Review
"In this practical book, Rosalee de la Forêt reintroduces us to familiar kitchen herbs and spices, helping us to see them in a new light. Through personal and intimate storytelling, she teaches how to match herbs to people effectively instead of using them as pharmaceutical alternatives. Drawn in by the abundant, delicious recipes, you may come to this book as a home chef, but you will leave as an herbalist, transformed by the power of Rosalee’s alchemy."
— Guido Masé, author of The Wild Medicine Solution and DIY Bitters
"Alchemy of Herbs puts the power of some of the most potent herbal medicines on the planet into your hands. These medicines have been tried and tested for millennia. And now, by combining ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding, Rosalee de la Forêt helps you put nature’s pharmacy to work. Whether you want more energy, better digestion, deeper sleep, or to get sick less often, Alchemy of Herbs will give you the knowledge you need to restore your health and to contribute to lasting wellness. At once inspirational and deeply practical, this is a book to treasure, and to keep close at hand for the rest of your life."
— Ocean Robbins, co-host and CEO of The Food Revolution Network
"It’s rare to find a writer who can describe complex ideas with such clarity and skill that anyone can grasp their subject—Rosalee de la Forêt is one of those souls. In this book, she’s broken down the energetic qualities and medicinal uses of herbs into an accessible and coherent format. If you’ve ever struggled with matching herbs to people—the true gift of an herbalist—Rosalee gives you the tools to understand how herbs can effectively 'nudge' the body’s leanings back into a state of balance. Alchemy of Herbs contains detailed medicinal profiles, zesty recipes, and time-honored plant wisdom. The perfect makings of a top-shelf herbal book that you will treasure for years, and turn to for inspiration time and time again."
— Juliet Blankespoor, herbalist and founder of the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
"This is a wonderfully accessible guide to introducing a medicine chest of healing plants in daily life. The information is presented in a refreshingly approachable way, by an author who loves both herbs and the simple joy they bring into our lives. The abundant recipes show how to access the healing gifts of the herbs as food, created to be both delicious and efficacious. True herbalism!"
— David Hoffmann, herbalist and author of Medical Herbalism and Holistic Herbal
"Another green blessing of herbal information from a practicing herbalist. What a delight to look at the herbs that Rosalee de la Forêt loves and to encounter her avid desire to include you in the joy of herbal medicine."
— Susun S. Weed, author of the Wise Woman Herbal series
"I first met Rosalee de la Forêt several years ago and was immediately impressed with her knowledge, passion for herbal medicine, and ability to clearly communicate this information. It turns out she is also a very good writer, and it is with great pleasure that I now hold her first book in my hands. Alchemy of Herbs is a wonderful introduction to 29 common herbs and spices, allowing you to understand how to use them safely and effectively for home health care, how to make your own kitchen medicines, and how to make tasty recipes so you can incorporate them into your diet."
—David Winston, RH(AHG), clinical herbalist, ethnobotanist, and author of Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief
"So many books geared toward those just beginning to explore the world of medicinal plants offer very basic ‘take this herb for that problem’ information, under the assumption that the foundational underpinnings of herbalism are somehow ‘too hard’ for beginners to grasp. Here, in plain English, Rosalee de la Forêt shows us that the way that herbalists choose herbs for individual people with particular imbalances isn’t some magical power or a skill attainable only by those who can devote their lives to intense study. Instead, it is rooted in common sense patterns that anyone can learn to recognize, given a model to do so. That this is done using familiar herbs and spices available to all is an invaluable bonus. A book for everyone."
— jim mcdonald, herbalist and founder of herbcraft.org
"Herbal medicine can offer so much. But where to start? How do you know what herbs are good for you, and how to separate fact from fiction? Rosalee de la Forêt presents an excellent approach to learning the rich world of herbs. As an experienced educator and practitioner, she weaves together tradition, experience, and science to present a holistic view of each of the plants, while providing specific and practical advice for how you can bring them into your home and life. Alchemy of Herbs is a treasure for any health-seeker’s bookshelf."
— Renee Davis, RH(AHG), founder of Goldroot Botanical Medicine
"Many books introduce readers to herbs and their activities, but Rosalee de la Forêt skillfully introduces people instead to herbalism—the nuanced art of matching plants to people. Drawing energetic traditions into a modern context and right into our kitchens, she provides a simple and elegant system to look beyond symptoms and generic cures and into the heart of true herbal healing."
— Larken Bunce, clinical herbalist and co-director of Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism
"Alchemy of Herbs is a must-read for any herbalist, whether fledgling or experienced! Part reference guide, part recipe book, and part herbal, this is a book that every herbalist will reach for again and again. Rosalee de la Forêt has a knack for teaching others how to use herbs in the best way possible by matching people to herbs. This book is the definitive guide for the subject, giving anyone the confidence to use herbs to their fullest potential. Each chapter is engaging, relaying herbal information through a variety of anecdotal stories, scientific studies, and traditional usage, mixed with a variety of unique and inspiring recipes and gorgeous photographs. This is a book you will want to leave sitting out on your desk, coffee table, and kitchen counter, all at the same time."
— Kristine Brown, RH(AHG), herbalist and author/illustrator of Herbal Roots Zine
"Alchemy of Herbs is a sensory wonder, bringing us our medicines in the most delightful and tantalizing way they can be experienced: as culinary medicines. Step away from the bottle and the capsule and experience herbs in the full richness they can offer both as medicines and as partners in a life rich with plants."
— Bevin Clare, associate professor of Integrative Health at Maryland University and president of the American Herbalist Guild
"As a French herbalist, I have a particular affinity for herbs that are both culinary and medicinal. We have a long tradition of healing food where I live in the South of France, mainly through the incorporation of aromatic herbs in our daily meals. Alchemy of Herbs is what I had been hoping for for years. Rosalee de la Forêt sends us a very important message: health does not necessarily mean yucky potions. This book brings together beautiful pictures, tasty recipes, and health recommendations from an expert healer. In a nutshell: this an invitation to cooking for a long and healthy life."
— Christophe Bernard, founder of AltheaProvence.com
"Informative, concise, knowledgeable, and generous . . . Rosalee de la Forêt's sophisticated approach and her personal experience with herbs comes through in her beautiful recipes, which eloquently combine food and herbal medicine. Keep this book on your kitchen shelf—you’ll refer to it for healing and inspiration, always!"
— John Slattery, author of Southwest Foraging
"In this inspiring and practical book, Rosalee de la Forêt empowers you to awaken your senses in order to choose the best herbs for your needs. And what better way to experience the benefits and pleasures of herbs and spices than in the kitchen? Whether you’re brand-new to herbs or have been using them for years, you’ll love these enticing recipes for delicious drinks, everyday meals, and simple remedies."
— Emily Han, author of Wild Drinks & Cocktails: Handcrafted Squashes, Shrubs, Switchels, Tonics, and Infusions to Mix at Home
"In Alchemy of Herbs, author Rosalee de la Forêt joyously shares her deep wisdom of herbs to inspire and empower us to transform our kitchens into nature’s apothecary where delicious, healing foods and herbal remedies pour forth. Golden Milk, Hawthorn Cordial, and Nettle Leaf Dukkah are just a sampling of the many tasty, curative recipes offered. She unveils the enchanting, yet readily accessible world of herbalism that makes me fall right back in love with the plant kingdom; and you will too!"
— Dina Falconi, herbalist and author of Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook
"In her wonderfully written book, Alchemy of Herbs, Rosalee de la Forêt encourages the reader to 'break free from the insanity of the One-Solution Syndrome' by choosing personalized herbal formulations based on what our own senses tell us our bodies need. What better scenario is there for using our senses to divine this knowledge than cooking with flavorful and aromatic healing herbs and spices? Self-empowerment begins in the kitchen as Rosalee tempts us with dozens of mouth-watering recipes and encourages us to ‘move forward with the mind-set of an explorer.’ Those new to plant-based healing as well as experienced herbalists will find that this beautifully illustrated book exemplifies the heart and soul of herbal healing through delicious food as powerful medicine."
— Jeff Carpenter, author of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer: The Ultimate Guide to Producing High-Quality Herbs on a Market Scale
"Rosalee de la Forêt has done a wonderful job of melding both the culinary and medicinal uses of herbs in a way that allows just about anyone to incorporate herbs into their daily lives. The recipes in Alchemy of Herbs are not only very appealing, but simple enough for the novice cook or herbalist. For those who are looking to spice up their lives and improve their health, I would say that this is the book for you."
— Natalie Vickery, herbalist and founder of TheFamilyHerbalist.com
"Rosalee de la Forêt has broken down some of the more complex parts of herbal medicine into clear and straightforward pieces. It’s very practical, but not at the expense of art and beauty. This book will be a classic."
— Traci Picard, herbalist and founder of FellowWorkersFarm.com
"It’s exciting to watch more and more people becoming empowered in taking better care of themselves and their families with the use of herbs and spices. Rosalee de la Forêt shares concepts like energetics and taste in such a way that makes it easier for people to understand them, and how to find which herbs are best for them as individuals. I’m sure that this book will prove invaluable to those wishing to make that leap into feeling comfortable and confident in making herbs a part of their lives. Everyone will learn something new!"
— Tina Sams, editor of Essential Herbal Magazine and author of Healing Herbs
"I highly recommend Rosalee de la Forêt's lovely collection of personal stories, recipes, and herbal information. Reading it is like working in the kitchen alongside the delightful Rosalee, whose talent and experience with herbs is expert. Her book is unique in that it explains both the chemistry and the energetics of medicinal herbs and at the same time introduces their use in a friendly and inviting way."
— Holly Bellebuono, author of The Healing Kitchen and The Essential Herbal for Natural Health
"Rosalee de la Forêt's book is an excellent introduction to the energetics and science behind the use of our most common culinary and medicinal herbs, providing the reader with a solid foundation for further learning and exploration."
— Todd Caldecott, Dip. Cl.H., RH(AHG), CAP(NAMA), Ayurvedic practitioner, medical herbalist, and author of Food as Medicine?
About the Author
Rosalee de la Forêt is passionate about helping people discover the world of herbalism and natural health. She is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, and as an herbal consultant she helps people find natural solutions to their chronic health problems. She also teaches extensively about herbalism internationally and as the Education Director at LearningHerbs. Rosalee is the author of numerous articles, e-books, and two online courses: The Taste of Herbs and Herbal Cold Care. Websites: www.HerbalRemediesAdvice.org and www.LearningHerbs.com
