The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life

I've been reading a lot of herbal books lately, but this so far is my favorite, bar none. Robin Rose Bennett is knowledgeable while also being supremely approachable. She sounds exactly like a patient, entertaining teacher. I greatly appreciate Robin's flexible, holistic approach. A lot of herbalists, while undoubtedly well meaning, can be a bit militaristic. You absolutely MUST have this entire array of expensive herbs and make them the exact correct way or else the medicine won't work. Robin, on the other hand, is the most practical writer I've read. She doesn't gloss over what she feels is most effective in certain situations (collecting your own herbs, making tincture out of fresh herbs, all that kind of stuff), but one of her mottos is to use the best available herb you have. Robin gives you lots of alternatives and she also gives you a few easily accessed herbs that have lots of uses. She also does an incredible job of explaining why plants are good for certain things instead of just listing all the attributes (for example, why burdock is good for the skin or explaining blood and liver cleansers). I love that Robin includes tons of resources and discusses other herbalists' methods which differ from her own style, too.I will note that this is not the most organized or scientific book (although she does discuss science). Robin's emphasis is holistic health and that includes spirituality. I appreciate this and think she does a good job of teaching about intuitive plant wisdom without being too "woo." The layout of the book has separate sections for different body systems, which is helpful, but again a lot of her information is anecdotal and she wanders a bit when she writes.As a beginner I often feel overwhelmed because it feels like there's only one right way of doing things and I'll never have the supplies or knowledge to accomplish what I want to. This book reassures me that I can start simply and learn to trust my own instincts and experience.

This book has changed my life! I have struggled with a torn meniscus for almost 10 years. The only route that I was offered this far down the road was surgery. In a final effort to avoid surgery, I started investigating herbal healing remedies. This is one of the few books I found that even made mention of meniscus injuries - and did so in depth! I have been following all of the advice in the book as well as targeted strength exercise and I am finally on my way to healing. I am in awe. I am inspired. I am a changed person. I am now absorbing all of the book and am planning on purchasing other books to learn how to grow my own healing herbs. Quick shipping to top it off! Thank you, thank you!

Writing from a well or deep wisdom, Robin brings the magic and healing of the green world to life in a user friendly guide to home herbalism. It is nice to encounter an herbal from a long time practitioner that is solid, grounded, and mystical, and can stand on its own two feet without having to constantly reach for the “this herb contains this constituent” for validation jar. Highly recommended for herbalists of all levels. All will get a grounding in heartfelt herbalism.

Perfectly written with explanations, making recipes easy to understand. I love the way she writes, makes me feel like I'm listening to an old friend :)

I initially purchased this book as an addition to my herbalism library, thinking it would be a great reference book, but I literally ate up every page and read through it like a novel. Her combination of medicinal applications, real life stories, and spiritual experiences with the plants (along with beautiful illustrations!) made this the first 400+ page book that I read nearly cover to cover. Not to heady for the light reader, plenty of scientific facts for the skeptical, and fully engaging for those wishing to immerse themselves in all aspects of plant study. If you live in NY or New England, you'll find this book especially helpful as many of these herbs are probably growing in your backyard.

Love this book- it is a great read with stories from author's personal healing stories and those of her clients. I love it, that she is not as conservative as many other herbalists, who say that their preparation methods are the only right way. She uses more intuitive approach and is open for learning and inner guidance. Herbs do have healing constituents, however their energy has healing qualities as well. Of course, there are lots of descriptions and recipes of how to use herbs as well.

This is such a helpful book. I was fortunate to attend a workshop taught by Robin Rose Bennett and learned so much that I had to grab her book. Although I already know quite a bit about herbal medicine, it's handy to have a guide for some quick recipes/ideas for routine kinds of things. I really like her straightforward, simple approach. Most of her recipes require just a couple of herbs, most easily obtained from a local herb store or online, and they work amazingly well.

Love this book. Well written and informative. I am an experienced herbalist and I bought it for a reference for my my son .

I found this book very inspiring and read it in one sitting. I love the formulas she gives. It is a book I refer to often.

Brilliant book on herbal remedies. Written in a down to earth and yet very enlightening way. Excellent herbal remedies and recipes throughout the book. I will treasure this book forever.

I wish I had heard of this book sooner it is fab.

I love this book. The descriptions and recipes are simple enough for beginners, and it uses fairly common herbs (even dried herbs from your spice cabinet). I also like that it has a section on ‘body symptoms’, as well as a section on each individual herb and uses. I’ve read a lot of books by popular herbalists with fancy recipes for creams and tinctures, but, for me, this one is far more practical and easy to use. Happy to have my own copy to reference and lend!

Ich liebe dieses Buch. Der wundervolle respektvolle Umgang der Autorin mit der Pflanzenwelt ist inspirierend. Und man liest in jedem Satz, dass sie aus ihren eigenen Erfahrungen schöpft. Besonders ihr intuitiver Zugang zur Pflanzenwelt ist wunderbar. Ein Buch da ich immer un immer wieder hernehme um darin zu lesen und nachzuschlagen.