
A concise guide to the world’s oldest single‑ingredient remedies, this work invites listeners to rediscover the “herbal simple” – a plant used on its own to treat a specific ailment. Beginning with the etymology of the term, the author weaves together ancient anecdotes, from biblical cures to classical myths, showing how generations have trusted lone herbs for health and comfort.
The middle sections move beyond folklore, offering clear explanations of the botanical properties that give each plant its therapeutic power. Readers will learn how colour, shape, and even planetary influence were once used to match herbs to illnesses, and how modern chemistry now clarifies those age‑old observations. Practical instructions for identifying, preparing, and applying these simples make the material useful for anyone interested in natural healing.
Interlaced with charming historical vignettes, the narrative remains grounded in scientific insight, providing a solid foundation for those who wish to explore herbal medicine with both respect for tradition and an eye toward contemporary practice.
Language
en
Duration
~19 hours (1127K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-09-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
b. 1830
A Victorian medical writer with a lasting interest in herbs, food, and traditional remedies, remembered for books that tried to connect older healing lore with everyday practical use. His work still attracts readers curious about the meeting point of medicine, folklore, and domestic health.
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