In the seventeenth century, even the most elaborate and fashionable gardens had areas set aside for growing herbs, fruit, vegetables and flowers for domestic use, while those of more modest establishments were vital to the survival of the household. This was also a period of exciting introductions of plants from overseas.Using manuscript household manuals, recipe books and printed herbals, this book takes the reader on a tour of the productive garden and of the various parts of the house - kitchens and service rooms, living rooms and bedrooms - to show how these plants were used for cooking and brewing, medicines and cosmetics, in the making and care of clothes, and finally to keep rooms fresh, fragrant and decorated. Recipes used by seventeenth-century households for preparations such as flower syrups, snail water and wormwood ale are also included.A brief herbal gives descriptions of plants that are familiar today, others not so well known, such as the herbs used for dyeing and brewing, and those that held a particular cultural importance in the seventeenth century. Featuring exquisite coloured illustrations from John Gerard's herbal of 1597 as well as prints, archival material and manuscripts, this book provides an intriguing and original focus on the domestic history of Stuart England.

Kitchen pharmacy meets green cleaning and natural beauty in a classic compendium of Mother Natures plant-powered methods for herbal happiness at home and in health. In The Domestic Alchemist, Pip Waller shares her expertise in this invaluable handbook to herbs. An introduction to the power of plants is followed by concise growing tips and profiles; guidelines on the set up of an alchemists kitchen; and techniques on how to make tinctures to tonics. Add a comprehensive directory of eco-laundry and cleaning concoctions to firstaid and balms from zesty stain removers to cold compresses and youre all set to create your very own domestic revolution.

Joseph Taylor's 'Nature, the Best Physician' provides readers with a comprehensive guide to the physical properties of popular herbs and plants. This book is perfect for anyone interested in natural health remedies and home remedies. It is also an excellent resource for botanists, herbalists, and anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of nature's pharmacy. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Kitchen pharmacy meets green cleaning and natural beauty in this comprehensive handbook of 501 recipes that harness the power of plants to enhance wellness and toxin-free living. Expert herbalist Pip Waller provides a wealth of information about growing, collecting, preserving, and preparing herbs for a variety of purposes--from cleaning products, to food and drink, medicines, beauty products, and more. Attractive and easy to use, The Herbal Handbook for Home and Health includes growing tips and profiles of herbs, guidelines for setting up an herbalist's kitchen, and techniques to make everything from tinctures to tonics. A valuable resource for anyone affected by allergies or sensitivities, this compendium is handsomely produced with two-color printing throughout and more than three hundred striking illustrations. The Handbook includes contributions from herbalists from around the world and encompasses recipes that range from very simple to more complex. Seasoned herbalists as well as those just beginning to explore the world of herbs will find something to start their own nontoxic, non-allergenic domestic revolution. The book includes: • A history of herbal lore • The herbalist's kitchen--equipment and procedures for harnessing the power of plants • Green cleaning products (from floor wax to stain removers) • Herbal pharmacy (from throat lozenges to hangover cures) • Nutritional supplements and detoxes • First aid (from anti-anxiety drops to bruise ointment) • For travel (insect repellant to anti-nausea drops) • Food and drink (breads, butters, wines, teas) • Beauty and balms (toothpaste to shampoo to lip balm) • Kitchen Pharmacy • Food & Drink • Beauty, Balms & Personal Care