Polish Herbs, Flowers & Folk Medicine

Polish Herbs, Flowers & Folk Medicine is described by The Midwest Book Review as "filled with illustrations and fascinating information, a veritable treasure trove of history, how-to, and inspiration."

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. The book provides information on the use of over 100 plants, used in healing as well as in daily life and seasonal holidays throughout the year.

Discover legends, cautionary tales, and love potions, along with a chapter devoted to wedding plants and herbs. Included 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, such as 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 colour 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.