Asian American Herbalism: Folk Traditions in Modern Day Practice - Includes 100 Recipes to Treat Common Ailments

(Paperback)

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Japanese American herbalist and acupuncturist Erin Masako Wilkins shares accessible and comprehensive herbal wellness practices and remedies to everyday ailments, rooted in Asian tradition, for optimal health.

The first modern book on herbalism and everyday Chinese medicine by an AAPI author. Erin Masako Wilkins, a fourth generation Japanese American, or yonsei, is a California-based clinical herbalist, acupuncturist, and the founder of Herb Folk, a shop and community clinic offering effective and delicious Asian American herbs, broths, and teas that promote holistic care and wellness.

In Asian American Herbalism, Wilkins offers readers a beautifully illustrated and photographed collection of recipes and traditions rooted in Asian history and culture to help restore health and vitality and prevent illness. This comprehensive book is a practical and accessible wellness guide that addresses root causes of illnesses, and offers 100 easy and accessible herbal recipes for everyday ailments such as: allergies, anxiety and depression, digestion and gut health, menstrual disorders, and sleep difficulties.

For example, you can make the Elderflower and Mint Tea to ward off early stages of a cold; or a Fresh Lemon Balm Water to offset stress and overwhelm. Chamomile tea, which brings energy down and clears heat, can be given to children to help with colic or teething, or used by adults to alleviate cramps and sore muscles. To ease digestive woes, try a tea made with marshmallow leaf, lemon balm, and peppermint. Or follow Wilkins's instructions for the many benefits of gua sha. Wilkins also visually walks readers through the option and process of preparing your own homemade herbs. Asian American Herbalism is the perfect health and wellness reference guide that's easy enough to implement for even the busiest reader, and beautiful enough to display on a shelf or coffee table.

Reviews

"An enlightening guide to making herbal remedies...the thorough primer on traditional Asian medicine will satisfy curious readers. It's a robust introduction to an ancient tradition."--Publishers Weekly

"For curious folks seeking knowledge about how traditional Asian herbal medicine is practiced in contemporary society, this is your book. Wilkins has captured the essence of her herbal medicine ancestry with the practicalities and complexities of what it means to be alive today. An essential addition for the curious and professional herbalist library."

--Laura Ash, clinical herbalist, founder/CEO of the Verse herb school, and founder of the Herbal Anthropology Project

"In a sea of wellness trends, this book feels like an anchor helping you stay grounded in the foundations of Asian American Herbalism while leaving you feeling empowered to get in the kitchen and create healing remedies. This book truly feels like a love letter to the everyday healers that came before us."

--Sarah Kate Benjamin, author of The Kosmic Kitchen Cookbook

"This collection of folk medicine, from cultures both East and West, is a treasure trove of natural remedies, employing easily obtained ingredients. Asian American Herbalism is a beautifully produced book that is a delight to explore."

--Andrew Ellis, author and translator of multiple books, including Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies, and owner/co-founder of Spring Wind Herbs

" Erin Masako Wilkins has written a beautiful book that celebrates East Asian culture by weaving together her Japanese American heritage, knowledge of Chinese medicine, and remarkably simple ways to take care of ourselves. It is truly a thoughtful representation of what it means to be Asian and American. This is more than a book. It is a joyful collection of ancestral wisdom and living medicine."

--Dr. Tamsin Lee, East Asian medicine health justice educator and podcast co-host of Beauty as a Birthright

"An absolute new favorite in my herbal library! With countless recipes, remedies, and tips for well-being, this book is meant to be used."

--Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist and author of multiple books, including Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide

Author Bio

Erin Masako Wilkins is an Asian American herbalist and Japanese acupuncturist in Petaluma, CA. She created and runs Herb Folk, a shop and clinic serving the community by making holistic health care more accessible. She received her Master's degree from and trained at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, CA.