Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Discover the many incredible ways you can use common herbs and spices as healing foods, beauty products, tinctures and salves. Did you know there's a powerful herbal medicine chest in your kitchen Imagine being prepared for that next cold, scrape, headache, digestive issue, stressful day, or sleepless night with simple ingredients from your cupboard. Instead of pills, reach for- Cinnamon Tea to soothe your throat . . . Garlic Hummus to support your immune system . . . Ginger Lemon Tea for cold and flu symptoms . . . Cayenne Salve to relieve sore muscles . . . Cardamom Chocolate Mousse Cake for heart health . . . A glass of Spiced Cold Brew Coffee as a powerful antioxidant . . . Alchemy of Herbs will show you how to transform common ingredients into foods and remedies that heal. What were once everyday flavorings will become your personal kitchen apothecary. While using herbs can often seem complicated or costly, this book offers a way to learn that's as simple and inexpensive as cooking dinner. With the guidance of herbalist Rosalee de la Forat, you'll understand how to match the properties of each plant to your own unique needs, for a truly personalized approach to health for you and your family. In addition to offering dozens of inspiring recipes, Rosalee examines the history and modern-day use of 29 popular herbs, supporting their healing properties with both scientific studies and in-depth research into herbal energetics. Grow your knowledge of healing herbs and spices and start using nature's pharmacy to feed, heal, and nurture your whole family!

Reviews

"In this practical book,Rosalee de la Fortreintroduces us to familiar kitchen herbs and spices, helping usto see them in a new light. Through personal and intimate storytelling, she teaches how to match herbs to people effectively instead of using them as pharmaceutical alternatives. Drawn in by the abundant, delicious recipes, you may come to this book as a home chef, but you will leave as an herbalist,transformed by the power of Rosalees alchemy."
Guido Mas, author of The Wild Medicine Solution and DIY Bitters

"Alchemy of Herbs puts the power of some of the most potent herbal medicines on the planet into yourhands. These medicines have been tried and tested for millennia. And now, by combining ancient wisdomwith modern scientific understanding, Rosalee de la Fort helps you put natures pharmacy to work. Whetheryou want more energy, better digestion, deeper sleep, or to get sick less often, Alchemy of Herbs will giveyou the knowledge you need to restore your health and to contribute to lasting wellness.At once inspirational and deeply practical, this is a book to treasure,and to keep close at hand for the rest of your life."
Ocean Robbins, co-host and CEO of The Food Revolution Network

"Its rare to find a writer who can describe complex ideas with such clarity and skill that anyone can grasp their subjectRosalee de la Fort is one of those souls. In this book, shes broken down the energeticqualities and medicinal uses of herbs into an accessible and coherent format. If youve ever struggled withmatching herbs to peoplethe true gift of an herbalistRosalee gives you the tools to understand how herbscan effectively 'nudge' the bodys leanings back into a state of balance. Alchemy of Herbs containsdetailed medicinal profiles, zesty recipes, and time-honored plant wisdom. The perfect makings of atop-shelf herbal book that you will treasure for years, and turn to for inspiration time and time again."
Juliet Blankespoor, herbalist and founder of the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine

"This is a wonderfully accessible guide to introducing a medicine chest of healing plants in daily life. Theinformation is presented in a refreshingly approachable way, by an author who loves both herbs and thesimple joy they bring into our lives. The abundant recipes show how to access the healing gifts of the herbsas food, created to be both delicious and efficacious. True herbalism!"
David Hoffmann, herbalist and author of Medical Herbalism and Holistic Herbal

"Another green blessing of herbal information from a practicing herbalist. What a delightto look at the herbs that Rosalee de la Fort loves and to encounter her aviddesire to include you in the joy of herbal medicine."
Susun S. Weed, author of the Wise Woman Herbal series

"I first met Rosalee de la Fort several years ago and was immediately impressed with her knowledge,passion for herbal medicine, and ability to clearly communicate this information. It turns out she is also avery good writer, and it is with great pleasure that I now hold her first book in my hands. Alchemy of Herbsis a wonderful introduction to 29 common herbs and spices, allowing you to understand how to use themsafely and effectively for home health care, how to make your own kitchen medicines, and how to make tastyrecipes so you can incorporate them into your diet."
David Winston, RH(AHG), clinical herbalist, ethnobotanist, andauthor of Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

"So many books geared toward those just beginning to explore the world of medicinal plants offer very basictake this herb for that problem information, under the assumption that the foundational underpinnings of herbalism are somehow too hard for beginners to grasp. Here, in plain English, Rosalee de la Fortshows us that the way that herbalists choose herbs for individual people with particular imbalances isntsome magical power or a skill attainable only by those who can devote their lives to intense study. Instead, it is rooted in common sense patterns that anyone can learn to recognize, given a model to do so. That this isdone using familiar herbs and spices available to all is an invaluable bonus. A book for everyone."
jim mcdonald, herbalist and founder of herbcraft.org

"Herbal medicine can offer so much. But where to start How do you know what herbs are good for you,and how to separate fact from fiction Rosalee de la Fort presents an excellent approach to learningthe rich world of herbs. As an experienced educator and practitioner, she weaves together tradition,experience, and science to present a holistic view of each of the plants, while providing specificand practical advice for how you can bring them into your home and life.Alchemy of Herbs is a treasure for any health-seekers bookshelf."
Renee Davis, RH(AHG), founder of Goldroot Botanical Medicine

"Many books introduce readers to herbs and their activities, but Rosalee de la Fort skillfully introducespeople instead to herbalismthe nuanced art of matching plants to people. Drawing energetic traditionsinto a modern context and right into our kitchens, she provides a simple and elegant system to lookbeyond symptoms and generic cures and into the heart of true herbal healing."
Larken Bunce, clinical herbalist and co-director ofVermont Center for Integrative Herbalism

"Alchemy of Herbs is a must-read for any herbalist, whether fledgling or experienced! Part reference guide,part recipe book, and part herbal, this is a book that every herbalist will reach for again and again. Rosaleede la Fort has a knack for teaching others how to use herbs in the best way possible by matching peopleto herbs. This book is the definitive guide for the subject, giving anyone the confidence to use herbs to theirfullest potential. Each chapter is engaging, relaying herbal information through a variety of anecdotal stories, scientific studies, and traditional usage, mixed with a variety of unique and inspiring recipes andgorgeous photographs. This is a book you will want to leave sitting out on your desk,coffee table, and kitchen counter, all at the same time."
Kristine Brown, RH(AHG), herbalist and author/illustrator of Herbal Roots Zine

"Alchemy of Herbs is a sensory wonder, bringing us our medicines in the most delightful and tantalizing waythey can be experienced: as culinary medicines. Step away from the bottle and the capsule and experienceherbs in the full richness they can offer both as medicines and as partners in a life rich with plants."
Bevin Clare, associate professor of Integrative Health at Maryland University and president of the American Herbalist Guild

"As a French herbalist, I have a particular affinity for herbs that are both culinary and medicinal.We have a long tradition of healing food where I live in the South of France, mainly through theincorporation of aromatic herbs in our daily meals. Alchemy of Herbs is what I had been hoping for for years.Rosalee de la Fort sends us a very important message: health does not necessarily mean yucky potions.This book brings together beautiful pictures, tasty recipes, and health recommendations from an experthealer. In a nutshell: this an invitation to cooking for a long and healthy life."
Christophe Bernard, founder of AltheaProvence.com

"Informative, concise, knowledgeable, and generous . . . Rosalee de la Fort's sophisticated approachand her personal experience with herbs comes through in her beautiful recipes, which eloquently combine food and herbal medicine. Keep this book on your kitchen shelfyoull refer to it for healing and inspiration, always!"
John Slattery, author of Southwest Foraging

"In this inspiring and practical book, Rosalee de la Fort empowers you to awaken your senses in order tochoose the best herbs for your needs. And what better way to experience the benefits and pleasures ofherbs and spices than in the kitchen Whether youre brand-new to herbs or have been using them for years,youll love these enticing recipes for delicious drinks, everyday meals, and simple remedies."
Emily Han, author of Wild Drinks & Cocktails: Handcrafted Squashes, Shrubs, Switchels, Tonics, and Infusions to Mix at Home

"In Alchemy of Herbs, author Rosalee de la Fort joyously shares her deep wisdom of herbs to inspire andempower us to transform our kitchens into natures apothecary where delicious, healing foods and herbalremedies pour forth. Golden Milk, Hawthorn Cordial, and Nettle Leaf Dukkah are just a sampling of themany tasty, curative recipes offered. She unveils the enchanting, yet readily accessible world ofherbalism that makes me fall right back in love with the plant kingdom; and you will too!"
Dina Falconi, herbalist and author of Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook

"In her wonderfully written book, Alchemy of Herbs, Rosalee de la Fort encourages the reader to 'breakfree from the insanity of the One-Solution Syndrome' by choosing personalized herbal formulations based onwhat our own senses tell us our bodies need. What better scenario is there for using our senses to divine thisknowledge than cooking with flavorful and aromatic healing herbs and spices Self-empowerment begins inthe kitchen as Rosalee tempts us with dozens of mouth-watering recipes and encourages us tomove forward with the mind-set of an explorer. Those new to plant-based healing as well asexperienced herbalists will find that this beautifully illustrated book exemplifies the heartand soul of herbal healing through delicious food as powerful medicine."
Jeff Carpenter, author of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer: The Ultimate Guide to Producing High-Quality Herbs on a Market Scale

"Rosalee de la Fort has done a wonderful job of melding both the culinary and medicinal uses

Author Bio

Rosalee de la Forat is passionate about helping people discover the world of herbalism and natural health. She is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, and as an herbal consultant she helps people find natural solutions to their chronic health problems. She also teaches extensively about herbalism internationally and as the Education Director at LearningHerbs. Rosalee is the author of numerous articles, e-books, and two online courses- The Taste of Herbs and Herbal Cold Care. Websites- www.HerbalRemediesAdvice.org and www.LearningHerbs.com