A Word from Brigit...

In this newsletter I wanted to tell you about an amazing book I have just read.

THE MEDICINE GARDEN

by Rachel Corby

I love the natural world and have always been especially interested in the healing power of plants, so whenever I'm in a library or a bookshop I always head straight for the ‘Natural Remedies' section. There are so many books to choose from, but many of those that have been published recently are just re-formatted versions of something I've read before - and often quite disappointing.

The book I have on my bedside table at the moment doesn't fall into this category though, the book I have on my bedside table is truly magical! It came through the post last week and I sensed as soon as I opened the package and saw the cover that it was going to captivate and delight me. So, I resisted the temptation to dip in until I had first made myself comfortable with a nice cup of (herbal) tea - and then I began...

It's difficult to know how to write this review because I feel that, somehow, Rachel Corby's ‘The Medicine Garden' is more than just a book. It is a message; a call back to nature; a plea to remind us that we are in danger of growing so far apart from that with which we are inextricably linked, that if we're not careful we may never find our way home.

Rachel's introduction is written from the heart and I can see immediately that she is absolutely immersed in the natural world, and I know that what I am about to read is going to be so much more than a list of ‘which plants have what properties'. On a practical note, the information I need to be able to identify which plant to pick for a sore throat, sinusitis or sunburn is easy to find - and there are detailed instructions on how to make basic preparations such as tinctures, salves, infusions and syrups; but what is most inspiring is Rachel's deep and intimate connection with the plants she writes about.

Apart from the delightful way Rachel writes, the wealth of information contained within ‘The Medicine Garden' is arranged in a unique way that would appeal to anyone who has ever been interested in medicinal plants, whether they be novices or practitioners. Rachel's approach is to begin with the plants on your back doorstep - before moving on to the lawn, the flower border and the vegetable garden - and then further afield to the hedgerow, woodland and riverside. I can actually visualise myself taking a familiar walk as I read through the chapters of this book. I see the herbs just outside my own back door; the honeysuckle and aquilegia at the end of the path; the calendula and borage in amongst the summer squashes; dandelion and stinging nettles on the grassy verges; hedgerows brimming with blackberries, rosehips and hazel nuts...and I haven't even reached the woodland or river yet!

I could continue writing, but I am anxious to get back and read the last few chapters of this delicious book - about the healing plants that grow in our meadows, moorlands and coastal areas. Before I settle back into the book, however, I think I might just pop outside and pick a couple of sprigs of rosemary, sage and thyme to make myself an infusion and see if I can ward off this winter cold...

Brigit Strawbridge

Herb photos (c) Salena Walker 2010

Available direct from the BGI for £16.95 plus £2.50 p&p.