Many people today are seeking natural methods and products to promote good health, tranquility and beauty. Their search often draws them to the natural herbal remedies of the past, practiced by previous generations. Perhaps they remember a soothing steam inhalation made with herbs during a childhood cold, magically took away the pain. Such memories provide a powerful stimulus to investigate further the healing power of plants, and to find ways to use them easily in keeping with a modern lifestyle, lived at a faster pace then during our parents and grandparents time.
Until the middle of 20th century many households kept a home herbal. This was referred to almost daily for advice, and remedies for everything from minor ailments to beauty tips, from nutritional guidance to perfuming the home. The ingredients suggested in the traditional home herbal were safe, natural and based on plants. These were grown in the garden or on the windowsill, or where easily available from the local drug store, or village wise woman. Unfortunately with the rise of modern allopathic medicine, much of our grandmothers ancient herbal lore has been lost. However, now we are discovering the limitations and disadvantages of antibiotics and other modern medicines, interest in natural remedies is becoming widespread.
