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Book Review: A Kid's Herb Book

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It's cold and flu season and I am excited to tell you about a book that I love this time of year.

If you've ever bought a Traditional Medicinal Tea like "Throat Coat" or  "Gypsy Cold Care" you are using a version of something you can make right at home.  Traditional Medicianals was started by Rosemary Gladstar a prominant herbalist.  She wrote a book called Herbal Recipes which has been published for many many years now.  That, however, is not the book I am reviewing today. 

Today I want to introduce you to A Kid's Herb Book; for children of all ages by Lesley Tierra.  If you are a beginner herbalist this is a great book for you, especially if there are children in your life.  Tierra covers 16 basic herbs used for treating illnesses and injuries. Herbs like Mullein; the ear and lung herb, Comfrey; the bone knit herb, Dandelinon; the weed that strengthens, and Licorice; the peace making herb.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7qObAg2i3AsOI1jMe3LKyKwc8mOB_OH-OD-21Vsg79NBvKevWY56bwen7e_yppOtJjbV2Duc1CyZsq1l9ugKslQZjuxb4cjUkXCqK9JgX_gEXhg3nKiVM1xEFLS33UNpKkXpY_JvTccI/s1600/cloves+vintage+image+graphicsfairy004b.jpgOn this adventure you are accompanied by a Gnome called Greenleaf.  He walks with you as Tierra teaches how to make salves, cough drops, paultices, lip balm, real marshmallows, toothpaste, syrups, and lots lots more.  There is so much about this book that I love but what brings it to mind for this blog is Tierra's use of stories.  Each herb has a story and a song to help children see how magical these wonderful plants truly are.

My personal favorite herb in this book is Slippery Elm.  It heals wounds, soothes coughs, and my favorite feature, helps stop vomiting.  Yes!  One recipe my family uses the most is something we call Alien Gruel.  It's nasty looking stuff and takes a bit of getting use to.  But man oh, man, does it make a sick tummy feel better.  In order to get my boys to eat it I read them the story for Slippery Elm and then have them eat a spoonful fo Alien Gruel after every paragraph. They thank me afterwards.

Just in case treating your child with herbs makes you a little nervous.  Tierra also includes dosing information for children and a chart of symptoms as well as which herbs to treat them with.  She also gives the balanced advice of when to seek medical help.  To further enhance this book she has a website www.planetherbs.com with a link to her book for interactive features.  So much fun to be had with herbs!

Did I mention coloring pages?

Enjoy!
Kristen

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