Are you someone who has always been interested in herbal medicine? While I strongly believe in modern medicine, I also think natural medicine has a place. I hate using the name homeopathy since it has become a phrase used for everything from true old-fashioned medicine to snake oil. The fact that none of it is regulated in the United States is even more concerning. Natural medicine has nothing wrong with it, especially since it is the basis for everything science has used, and some of it is still used today.
To me, all of it is a balancing act, especially in a world where antibiotics are used far too often. The last thing in the world I want is to overtake antibiotics and find that it no longer works. Moderation is key. What is most important when it comes to herbal medicine, however, is finding someone who truly knows what they are talking about, which is a bit hard when it comes to just finding information on the internet. During my research, I found a book that seemed perfect for my collection (and garden) – The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne. Once my book arrived from Amazon, I couldn’t wait to read it!
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: What Is It
Do you want to learn about natural medicine but aren’t sure where to start? If so, you will love The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. Here is what the publisher has to say about this book. Here is what the publisher has to say about this natural medicine book.
The beloved best-selling classic for the modern herbalist—a definitive guide to 250 safe and effective herbal medicines, preparations, and single-herb remedies to make at home.
This comprehensive, full-color guide offers detailed and easy-to-follow instructions for making and using approximately 250 all-natural DIY herbal medicines. With practical tips, in-depth preparation techniques, and an inside look at some of the authors’ own favorite formulas, The Modern Herbal Dispensatory walks beginners and advanced herbalists alike through:• The 12 major categories of herbs, from aromatic to sweet
• Herbal preparations: the many ways to prepare and use herbs, from capsules and tinctures to standardized extracts and essential oils
• Choosing the best dosage form for each category of herb
• How to harvest, dry, and use fresh herbs
• Extractions: terms, equipment, solvents, and calculations, plus how to extract herbs in water, alcohol, glycerin, and vinegar
• Advanced techniques: like percolation extracts, fluid extracts, and soxhlet extracts
• Preparations like oil-based extractions, topical applications, concentrates, lozenges, traditional Chinese methods, and more
• Formulas and dosages: how to design herbal formulas and use herbs safely and effectively
• Herbal insights and need-to-know wisdom, like why different preparations of the same herb affect the body differently; which herbs are medicinal when dry, but could be toxic when fresh; and why beginners typically see more potent results with formulations versus single-herb preparationsThe text includes multiple appendices, recommendations for further reading, in-depth full-color photo guides, and a helpful index. With advice on herbal preparations for 100+ illnesses and conditions and a comprehensive materia medica, The Modern Herbal Dispensatory is an enduring classic and beloved plant-medicine reference manual for herbalists, natural medicine practitioners, and anyone seeking safe, holistic, at-home care and inexpensive all-natural remedies.
Our Thoughts
Of all the herbal medicine books I own, The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide is my collection’s most organized and comprehensive. It explains the science of making herbal medicine from garden herbs while walking through the steps. This book has everything you need to get started while still being a reference guide you will constantly run to once you have more experience. I also love that, along with recipes, it details all the various medical herbs, discusses their benefits, and is very realistic with warnings. As someone who wanted a book on natural medicine alongside modern medicine, I consider this book a must for anyone’s collection.
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: Where to Purchase
Would you like to purchase this book to create more natural medicine for yourself or someone in your family? The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide is available on Amazon.com in various formats, ranging from $11 to $40. You can also listen to this book for free through your Audible membership. Who knew learning natural medicine could be so easy?
Would you like to see more books like this one? Make sure to check out our other book reviews here!
About Susan Bewley
Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.