Southern Folk Medicine: Healing Traditions from the Appalachian Fields and Forests

Such an exciting read. I think I got 5 pages into it before I stopped and bought a second copy for a friend. Light's storytelling is captivating. She also has a companion certification workshop.

This book is unlike any other you might have on your shelves and you're going to need it. This changes the way we will be looking at things from here on out.To begin with, there's a foreword by Rosemary Gladstar.There's an afterword by Matthew Wood.And in between, Phyllis D. Light will open your eyes and mind to a whole different way of perceiving body constitution and how herbal energetics (which has always been too open to interpretation for me) correlate with southern blood "types." The quotes are there because the types are not A, B, O. They align with the 4 elements. This system makes sense.She starts with the history of how the tradition came into being. You'll notice a connection with Ayurvedic and Chinese systems, but Southern Folk Medicine is its own healing method. The writing style is comfortable and easy to absorb.This is a game changer.

Along my journey of searching to find the hidden gems of plant wisdom that’s long been lost since families stopped living as clans, Southern Folk Medicine, brings the medicine of granny’s cabin to life in a way that none other can.Both practical and enlightening, Phyllis Light takes you on a journey with the plants, opens up the hidden treasure of Appalachian Folk Medicine and teaches you much more than you could imagine.A reclaiming of heritage, this book is a journey into the history, culture, theory and practical application of folk medicine. Packed full of wisdom that few possess today, Phillis Light, has a unique way of teaching that is easy to follow, understand and keeps you wanting to read more.Whether you’re new to herbal medicine or looking to broaden your studies, this is a must have book for your collection.

Don’t get me wrong, as an experienced clinical herbalist I found this book enormously useful. I recommend it to beginning herbalists all the time because it teaches a holistic perspective on herbal medicine in an engaging way through storytelling. I love Phyllis and all that she has gifted the herbal community. This book stands up there at the top!

Is it no surprise that Phyllis' name has "D. Light" in it!? This book is truly a delightful read! I love studying herbalism, health and wellness and body constitutions (I wrote a book on this topic as well - and took away many new things from this book!) but rarely is such a book so easy to digest. Her stories flow, captivate and convey the message so well - I feel as if we could be sitting on the porch sipping tea together. Very good for my Air-type self - I can relax AND learn at the same time, yes, especially before bed (the book explains more on this)!

Have you ever found yourself reading a book and know you're in the right book at the right time? After months of wondering how humanity can commit genocide and the rest of us stand back and watch? Then I was reminded of The Trail of Tears. I am only on Chapter 9 but I am enjoying Phyllis' soulful spirit. Love for the simple pleasures that God has given us is a never ending treasure.Holistic medicine is fun and rewarding.

I hope every herbalist takes the time to read this book.It moves in a slow southern manner (and that doesn't mean slow, it means the details make the story), but will delight you all the way through.The information is amazing, the history is amazing, and they both completely tie in with all of the knowledge of generations that were passed down.There are so few people who could pull this off, but she does it beautifully.It seems, Phyllis D. Light, is a woman who is trying to save a lost art and a woman who is trying to keep her heritage alive.

I haven't finished reading this book! What I have read is filled with good, sound advice. Wisdom between the covers of this book.