Book Review: Herbal Goddess

I received Herbal Goddess from Storey Publishing when it was released in April and finally got around to it a few weeks ago (not for lack of interest but because my to-read stack is always towering). I’ve really been taking my time absorbing all that it has to offer because it is packed full of useful knowledge, tips, suggestions, and DIY’s. Written by master herbalist and yoga instructor Amy Jirsa, this book combines medicine, healthy eating, yoga, meditation, and natural body care into a visually gorgeous paperback with satin-finish cover.

After an introduction and list of herbal preparation basics the book is structured into 12 main sections each focusing on an herb. She could have included dozens of herbs and only given a bit of info on each as many books do, but she chose to focus on her favorite dozen and explore in-depth how each one can be used for mind, body, and spirit. I really appreciated this approach as I felt like I got an adequate introduction to each of these plants (though some of them I am already friendly with). The 12 are chamomile, rose, dandelion, holy basil, nettles, calendula, lavender, turmeric, Echinacea, Elder plant, cinnamon, and ginger.

You’ll get necessary info on each herb such as how to harvest, how it is useful to the body, mind, and spirit as well as safety information. But then there are all these gems sprinkled throughout such as multiple teas to make with each herb, recipes (Rose Butter Cookies, Stuffed Mushrooms with Dandelion Greens, Chamomile-Infused Honey … yum!), and magical uses such as a nettle and chamomile protection spells, how to use dandelions to increase psychic powers, and how to use roses to bring love, peace, and harmony into your life etc.

Then there are the body care recipes such as chamomile lip balm, rose and coconut body scrub, lavender hair rinse, and elderflower and carrot anti-aging mask just to name a few. There are so many I’ve bookmarked to try!

And as if each chapter wasn’t already packed with great things, like finding that extra present hidden behind the Christmas tree, there is also suggested yoga poses that correspond with each herb. Umm… amazing!

This book isn’t just pretty, or just a list or dictionary of herbs, it is packed with info that I will put to use and delves into the spirit of each of these herbs.  I absolutely love it and Amy Jirsa’s playful but knowledgeable tone throughout.

I’d love to know if any of you have this book or are thinking of getting it (I’d definitely recommend it!). As for me, I’ve already started trying some of the recipes … I made my own modified version of the rose soap yesterday which I’ll be sharing here on the blog later this afternoon! xo – Naomi