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Radical Remedies: An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self-Care
A modern, approachable holistic health guide that focuses on physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Radical Remedies urges readers to take an active concern for their overall health and well-being by reconnecting with nature and honoring their own emotional history and experience. Focusing on twenty-five of the most nourishing herbs, this book shows how they can be used to remedy stress, depression, and insomnia, soothe tension in the body, and comfort a broken heart. With insights on gut health, emotional balance, and the importance of whole foods, readers will discover practices and strategies to survive and thrive every day. Learn to make recipes like Ashwagandha Chai, Sacred Spark Infusion, Lemon Balm and Orange Peel Honey, and Banish the Blues Tincture or follow instructions for a Honey Mallow Soothing Face Mask or a Gotu Kola Rose Facial Oil. While balance or vitality is never achieved through a singular act or quick fix, this guide details a deep well of practices and self-care that can aid you in the toughest of times.
Radical Remedies urges readers to take an active concern for their overall health and well-being by reconnecting with nature and honoring their own emotional history and experience. Focusing on twenty-five of the most nourishing herbs, this book shows how they can be used to remedy stress, depression, and insomnia, soothe tension in the body, and comfort a broken heart. With insights on gut health, emotional balance, and the importance of whole foods, readers will discover practices and strategies to survive and thrive every day. Learn to make recipes like Ashwagandha Chai, Sacred Spark Infusion, Lemon Balm and Orange Peel Honey, and Banish the Blues Tincture or follow instructions for a Honey Mallow Soothing Face Mask or a Gotu Kola Rose Facial Oil. While balance or vitality is never achieved through a singular act or quick fix, this guide details a deep well of practices and self-care that can aid you in the toughest of times.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2021
59 people are currently reading
3409 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 7, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Radical Remedies is an amazing book packed with information that has been well researched and learned by the author.
I've learned so many new things about herbs especially in connection to self care and medicinal benefit and the best bit for me is that they are all natural remedies.
Some herbs in this book I had never heard of so I will be looking about for these.
Such a dedicated, resourceful and helpful book - give it a try you won't be disappointed.
Radical Remedies is an amazing book packed with information that has been well researched and learned by the author.
I've learned so many new things about herbs especially in connection to self care and medicinal benefit and the best bit for me is that they are all natural remedies.
Some herbs in this book I had never heard of so I will be looking about for these.
Such a dedicated, resourceful and helpful book - give it a try you won't be disappointed.
October 19, 2020
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Brittany Ducham's upcoming release "Radical Remedies: An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self-Care."
If I'm being honest, I'm more of a wannabe when it comes to the world of herbals. I respect it. I admire it. I think about going for it, but then I think "That's a lot of work."
But, over recent years I've been moving ever so gently toward that direction. It's movement that became more passionate after a November 2019 hospitalization that led to amputation of my upper left leg. While that result was awful, the truth is it could have been much worse.
Since I was off work for 3 months doing rehab and followed that up with this seemingly endless quarantine, I've been teaching myself to cook for the first time in my life and moving into the world of healthier living beyond my active life.
I've been eating better, utilizing supplements, and exploring scents. I even became a Reiki Master. So, I approached "Radical Remedies" with both wariness and excitement.
Truthfully, I'm not sure that "Radical Remedies" is the ideal book for a beginner. Ducham has a wealth of knowledge and obviously enjoys sharing it. She writes with a weaving together of warmth and intimacy and knowledge that is compelling and never less than engaging.
But, there's a LOT. Seriously. Ducham knows her stuff and shares it comprehensively in this fascinating, empowering, and engaging collection.
Ducham is a community herbalist, writer, and medicine maker. She owns Spellbound Herbs and you can just feel her passion for life, love, emotional/physical well-being, and justice in her words.
"Radical Remedies" encourages readers to become empowered toward self-care and Ducham helps to provide the tools to do so. She focuses primarily on twenty-five of the most nourishing herbs and explains their benefits, uses, variations, and serves up a myriad of remedies in great deal. She explores such common issues as depression, insomnia, pain, the gut, tension, a broken heart, trauma, and more. She provides both encouragement and practical tools to make a difference. She presents herself as human, while also leaning into the vast knowledge she has gained from extensive study.
There are multiple reasons why I appreciated "Radical Remedies" even more than I expected. As someone who was born with spina bifida, I often find myself leaning into the wellness world cautiously as an awful lot of practitioners don't seem to recognize the words "wellness" and disability" in the same sentence. Personally, I believe they go together beautifully and I get the sense that Ducham would agree. She understands the value of contemporary medicine, but also believes its vastly over-utilized and, this is my wording, tends to put profits before people.
As someone who has had 50+ surgeries, I'd have to agree with that conclusion.
Yet, while I live with chronic illnesses there are a myriad of reasons why I've massively outlived my life expectancy and I believe it does come down to attitude, self-care, listening to my body, and not always leaning into medicine. So many predictions for me have been incorrect, from cognitive limitations to independent living and more. So, I guess what I'm saying is that Ducham presents with a balance that I find refreshing.
She's human and that comes through in her writing.
Ducham also avoids anything resembling a quick fix attitude. She understands that life is a journey and so is our movement toward well-being. There are, of course, things we can "fix" rather quickly but there are also journeys that will take long - for example, recovering from trauma. Again, Ducham seems to take a balanced, healthy approach to well-being that is refreshing and that I don't always see in this world. There are times I feel like a bit of an outcast, but "Radical Remedies" made me feel like I belong in the world even if I did find it a little overwhelming at times.
I do think that "Radical Remedies" is more a book for someone already on a wellness journey of some type or someone who has at least a basic knowledge of herbs and wellness. Ducham provides such an extensive knowledge base that if you're unfamiliar with basic terms it may prove to be a bit too much right off the bat. "Radical Remedies," I suppose, feels like it's for the person who's decided to truly gain deeper knowledge or to truly get serious about self-care and is ready to do something about it whether it's exploring herbs, learning recipes, or simply acquiring the tools one would need to truly begin leaning into this life style.
If you're truly ready to be empowered toward a healthier, cleaner, and more empowered life, then "Radical Remedies" is an engaging, empowering, and absolutely energized book that you'll enjoy from beginning to end.
If I'm being honest, I'm more of a wannabe when it comes to the world of herbals. I respect it. I admire it. I think about going for it, but then I think "That's a lot of work."
But, over recent years I've been moving ever so gently toward that direction. It's movement that became more passionate after a November 2019 hospitalization that led to amputation of my upper left leg. While that result was awful, the truth is it could have been much worse.
Since I was off work for 3 months doing rehab and followed that up with this seemingly endless quarantine, I've been teaching myself to cook for the first time in my life and moving into the world of healthier living beyond my active life.
I've been eating better, utilizing supplements, and exploring scents. I even became a Reiki Master. So, I approached "Radical Remedies" with both wariness and excitement.
Truthfully, I'm not sure that "Radical Remedies" is the ideal book for a beginner. Ducham has a wealth of knowledge and obviously enjoys sharing it. She writes with a weaving together of warmth and intimacy and knowledge that is compelling and never less than engaging.
But, there's a LOT. Seriously. Ducham knows her stuff and shares it comprehensively in this fascinating, empowering, and engaging collection.
Ducham is a community herbalist, writer, and medicine maker. She owns Spellbound Herbs and you can just feel her passion for life, love, emotional/physical well-being, and justice in her words.
"Radical Remedies" encourages readers to become empowered toward self-care and Ducham helps to provide the tools to do so. She focuses primarily on twenty-five of the most nourishing herbs and explains their benefits, uses, variations, and serves up a myriad of remedies in great deal. She explores such common issues as depression, insomnia, pain, the gut, tension, a broken heart, trauma, and more. She provides both encouragement and practical tools to make a difference. She presents herself as human, while also leaning into the vast knowledge she has gained from extensive study.
There are multiple reasons why I appreciated "Radical Remedies" even more than I expected. As someone who was born with spina bifida, I often find myself leaning into the wellness world cautiously as an awful lot of practitioners don't seem to recognize the words "wellness" and disability" in the same sentence. Personally, I believe they go together beautifully and I get the sense that Ducham would agree. She understands the value of contemporary medicine, but also believes its vastly over-utilized and, this is my wording, tends to put profits before people.
As someone who has had 50+ surgeries, I'd have to agree with that conclusion.
Yet, while I live with chronic illnesses there are a myriad of reasons why I've massively outlived my life expectancy and I believe it does come down to attitude, self-care, listening to my body, and not always leaning into medicine. So many predictions for me have been incorrect, from cognitive limitations to independent living and more. So, I guess what I'm saying is that Ducham presents with a balance that I find refreshing.
She's human and that comes through in her writing.
Ducham also avoids anything resembling a quick fix attitude. She understands that life is a journey and so is our movement toward well-being. There are, of course, things we can "fix" rather quickly but there are also journeys that will take long - for example, recovering from trauma. Again, Ducham seems to take a balanced, healthy approach to well-being that is refreshing and that I don't always see in this world. There are times I feel like a bit of an outcast, but "Radical Remedies" made me feel like I belong in the world even if I did find it a little overwhelming at times.
I do think that "Radical Remedies" is more a book for someone already on a wellness journey of some type or someone who has at least a basic knowledge of herbs and wellness. Ducham provides such an extensive knowledge base that if you're unfamiliar with basic terms it may prove to be a bit too much right off the bat. "Radical Remedies," I suppose, feels like it's for the person who's decided to truly gain deeper knowledge or to truly get serious about self-care and is ready to do something about it whether it's exploring herbs, learning recipes, or simply acquiring the tools one would need to truly begin leaning into this life style.
If you're truly ready to be empowered toward a healthier, cleaner, and more empowered life, then "Radical Remedies" is an engaging, empowering, and absolutely energized book that you'll enjoy from beginning to end.
December 1, 2020
This is an excellent herbal guide and one of my favorites that I've read for review recently. The book is broken down into chapters of types of issues, such as viral illnesses, depression and heartache, aches and pains, and so on. I appreciate that Ducham talks about all kinds of things to help each type of issue such as lifestyle changes and healing foods, not just herbs. She provides wonderful in-depth looks at quite a few herbs, many of which I grow or forage and also use for healing. There are many recipes, but most of them use a combination of tinctures (herbs steeped over a long period of time in strong alcohol). I didn't tend to have every one of the ingredients for any of her recipes, which was discouraging for me as I prefer to use almost all local plants for my remedies and not to order tinctures or dried plants from others online. I also am kind of a one or two plant herbalist as it's often all you need -- elderberry for viruses, raw garlic to kick a sinus infection, nettle tea to build immunity and boost iron, and so on -- and I just mix and match according to my needs. For those who want those sorts of recipes, though, this will be a fantastic resource. Each remedy tends to be composed of about 5 tinctures. There are also recipes for healing oils and other types of preparations like syrups, but the focus is really on tinctures.
There are no photos, though there are nice one or two color illustrations to set the mood. There is no information on growing or foraging the herbs, other than occasional mentions of things like this plant is often found growing on sidewalks.
One thing I really appreciated was the author's notes on using remedies from your own heritage and culture instead of taking them from other cultures. White sage is one example of this, where a holy plant for Native American tribes has been over-harvested and endangered by unscrupulous foragers and herbalists cashing in on its popularity. I also appreciated her notes against using essential oils, which are completely unsustainable for most plants (and have pretty much the opposite effect of gentle herbal remedies) and her notes on respecting plants in general.
Not much of the book was new to me, but I've been using herbs for many years and also read ridiculous numbers of health books. It's a fantastic resource for anyone interested in health or holistic remedies, and not just herbal ones. I especially enjoyed the in-depth herbal studies, and the well rounded nature of the advice.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
There are no photos, though there are nice one or two color illustrations to set the mood. There is no information on growing or foraging the herbs, other than occasional mentions of things like this plant is often found growing on sidewalks.
One thing I really appreciated was the author's notes on using remedies from your own heritage and culture instead of taking them from other cultures. White sage is one example of this, where a holy plant for Native American tribes has been over-harvested and endangered by unscrupulous foragers and herbalists cashing in on its popularity. I also appreciated her notes against using essential oils, which are completely unsustainable for most plants (and have pretty much the opposite effect of gentle herbal remedies) and her notes on respecting plants in general.
Not much of the book was new to me, but I've been using herbs for many years and also read ridiculous numbers of health books. It's a fantastic resource for anyone interested in health or holistic remedies, and not just herbal ones. I especially enjoyed the in-depth herbal studies, and the well rounded nature of the advice.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
October 29, 2020
I enjoyed this book; I feel like I learnt so much. Not my normal kind of book, but I’m so glad I gave it a try.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
October 29, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.
"Radical Remedies" is a must read this year. With all of this going on, some radical remedies are truly in need. The author of this book suggests several teas and herbs to try daily and some recipes in order to improve your lifestyle and health issues. I even took notes on how to do a soothing face mask, so I can try it out. Throughout the book there are several sections called "plant profile", in which Ducham talks about different herbs and explains how to use them. I honestly recommend this book to everyone. Rating: 5/5 stars.
"Radical Remedies" is a must read this year. With all of this going on, some radical remedies are truly in need. The author of this book suggests several teas and herbs to try daily and some recipes in order to improve your lifestyle and health issues. I even took notes on how to do a soothing face mask, so I can try it out. Throughout the book there are several sections called "plant profile", in which Ducham talks about different herbs and explains how to use them. I honestly recommend this book to everyone. Rating: 5/5 stars.
October 16, 2020
So much information in one book! I use a lot of herbs, grow my own as well. I’m always looking for new ways to use them for my own benefit. I knew some things about the herbs in this book, but there is always a lot more to learn, and this book is a good way of growing your knowledge.
I felt a bit overwhelmed by the book at times, since there was such a big mix of information load. Pretty much all of our modern day Western problems regarding mental health issues, stress, anxiety etc. are present in the book. Some of the information is general knowledge to the extent that it was a bit too much. I’m sure people know that healthy eating is the key to a healthy life, the problem is that even though people know this, it seems like few actually do what is best for them.
Otherwise I really appreciate the information found in this book. The good thing is that you can easily choose what you want to read, so if you’re not depressed or stressed, you can easily skip over those parts. It’s a really good book to use as a reference book and to keep handy within reach whenever you need it. I really enjoyed the parts regarding cold/flu and our different bodies, as well as digestion. The crap people eat today is a great reason to read this book, and get a better digestion.
I felt a bit overwhelmed by the book at times, since there was such a big mix of information load. Pretty much all of our modern day Western problems regarding mental health issues, stress, anxiety etc. are present in the book. Some of the information is general knowledge to the extent that it was a bit too much. I’m sure people know that healthy eating is the key to a healthy life, the problem is that even though people know this, it seems like few actually do what is best for them.
Otherwise I really appreciate the information found in this book. The good thing is that you can easily choose what you want to read, so if you’re not depressed or stressed, you can easily skip over those parts. It’s a really good book to use as a reference book and to keep handy within reach whenever you need it. I really enjoyed the parts regarding cold/flu and our different bodies, as well as digestion. The crap people eat today is a great reason to read this book, and get a better digestion.
February 17, 2024
OMG I did it. I finished a non fiction book. This book is a treasure. Even if you are not interested in herbalism it is chock full of really great self care tips and does all this and more while being aware of environmental concerns and cultural appropriation issues. Also it's really beautiful which doesn't hurt. I am glad that I chose this for my first book about herbalism.
November 2, 2022
I absolutely LOVE this book! The herbs suggested help for many ailments & multiple benefits. Ducham refers to many herbs easily accessible and easily grown into our own yards. I loved how the book is structured and the easy recipes included. I have a few books on herbs, similar to this one, but this is my favourite! One I will be using a lot!
December 7, 2022
This book is so great. The author organized it very well and provided wonderful information with context to our modern society. Whether you’re into self care, herbalism, healing, witchcraft, or any combination, I recommend it. I’ll for sure be keeping it on my shelf as a useful reference.
February 24, 2021
Radical Remedies is a Must-Have Guide for the Advancing Herbalist (READ MORE: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-radi...)
Brittany Ducham's Radical Remedies: An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self-Care is a thoughtful herbal guide that I felt was geared towards a competent herbalist looking to expand their knowledge of remedies, folk medicine, and natural self-care. While I have a working knowledge of herbal remedies, I would not recommend it for the novice herbalist, as the book felt aimed towards those looking to fully commit their lives to an herbalist lifestyle.
Radical Remedies is organized into ten sections: first introducing the concepts behind plant medicine and utilizing the tools you have within your home and in the nature around you, before delving into specific aspects of self-care from your digestion to your mental and emotional wellbeing to your body’s immunity.
Ducham helps her readers understand the new concepts she presents by introducing easy-to-read charts, herbal case studies, and easy-to-implement practices to improve your own wellbeing. Throughout the book she also provides page numbers for further reading, implying that the book is not meant to be read straight through, but uses as a guide to learning more about yourself.
One chart that I found quite enlightening was the Recognizing Energetics chart, which revealed that I am a “Hot” person. I already knew this about myself, but I enjoyed learning more about recognizing what type of constitution I am and which herbs are best suited for that constitution. Some of which I had already utilized throughout the course of my life, but others I introduced into my collection of elixirs and tinctures after reading Radical Remedies.
Thirty-one of the prominent herbs that Ducham introduces throughout the book are given detailed plant profiles, introducing readers to which constitutions they are suited towards, which parts of the planet should be used, advice about how to prepare the remedies, and recommended plant pairings. I do wish that these plant profiles provided images, as the limited illustrations through Radical Remedies did not make it as visually engaging as I had hoped a guide would be.
She is also mindful about the way that she encourages “wildcrafting,” ensuring that her readers recognize that some herbs — like white sage — are tied to indigenous traditions and should not be used by nonindigenous herbalists. The key to natural remedies is understanding where herbs originate and what their roots are in. This was a very nice mindfulness reminder, which some new-age herbalists overlook.
While I may not be able to set up my own home apothecary and create my natural remedies, the book did encourage me to pick up a Burdock Root tincture for myself and a Hawthorne elixir for my mother. Though I found the book to be geared towards a slightly more advanced herbalist than myself, I did appreciate how Ducham wrapped Radical Remedies up with a wonderful “Resources” section filled with additional books, cookbooks, and where-to-buy websites to help burgeoning herbalists learn more or source ingredients without going into the woods.
Radical Remedies would be a daunting read for someone with little exposure to herbalism, but it is the perfect addition to the library of someone building their own in-home apothecary. If the pandemic has made you start to consider home remedies for the first time, this is the perfect book to return to once you have developed your understanding.
Brittany Ducham's Radical Remedies: An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self-Care is a thoughtful herbal guide that I felt was geared towards a competent herbalist looking to expand their knowledge of remedies, folk medicine, and natural self-care. While I have a working knowledge of herbal remedies, I would not recommend it for the novice herbalist, as the book felt aimed towards those looking to fully commit their lives to an herbalist lifestyle.
Radical Remedies is organized into ten sections: first introducing the concepts behind plant medicine and utilizing the tools you have within your home and in the nature around you, before delving into specific aspects of self-care from your digestion to your mental and emotional wellbeing to your body’s immunity.
Ducham helps her readers understand the new concepts she presents by introducing easy-to-read charts, herbal case studies, and easy-to-implement practices to improve your own wellbeing. Throughout the book she also provides page numbers for further reading, implying that the book is not meant to be read straight through, but uses as a guide to learning more about yourself.
One chart that I found quite enlightening was the Recognizing Energetics chart, which revealed that I am a “Hot” person. I already knew this about myself, but I enjoyed learning more about recognizing what type of constitution I am and which herbs are best suited for that constitution. Some of which I had already utilized throughout the course of my life, but others I introduced into my collection of elixirs and tinctures after reading Radical Remedies.
Thirty-one of the prominent herbs that Ducham introduces throughout the book are given detailed plant profiles, introducing readers to which constitutions they are suited towards, which parts of the planet should be used, advice about how to prepare the remedies, and recommended plant pairings. I do wish that these plant profiles provided images, as the limited illustrations through Radical Remedies did not make it as visually engaging as I had hoped a guide would be.
She is also mindful about the way that she encourages “wildcrafting,” ensuring that her readers recognize that some herbs — like white sage — are tied to indigenous traditions and should not be used by nonindigenous herbalists. The key to natural remedies is understanding where herbs originate and what their roots are in. This was a very nice mindfulness reminder, which some new-age herbalists overlook.
While I may not be able to set up my own home apothecary and create my natural remedies, the book did encourage me to pick up a Burdock Root tincture for myself and a Hawthorne elixir for my mother. Though I found the book to be geared towards a slightly more advanced herbalist than myself, I did appreciate how Ducham wrapped Radical Remedies up with a wonderful “Resources” section filled with additional books, cookbooks, and where-to-buy websites to help burgeoning herbalists learn more or source ingredients without going into the woods.
Radical Remedies would be a daunting read for someone with little exposure to herbalism, but it is the perfect addition to the library of someone building their own in-home apothecary. If the pandemic has made you start to consider home remedies for the first time, this is the perfect book to return to once you have developed your understanding.
July 19, 2021
This is not a one-stop-shop book for herbalism. It will need to be paired with an identification book (there are no photos), and the instructions are very minimal (which I honestly appreciated - it's very accessible).
That is not a critique - just a warning if you're looking for an all-encompassing herbalism 101 book! It also has a stellar resource list in the back.
This was lovely. It is probably one of my favourite herbalism books I've read so far. It is not perfect, but pretty close in my opinion (4.5 stars). It's broken down into easily digestible categories ("Navigating Stress and Anxiety", "Relaxation and Sleep", "Pain Management"). Brittany Ducham puts so much care into her practice, and you can truly feel that in her writing. She grapples with the issues a lot of other writers don't care or dare to address.
Wildcrafting is critiqued. She questions the sustainability of essential oils and how much plant matter is needed for a mere few drops. She doesn't shame/stigmatize people who use biomedical medicine/pharmaceuticals, but neither does this industry get a free pass and she identifies it as the capitalistic mess it is. Cultural appropriation is not swept under the rug. And there is even an option of working with a plant without picking it!
I'm happy to have this on my shelf, and I will definitely return to it.
That is not a critique - just a warning if you're looking for an all-encompassing herbalism 101 book! It also has a stellar resource list in the back.
This was lovely. It is probably one of my favourite herbalism books I've read so far. It is not perfect, but pretty close in my opinion (4.5 stars). It's broken down into easily digestible categories ("Navigating Stress and Anxiety", "Relaxation and Sleep", "Pain Management"). Brittany Ducham puts so much care into her practice, and you can truly feel that in her writing. She grapples with the issues a lot of other writers don't care or dare to address.
Wildcrafting is critiqued. She questions the sustainability of essential oils and how much plant matter is needed for a mere few drops. She doesn't shame/stigmatize people who use biomedical medicine/pharmaceuticals, but neither does this industry get a free pass and she identifies it as the capitalistic mess it is. Cultural appropriation is not swept under the rug. And there is even an option of working with a plant without picking it!
I'm happy to have this on my shelf, and I will definitely return to it.
October 19, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from Roost Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved the layout of this book and how Brittany Ducham informed the reader the power of these remedies and the power of plants with healing. With all of the stress and mental disorders increasing with the effects of COVID-19, the world could use a book like this to not only tell them there is a way but how to execute the way and live their best life possible. This book gives you everything you need to live your best and feel great physically and emotionally everyday. I know a lot of our patrons will certainly value a book like this and I can't wait to hear their opinions.
We will consider adding this title to our R Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I loved the layout of this book and how Brittany Ducham informed the reader the power of these remedies and the power of plants with healing. With all of the stress and mental disorders increasing with the effects of COVID-19, the world could use a book like this to not only tell them there is a way but how to execute the way and live their best life possible. This book gives you everything you need to live your best and feel great physically and emotionally everyday. I know a lot of our patrons will certainly value a book like this and I can't wait to hear their opinions.
We will consider adding this title to our R Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
November 9, 2020
An interesting book that serves as a good introduction to herbal remedies to be used in tandem with modern medicine, this book covers the use of herbs and runs a huge gamut between all the necessary ingredients and the forms of solutions that can be created. The reader will be able to pick up huge amounts of information from this book, and it incorporates foraging, self-care, and other ways of managing to work towards a healthier life. I do wish it were a little more illustrated, but that's okay- it's always hard to have identifiable herbs included in a book. All in all, this is a good starter's almanac to herbal remedies and how to go about making your own.
February 25, 2021
I was anxious to read this ARC because I love phytotherapy and really appreciate that the author acknowledges both the validity and usefulness of modern medicine and herbs, in conjugation, with being used as necessary. However, the formatting of the book made it rather hard to read. Also, I felt like there was a lot of fluff and the author inserting her own beliefs on what you should look for in a herbalist that is not indicative of how effective an herbalist is at all but simply based on personal beliefs. There is definitely some good information that can be gleaned from the book, though I did find some parts to be a bit too "New Age" for my personal tastes, such as talking to the plants and asking for permission before each use. It may appeal to some, but most people that I know who love and use herbal medicine, do not do this so it feels unnecessary and distracted from the actual content of the book. I'm sure those who do it may disagree, but there is no one correct way to feel about plants, so some parts like that felt a bit detached, for lack of a better term. Overall, it was an okay book. Certainly not my favorite on the subject, but still informative, none the less. 2 1/2 stars.
February 18, 2021
Radical Remedies: An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self-Care by Brittany Ducham
Publisher: Roost Books
Genre: Health, Mind & Body | Nonfiction (Adult)
Release Date: April 20, 2021
Radical Remedies: An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self-Care by Brittany Ducham is an incredible resource for taking control of your own wellness.
This book is filled with no much great information. This was well-researched and put together in an easy to understand manner.
I have been on a wellness journey for some time now and I'm so excited to have found this book! The author covers so many topics of wellness, such a plant based medicine, gut health and the connection between what we eat and how we feel.
I definitely recommend this book!
I'm so grateful to Brittany Ducham, Roost Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Roost Books
Genre: Health, Mind & Body | Nonfiction (Adult)
Release Date: April 20, 2021
Radical Remedies: An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self-Care by Brittany Ducham is an incredible resource for taking control of your own wellness.
This book is filled with no much great information. This was well-researched and put together in an easy to understand manner.
I have been on a wellness journey for some time now and I'm so excited to have found this book! The author covers so many topics of wellness, such a plant based medicine, gut health and the connection between what we eat and how we feel.
I definitely recommend this book!
I'm so grateful to Brittany Ducham, Roost Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2021
I fell in love with this book the moment I received the manuscript. I love and appreciate the depth to which Brittany offers methods to be in reciprocity with the land and plants, and the practical ways to incorporate healing herbs into everyday life. Since reading this book, I have been so deeply inspired to explore the plant path and have been creating tinctures, oils, salves, oxymels, and more from the beautiful recipes in the book. I also really appreciate the care and attention given to all areas of health, from digestion to mental wellbeing - truly a holistic, empowering book. Highly recommend to all!
November 11, 2021
This book is jam-packed with information! From self-care suggestions to supportive herbs and how to prepare simple herbal remedies. I will definitely be using this book as a reference guide for my herbal journey. A lot of good, basic information for beginners, but also plenty of depth for those who have been interacting with plants for awhile. As a bonus, the book is divided up and written in such a way that it doesn't feel like a textbook. It's easy to find what you need and the information is concise. Plus, the cover is just beautiful! It's five stars for me.
October 17, 2020
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a thorough book!
It focuses on self care through things like tinctures, teas, and plant essences. While not really my thing there is a lot of information in this book. The book focuses on herbs and other natural remedies and how to use them. Some of the herbs aren't particularly common, at least not in my area, so it seems like an investment to find some of them.
Overall it's an informative read.
This is a thorough book!
It focuses on self care through things like tinctures, teas, and plant essences. While not really my thing there is a lot of information in this book. The book focuses on herbs and other natural remedies and how to use them. Some of the herbs aren't particularly common, at least not in my area, so it seems like an investment to find some of them.
Overall it's an informative read.
March 6, 2021
I know next to nothing about herbs and their healing power. I was impressed by Brittany’s depth of knowledge and how she tied in so many important issues of the day, such as improving digestion through gut health as well as herbs for mental health. I loved the easy to understand explanations and the recipes and resources. This is a great first step for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the world of herbs!
February 1, 2023
This is the first book I've ever read on herbalism and self-help. It was very approachable and I appreciate the balanced approach between the desired effects of plants and paying attention to your current habits and lifestyle. No amount of tea is going to help joint pain if you maintain a high-stress job, bad posture, inflammatory diet and don't prioritize taking care of yourself. I can't wait to learn more on this subject.
June 15, 2023
I think this has been the most informative and practical herbalist book I've ever read.
The author breaks down more specifics for herbs, that makes them not only more efficient, but more accessible. This book talks about the power of changing lifestyle without shaming. It talks about the practicality of using herbs in your life as well. It doesn't shame, or set unrealistic expectations. I really enjoyed this book.
The author breaks down more specifics for herbs, that makes them not only more efficient, but more accessible. This book talks about the power of changing lifestyle without shaming. It talks about the practicality of using herbs in your life as well. It doesn't shame, or set unrealistic expectations. I really enjoyed this book.
November 8, 2025
There are so many herbalism books and so many are so similar and offer nothing new. This is very special and offers something very different: an herbal focus on self-care. I love the way it is laid out, the drawings are lovely, and in a time of intense stress, this has been helpful. A book I know I'll be reaching for again and again. Highly recommend for anyone studying herbalism and all public library collections.
May 4, 2021
This is a gem for our turbulent times. The author has done a lot of research to present a wide array of herbal remedies. The best part? You don't need to be a self-proclaimed herbalist to get into this book! The author provides information in straightforward, accessible ways that empower readers to transform their self-care. Definitely recommend.
September 10, 2021
I found this book to be full of herbal methods and recipes I will use on a daily bases. The author writes with such passion for herbs and herbal remedies you can't help but want to fill your all of your shelves with herbs and start making your own herbal recipes. I have several book cases filled with herbal books and this will most surely be a favorite reference book.
August 8, 2023
I love this book It's more than just recipes its practical life changes you can slowly make to improve your or overall health. The content breakdown is very easy. If i have a specific issue I'm dealing with i can easily flip to that section for suggestions. Would recommend.
March 27, 2025
A sweet sweet guide for herbal remedies and holistic wellness. I tried a couple recipes, some are ingrained into my rituals like the ashwagandha golden milk in the evening. I enjoyed the lifestyle recommendations and the herb profiles as well. A beautiful book that I’ll keep coming back to for sure
May 12, 2021
I loooove this book ! Filled with good advice and informations ! And so clear and aesthetic too ! Very precious advice !
January 23, 2022
This is a GORGEOUS book.
Great addition to the healer's collection even if some of the advice tends to be very beginner.
Great addition to the healer's collection even if some of the advice tends to be very beginner.
July 5, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a good herbal educational book and this one just hits the spot! 🤩📖
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love a good herbal educational book and this one just hits the spot! 🤩📖
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 4, 2023
Really great intro to herbalism. 🌱 Bonus points for only being $5 at 5 Below.
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