HERB TITLES FOR SUMMERTIME READING

Dip into the fount of herbal knowledge during the dog days of summer. It's easy to do with so many wonderful books on herbs that are available.

Winter is cold and flu season. But summer is when we need healing herbs the most. Being outdoors, we're more likely to experience cuts, scrapes, blisters, muscle aches, insect bites and stings, and other seasonal maladies.

At the top of the list I would place "Growing 101 Herbs That Heal-Gardening Techniques, Recipes, and Remedies" by Tammi Hartung, published by Storey Books. The author provides all the information you need on growing herbs organically. This book features easy garden designs for all sorts of locations and situations. To make it simple, she provides easy-reference charts for propagating, harvesting, and using each herb. There are even scrumptious recipes you can use for meals along with easy to follow instructions for making herbal remedies.

With the bad news on hormone replacement therapy, where are women supposed to turn? A great place to start is with the third edition of "The Estrogen Alternative-Natural Hormone Therapy with Botanical Progesterone" by Raquel Martin, published by Healing Arts Press. The author provides up-to-date information on herbs that can be used as alternatives to synthetic hormones. She guides you through the confusing maze of conflicting studies, and offers advice on working with your doctor to find natural solutions.

For novice and experienced herb users alike, Ana Nez Heatherley offers a concise guide to traditional Native American healing in "Healing Plants-A Medicinal Guide to Native North American Plants and Herbs" from The Lyons Press. With Native American and Celtic ancestry, the author comes from a family of healers, and is a registered nurse. In this reader- friendly book, she provides information on a hundred different plants. To aid in plant ID, there are color photos and plant descriptions along with herbal folklore. With informative sidebars, maps, and cross-reference lists, the volume is very comprehensive.

Aromatherapy continues to gain popularity. For an introduction to the subject, "Aromatherapy-Essential Oils and How to Use Them" by Charla Devereux from Tuttle Publishing can't be beat. This no-nonsense guide provides an introduction to aromatherapy along with step-by-step instructions on using the oils and how to combine them. There is an A-Z guide to the most common essential oils, and tips on using them for health and beauty.

"Aromatherapy-A Holistic Guide: Balancing Body and Soul With Essential Oils" by Ann Berwick from Llewellyn Publications, is comprehensive enough for all those interested in herbs. The author received training at the London School of Aromatherapy. She reveals secrets used by professional aromatherapists for massage, and perfumery, along with details on how the oils can be used to treat physical and emotional ailments. In this volume she profiles 24 of the most powerful essential oils.

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