs to use for medicinal purposes and teas. So when I received this book for review purposes from Zeitgeist press/Netgalley, as complimentary review copy, I was so excited! The author definitely has a lot of knowledge which she shares, the first portion of the book is an introduction to herbal medicine as a whole and the various herbs and plants that are most common/useful. The second portion of the book is recipes. I like how it’s broken down into sections, so you can easily find what you’re looking for - pain relief, insomnia, food intolerance, etc. Just about anything you might be looking to treat is in this book. I also very much appreciate that she includes who should NOT use a particular herb. At the end of each recipe, she includes notes like “Chicory should be avoided by anyone with IBS.” Chicory is a FODMAP so I really appreciate the depth of her knowledge!

The only thing that is a barrier for beginners like myself is that many of the recipes contain multiple ingredients that you will have to grow or purchase. I’m sure that this is of no fault of the author, as these are traditional recipes. For example, I had SIBO this year and I want to make the “Gut Biome Balancing powder” for GI support. It contains 6 ingredients, none of which are things that are commonly found in someone’s pantry. For those with access to a local health & wellness store with dried ingredients, it might not be such a barrier but sadly, my local store closed so I will have to order all the ingredients. I still think this is a 5 star book, but this may make the recipes difficult for people who do not have easy access to ingredients. I am going to pick a few common ingredients and grow them in my garden next spring! I’m very much looking forward to trying some of the recipes with herbs from my own garden.

Thank you for the free/gifted book, @penguinrandomhouse. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Herbal Medicine for Modern Life--Traditional Folk Remedies for Everyday Health and Well-Being" by Ruth A. Blanding.
I have grown an herbal garden for years and enjoy using fresh herbs in cooking and tea. I knew the benefits of a few herbs, such as peppermint as an aid to quell nausea, but Ruth lists many other uses for this herb, as well as the uses of many other common herbs found worldwide. Her Native American and African heritage "grandmother wisdom" is a treasure passed on to all readers of this book and should be preserved for all time!
I did not know all the other benefits of herbal use for areas I learned about in chapters regarding herbal preparations for protection against environmental and lifestyle stressors, physical pain and discomfort, respiratory illnesses and allergies, chronic fatigue, and other areas of health and illness that are included in this wonderful book! I also appreciated her list of resources and herbal organizations at the end of the book. If you are interested in acquiring more knowledge about herbal medicine this is an interesting and educational book to read!

@penguinrandomhouse#partner #sponsored @penguinrandomhouse #netgallery

I found this interesting and an overarching look at concepts I didn't have knowledge on before reading. I was hoping it would go a bit deeper on certain terms and topics, but I did learn something!

Thoughts: If you’ve ever thought of trying herbal remedies to cure what ails you, this is a good place to start. The introduction alone is comprehensive with insights and cautions about the world of herbal medicine. She goes into the history of using plant-based remedies as well as cautions like “if you’re allergic to this, don’t use that” and working with your physician/herbalist if you are on medications.

There are two basic sections: The herbs and then the problems/remedies. In the herbal section, she describes each of the 35 plants in detail, what part of the plant is used, cautions, allergens, and color pictures. In the remedy section, she gives some common problems, like migraines or headaches, what to use, and how to prepare and use them. I will note that there are a lot of steps to some of these remedies. And they use a lot more than just one or two herbs. She also goes into different ways to use them: tea, capsules, tinctures, syrups, etc. And stresses that this is not a cure for a serious ailment, that you need to work with your medical team if you want to use them because there can be serious contraindications with some.

Overall, I thought this a good basic book with a lot of great information.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

Ruth Blanding's "Herbal Medicine for Modern Life" offers an intriguing bridge between ancestral wisdom and contemporary wellness needs. As someone firmly grounded in evidence-based medicine, I approached this guide with a healthy skepticism but found myself drawn in by its pragmatic, well-organized approach to herbal remedies.

Blanding strikes an admirable balance between honoring traditional knowledge and acknowledging the importance of modern medical care. The book's emphasis on communicating with healthcare providers about herbal supplements demonstrates a responsible approach that doesn't position natural remedies as replacements for conventional treatment but rather as potential complementary supports for overall wellness.

The systematic organization proves particularly valuable, with clear sections addressing specific modern ailments and detailed herb profiles that include essential information about qualities, preparations, and important contraindications. Blanding's emphasis on ethical sourcing and sustainability, encouraging readers to support underrepresented suppliers and start with small batches, adds another thoughtful dimension to the practice of home herbalism.

While the beautiful cover makes this a worthy addition to any coffee table collection, the interior would benefit from more photographs to aid in herb identification and preparation techniques. Nevertheless, the step-by-step recipes for everything from basic infusions to vodka-based tinctures make this an approachable introduction to herbal remedies.

This guide offers a thoughtful starting point for those curious about exploring natural remedies while maintaining a grounded perspective on modern medicine. I'm eager to try the Golden Milk Latte recipe first!

Disclaimer: This review does not endorse any herbs or remedies for individual use. Readers should always consult with their healthcare provider before trying any herbal remedies or supplements described in this book.

This is the perfect book to find herbal remedies for various medical conditions. It breaks it down by ingredients and by medical conditions. Very easy to read! I highly recommend.

I thought this was well written and very accessible. I enjoyed the different perspectives and the natural medicine elements of this book. I thought it was mindful of how to balance that with traditional medicine. In addition, it was really nice to see the author pay respect to the land and take a stance on sustainable growth. I think this book had a lot of very helpful recommendations and offers new perspectives. I enjoyed learning more about herbal medicine and how it can be helpful in our daily lives. The author approached the subject with care that I appreciated.

*Thanks to Zeitgeist Publishing for the free/gifted book.*

As someone new to the idea of Kitchen Witchery and herbal medicine, I found this informative and encouraging. I like that the author recommends starting small and discusses common issues around sourcing herbs. The layout of the book is good, enhancing its usefulness as a reference guide. My main complaint is the repetitiveness. I’m not sure how much is an abundance of caution, poor editing, or legal CYA, but by the mid-point of the book I was internally screaming “yes, yes, consult a medical or herbal professional. I GET IT!”

I've been growing herbs for a while and looking for alternatives to using herbs in medicine. This book has information on recipes and uses for their recipes. I wish they would have created more single-use recipes and dove more into growing, but I get that you can't have everything in a book. If you're new to herbal medicine this book is a great resource.

As we age and society finds more and more drugs that do more harm than good, it's easier to learn how herbals can help with so many fewer complications. I've lived in rural areas for many years and continue to learn which plants are benficial to my family, including my assortment of pets. Ruth Blanding has written a comprehensive guide that not only provides information, she includes the dos and don'ts of this age old practice. The book is written in an easy to understand and cross reference information that will start the beginner or add to the knowledge of those like me looking to fill gaps in my knowledge. This book should be shared and kept handy as a reference to everyday questions of safety and effiency.

Book Review: Herbal Medicine for Modern Life by Ruth Blanding

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hey everyone! I just finished reading Herbal Medicine for Modern Life: Traditional Folk Remedies for Everyday Health and Well-Being by Ruth Blanding, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts. If you're someone who's ever felt overwhelmed by modern health solutions (like I have), this book is definitely worth checking out.

From the get-go, Blanding emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature and the wisdom that comes from traditional plant medicine. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the power of herbs that have been used for centuries to address common ailments. This book serves as a guide for using those ancient remedies to tackle modern health issues such as anxiety, allergies, and hormonal imbalances.

One of the standout features of the book is the comprehensive introduction. It offers great insights into how to effectively use herbs as medicine, alongside necessary advice and warnings from Blanding herself. This makes it perfectly suitable for newcomers to herbalism. I appreciated how she broke down the complex processes of making herbal remedies into simple, approachable steps. The recipes for infusions, tinctures, syrups, and balms are not only easy to follow but also require ingredients that are often found right in our kitchens or local markets.

The book goes into detail about more than 35 medicinal plants, complete with stunning photographs and descriptions of their healing properties. This is where Blanding shines, as she combines her expertise with a touch of warmth, making the reader feel empowered to explore herbalism without the intimidation often associated with it.

I found myself particularly captivated by how relevant these remedies are to our everyday health concerns. Allergies? Check. Stress? You bet. The real treat is that most of these herbs are easily accessible and can be incorporated into your daily routine with little fuss.

So if you’re curious about how to bring herbal medicine into your life, I highly recommend Herbal Medicine for Modern Life. It’s a clear, engaging, and informative read that stands out in the wellness genre. Whether you're a seasoned herbalist or just starting out, this book is a fantastic addition to any bookshelf. Just trust me—grab a copy and start nurturing your health with nature’s gifts!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

**Herbal Medicine for Modern Life** by Ruth Blanding is a comprehensive guide to herbs and their medicinal uses for everyday people.

To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations for this book and thought it would be like others I’ve read. However, I was blown away once I saw the table of contents. The author has done an outstanding job of not only teaching the historical uses of herbal medicine but also demonstrating how to apply them in modern contexts.

This book covers topics such as:
- Understanding herbal remedies
- Folk medicine
- Herbal medicine
- Application methods
- A list of common herbs
- A guide to herbal preparations and their use for ailments like unhealthy air, excessive sitting, digital fatigue, toxic overload, general fatigue, fever, and headaches.

I definitely recommend this book!

This book is a fanstic reference! I will definitely be getting this in physical form. I love that it included many common ailments as well as specialized ones like Fibromyalgia, which is what I have. Will definitely be trying out things from this book.

While a very pretty, well written book, its not one I would recommend to fellow herbalists. The information in it is trying too hard to give to beginners (you don't need that many herbs in one recipes, you don't need that many herbs starting out at all, and you would do better with a grasp on a handful of local to you herbs than a pantry full of exotic import herbs you barely grasp how to use) and the intermediate herbalist doesn't really need the regurgitation of every other herbal book out there. I was hoping for something different but this didn't quite stand up to that hope.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book!

I liked this book and would happily add it to my collection of books on herbs. I like that it has herbs that I’m already familiar with and have easy access to and gives more information on how to make them work for my health.