We can truly get everything that we need from nature.  The healing properties of herbs are profound, yet knowing what to use and how to use them takes time to learn especially since this information is rarely passed on from generation to generation anymore.  I do believe now is the perfect time to discover what our ancestors used for centuries to heal and beautify the body.   Here are a few books that have been a wonderful reference for me when learning about herbs and other natural remedies.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies

by C. Norman Shearly MD, PhD

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies had three main parts:  therapies and healing remedy sources, treating common ailments, and a reference section.  It contains information about Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic remedies, herbalism, essential oils and flower essences, as well as how to treat specific disorders and dis-ease in the body.

Back to Eden--The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods and Home Remedies since 1938

by Jethro Kloss

Back to Eden is a book with a wealth of information about natural health, herbs for healthy living, treating diseases with herbs, understanding your body and its needs, foods and creating a healthy diet, food preparation, water and water treatments, as well as caring for the sick.

The Way of Herbs--Complete Easy-To-Use Information on Simple Herbal Remedies For Natural Health and Healing

by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.

The Way of Herbs is a complete breakdown on the key to health, as well as how to use, store, prepare, and treat specific ailments with herbs.  It discusses herbal therapies with western and Chinese herbs, magnet therapy, a traveler's first aid kit, and so much more.

The Herbal Home Spa--Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils and Scrubs

by Greta Breedlove

The Herbal Home Spa is a book of information and recipes for a completely natural approach to a beautiful body.  It provides insight on growing, harvesting, storing, and purchasing herbs and an overview of fruits, nuts, oils, butters, salts and other ingredients used for natural beauty.  This book contains beauty recipes from head to toe including herbal bath rituals, massage oils, body wraps, facial care, herbs for hair, and how to create a spa experience with herbal remedies at home.

I’m sure that there are numerous books on herbs and natural remedies for health and beauty, yet these are a few which I own and enjoy.  There’s so much to learn about holistic health and beauty.  Many times we try to treat surface problems with ointments, creams, and other commercial products, yet we can choose to look deeper into what is going on inside the body to create the symptom in the first place.

Treating body imbalances from the inside out is the way to true healing and a bright and beautifully glowing body.

It is so important to work with our bodies and not against it.  When we include chemical toxins from skin and hair care or processed foods in our life, we give our bodies more work than it is already doing.  Our bodies do not easily process and eliminate foreign chemicals that are in cosmetics and processed foods, and we wonder why we feel lethargic.  Our bodies are already working overtime when we are stressed or experiencing difficult life challenges.  Choosing a natural and organic lifestyle is taking a centered and healing approach to the life we live.

What books have inspired you to live a healthier life?

Image by Dawn Michelle