"Filled with illustrations and fascinating information, Polish Herbs,
Flowers & Folk Medicine is a veritable treasure trove of history,
how-to, and inspiration."--The Midwest Book Review
Taking the reader on a historical tour of herbs and flowers used in
Poland throughout the centuries, this carefully-researched volume
captures the unique history and role of plant life once essential to the
people of Poland. Wander through monastery, castle and cottage gardens
with acclaimed Polish-American author Sophie Hodorowicz Knab as she
explores the growth of medicine and pharmacies and provides information
on the use of over 100 plants, used in healing as well as in daily life
and seasonal holidays throughout the year.
You'll find legends, cautionary tales, and love potions, as well as a
chapter devoted to wedding plants and herbs. There are home remedies for
everything that ailed the people of Poland, from acne to arthritis,
relaxants to rejuvenators, and heartache to heartburn. Gleaned from old
Polish herbals, Knab provides recipes for balms to treat ailments such
as stress, insomnia, slow metabolism, perspiring feet, limp hair and
oily skin. Also included are recipes for homemade herbal vinegars,
soups, syrups, and liqueurs, including elderberry syrup, homemade
Benedictine, and a healing vodka drink from Gdansk.
This revised edition includes new information and research as well as
new illustrations and color photographs. All plants are listed
alphabetically according to their English common name, followed by Latin
botanical name and common Polish name. There is an index of scientific
names for quick reference. History buffs, gardeners, and anyone
interested in their Polish ancestry will find much to explore here.
