The Wild & Weedy Apothecary: An A to Z Book of Herbal Concoctions, Recipes & Remedies, Practical Know-How & Food for the Soul

Herbalist Shababy's well-considered alphabetic valentine to natural healing is an informative guide to the benefits and applications of everything from apples to ""Zip,"" a hearty garlic tonic said to ward off colds and flu. Readers will be caught up by Shababy's enthusiasm while she divulges all sorts of trivia and history: juniper was once burned in hospital rooms to destroy airborne fungi; lavender can aid and stimulate circulation when added to a bath; PMS symptoms can be treated with catnip tea. Readers will also learn how to make their own bath salts and create their own herbal shampoo. Even if readers take a pass on saying a prayer of thanks to plants before harvesting, or fail to see immediate results when using anise in a pillowcase to ward off bad dreams, readers will likely find a use for recipes such as Manicotti Crepes, homemade blackberry brandy, spinach dip, and a simple fruit pie with a coconut cream cheese crust. Generous with her sources and references, Shababy's voluminous guide will help armchair naturalists and horticulturalists get the most out of nature's bounty without risking harm to themselves or the environment.