A review by hannahleelovestoread
Herbal Remedies & Natural Medicine Essentials [All-in-1]: 48 Techniques & Tips to Use Plants & Herbs for Holistic Healing. Grow & Prepare Infusions, Tinctures, & Oils for Better Health & Wellness by Astrid Brown

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

This fascinating book is, for one, a crash course in herbalism and holistic medicine as a whole. However, it also tackles a larger and more complex topic:  the potential intersection of Eastern (i.e., holistic) and Western medical traditions. As author Astrid Brown puts it so succinctly, “[W]ellness through holistic practices is not just about treating symptoms. Instead, it is about understanding your body, mind, spirit, and the world.” In easy-to-read language, the book details the rich history of herbalism in particular. Because of my Cherokee ancestry, I was especially interested in the holistic concepts discussed which originated with Native American belief systems (e.g., the notion that even plants are occupied by spirits). Ultimately, Brown laid out logical arguments before reaching a conclusion with which I strongly agree:  to achieve the best results, medical professionals should be willing to apply practices from both Eastern/holistic and Western traditions. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about science, health, and/or wellness.