Sometimes I’m a little bit slow. Just ask my kids. I’ve downloaded lots of non-fiction onto my constant companion but never thought to review them. Why wouldn’t these nice authors who work hard to inform and entertain us, offer it up for free even, want a little love? Duh. When Diane Kidman started following me on Twitter yesterday, I recognized her name and the light came on. These authors need our support just as much as their flashy fiction counterparts, maybe even more so. I did just turn 50, maybe those neurons aren’t firing as fast as they used to.
Herbs Gone Wild – Ancient Remedies Turned Loose is collection of remedies for everyday aches, pains, bumps and bruises. This is a valuable collection of recipes that probably less than a hundred years ago was tribal knowledge passed down from generation to generation, but is in jeopardy of being lost altogether if not for herbalists like Ms. Kidman. As the author points out, when our grandmothers and great grandmothers went to the pharmacy they bought herbs and prepared them themselves, not pharmaceuticals. Making teas, tinctures and salves was second nature for them, like baking their own bread and growing their own vegetables, even if they lived in the city.
Herbs Gone Wild is an easy to follow guide to natural cures broken down by symptom. It covers everything from colds and the flu to first aid, toothaches and arthritis — and everything in between. Being a frequenter of my local herb shop, I especially enjoyed the section on how to make your own teas, tinctures and salves. I’ve paid top dollar for some natural cures that I now can make myself for significantly less, thanks to Ms. Kidman.
The author presents her information in a very reader friendly, straightforward way that is also entertaining and fun to read. She encourages us to go to our roots (literally and figuratively) for simple ailments, rather than the local drug store. Sure, it takes a little more time and effort than opening a box of cold and flu medicine or bottle of Advil, but the satisfaction you get from going to your own herb shelf for a preparation you made yourself and getting the same — or better — results is priceless. (And better for you).
This is a must read starter guide for anyone interested in learning about herbal medicine, or even old pros who just need an easy reference tool. Trust me, your ancestors will be smiling.
You can pick up another of Diane’s offerings, Beauty Gone Wild, FREE on Amazon as of this writing today. I’m hoping her series continues with a Pets Gone Wild, lol. I’d love to be able to skip a few trips to the vet’s office. You can follow Diane Kidman on Twitter @dkmommy, at www.DianeKidman.com or www.dkMommySpot.com . Enjoy!
the indie book review 