Secret Medicines from Your Garden

The secret in Ellen Hopmans new text is the rich framework she presents for herbal medicine. By knowing herbs through the lenses of the seasons, the garden, the body, the stars, and more, the beginner will develop well-nourished roots and clear, practical skills with a wide range of plants. The advanced student will appreciate the thorough guide to formulation and blending, which makes this book an important reference text. * Guido Mas, codirector of the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, chief herbalist of Urba * Rare are those herbalists who understand the perfection of balance when knowledge is based both upon the wisdom that has survived the passing of millennia and knowledge that is affirmed with the modern tools of research and analysis. I encourage you to take the intimate journey Ellen Evert Hopman offers you in Secret Medicines from Your Garden. Her opening sentence resounds as a truth in my own life as well. And from that sentence onward, as she shares her own journey into the study of herbal medicine, she will engage you as a trusted friend and as someone who goes out of her way to always speak with clarity. The recipes and preparations are delicious, the medicinal information trustworthy, and the historical references reflect academic accuracy. This book should go home with you. And then? Let Ellen take you on a wonderful journey into our herbal world. * Paul Beyerl, master herbalist, author of The Master Book of Herbalism, and founder of The Hermit&rsq * This is the most tantalizing type of herb book--the kind I love most--filled with lore and history, myth and magic, and the authors own rich experiences weaving the tales together. We are led on a most unique multidimensional journey to the heart of herbalism. Along the way we are taught how to use plants for medicine, daily well-being, ritual, and ceremony. * Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist, founder of United Plant Savers, and author of Planting the Future: Sav * Just like in nature where you encounter the same herb many times but in different ways, Ellen Evert Hopmans new book takes you on a spiraling exploration into the world of healing plants. Your first encounter is a taste, the next a healing brew, and then a story as if around a campfire. She also shares, for the first time in print, the brilliant herbal formulation technique of the late (great) herbalist William LeSassier. What a delight to journey with Ellen as she shares her extensive experience and knowledge of the rich diversity found in each plant! * Pam Montgomery, herbalist, educator, and author of Plant Spirit Healing and Partner Earth * Ellen Evert Hopman is a master herbalist who understands both the physical and spiritual nature of plants. In Secret Medicines from Your Garden she draws on her extensive experience and brings us a wonderful book that is so much more than the average herbal. Packed full of practical guidance, accessible information, and useful recipes, this original and beautifully illustrated book takes us deep into nature and teaches how plants can nourish both body and soul. Ellen is making a significant contribution to contemporary plant wisdom. Highly recommended for anyone interested in plant spirits, herbal lore, and plant magic. * Carole Guyett, medical herbalist, Celtic priestess, and author of Sacred Plant Initiations * Like a box of bonbons, this collection of arcane and useful herbal lore will delight and entertain you, no matter your mood. Secret Medicines from Your Garden courses through bee-humming meadows and skirts hedgerows guarded by rowan woods, while eating flower sandwiches and pouring libations for the fairies. You will love this new and wonderful treasure from the enchanted pen of Ms. Hopman. * Susun S. Weed, author of the Wise Woman Herbal Series * Her eyes opened to the power and beauty of nature first by the Franciscan community near Assissi in northern Italy and subsequently by the New Age commun

Ellen Evert Hopman has been a teacher of herbalism since 1983 and is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. A Druidic initiate since 1984, she is a founding member of The Order of the White Oak, an Archdruidess of the Druid Clan of Dana, and a member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages. The author of several books, including A Druids Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year, she lives in Massachusetts.

Author's Note on How to Use This Book Foreword by Matthew Wood Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION Walking the Green Path--An Herbalist Discovers Her Calling PART ONE A WILDCRAFTING PRIMIER 1 The Signatures of Plants--Learning Natures Alphabet 2 Herbs of Spring 3 Herbs of Summer 4 Herbs of Fall 5 Winter Cold and Flu Care, Naturally! 6 Bug Stuff--Plants to Repel Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Fleas PART TWO EXPLORING INVISIBLE DIMENSIONS OF THE PLANT WORLD 7 Magic of the Dragon and the Hag--Dracaena and Mullein 8 Animal Spirit Medicines 9 Herbal Astrology 10 Working with Plant Spirits PART THREE ENJOYING NATURE'S BOUNTY 11 Bee Medicine--The Splendors of Honey 12 Some Kitchen Medicines 13 Hedgerows Are Food, Medicine, and Magic 14 Deciduous Trees for Healing 15 Conifers for Healing PART FOUR FORMULA MAKING 16 General Formulas--From Tinctures to Poultices 17 Constitutional Prescribing--Plants to Build, Cleanse, and Tone the Organs and Systems of the Body Glossary of Herbal Contraindications Sources and Resources Index of Plants by Common Name Index of Plants by Scientific Name Index of Health Concerns General Index