Mother Nature's Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge & Synergy of Everyth

This book is perfect for the kitchen witch, or for anyone who enjoys folklore and herbal remedies. Great read, and great advice!

I found this book to be most helpful. It covers everything from basic herbs and their uses to what plants work best together in your garden. Not to mention the tons of receipts for every herb mentioned throughout this book...and there are a lot of herbs in this book. I highly recommend this to book to anyone that uses herbs to grow, cook with or for medicinal reasons.

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I purchased this book from a local bookstore in hopes of supporting a local author and fellow gardener. Mostly, it is an interesting read, but much of it appears to be a review of other previously published compilations of herbals. From a stodgy point of view, my reservtions about this book and the author came from the utter lack of good references. For example: the author states that the dutch oven was invented by Dr. Benjamen Franklin. A simple internet search would tell you quite a different story. Many of the "facts" presented in this book's narrative are done without any references. With that foremost in my mind, I wonder about the information presented regarding health and herbal tonics. I am being most generous with my rating because much of what she has compiled is useful; however, it can be found in other respected accounts with solid, verified references. I now wish I had just purchased it used instead of paying full price!

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This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 5/17/08.

Those of you who know me, know that nature and I do not get along. I am allergic to just about anything that grows: trees, flowers, grass, and hair on all the cuddliest of pets. This may cause you to ask, why in the world would I ask to review "Mother Nature's Herbal" by Judith Griffin. Easy, I never developed any food allergies and this girl loves to eat! I was excited to learn what things I ate and drank that may already be beneficial and if there were any other yummy options out there to try.

Well "Mother Nature's Herbal" met, and exceeded, my expectations. After being out of print for nearly ten years, I can understand why it has been brought back. Firstly, the book is a visual dream. The cover has a beautiful aged Victorian appearance, and there are delightful vintage illustrations throughout. Enough about the visuals though, because books are to be read!

This book is insanely thorough. I've read my fair share of "herbals" before, and the amount of information here buries all of them combined. Section one is entitled "A Cultural Herbal" and man she isn't kidding around! Native American, Mayan, colonial America, medieval era, Indian, Oriental, Mediterranean, and other cultures are all represented here. Unlike other books, Griffin doesn't just give you a list and move on. Each chapter gives you a lesson in the culture and history of herbal use of the region, along with the author's personal experiences of learning and working with the herbs. In addition, the big pay off for me...recipes! For instance, want to know how to make a colonial Thanksgiving turkey, pesto genovese, or paneer? Then buy this book! Now, not only can I justify my love of Indian food because of its herbal health benefits, I can try making some of my favorite dishes!

The second section of "Mother Nature's Herbal" is "Grow and Use Your Own Herbs". Not being the hands in the earth kind of gal, this part wasn't nearly as exciting. That said, it was detailed, but written plainly enough, that even a indoors gal like myself could clearly understand how to grow a garden. Griffin covers just about anything you may want to know: how to grow your herbs organically, landscape plans for themed herb gardens, using old roses, and so much more.

After that, she advises you on what to do with your herbal harvests, such as herb vinegars, no salt herbal blends, teas, and again, much more. There is also a section devoted to the use of essential oils and flower essences that you may make out of your harvest. There's even a growing guide, nutrient guide, and purchasing guide in the appendices.

"Mother Nature's Herbal" is a fabulous resource, whether you're a gardener, or just someone who likes to learn more about the food you eat.

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Saw this in my local public library and had to have it! Love it! I use it as a reference everyday

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