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Book review: 'Forgotten Skills of Backyard Herbal Healing and Family Health' is a great intro into h
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"Forgotten Skills of Backyard Herbal Healing and Family Health" is by Caleb Warnock and Kirsten Skirvin. - photo by Melissa DeMoux
"FORGOTTEN SKILLS OF BACKYARD HERBAL HEALING AND FAMILY HEALTH," by Caleb Warnock and Kirsten Skirvin, Hobble Creek Press, $18.99, 128 pages (nf)

Caleb Warnock didnt start out as a believer in herbal medicine. He labeled them ridiculous at best, and dangerous at worst.

However, when a sinus problem blossomed into something much more serious, he was suddenly willing to try a new, more natural course of treatment.

Working with his neighbor and master herbalist, Kirsten Skirvin, Warnock delved into the world of natural medicines and has become a stalwart advocate of these treatments.

In their new book, Forgotten Skills of Backyard Herbal Healing and Family Health, Warnock and Skirvin introduce readers to the medicinal properties of plants and herbs that can be grown and used at home.

Flanked by years of research and experience, this pair of herbalists share their understanding of the natural, preventative and restorative powers of common vegetation. From building immune strength to healing strep throat and treating asthma to boosting energy, this book rummages into many quiet corners of the herb world and shares its secrets with readers.

While Warnock and Skirvin tout the healing and preventative properties of these powerful herbs, they do not disparage the benefits of modern medicine. They do, however, teach that responsibility for a persons health lies solidly in that persons lap and not in the custody of a medical professional, which means the first line of defense against disease must be in the home.

With step-by-step instructions on how to grow an herb garden, how to harvest and dry herbs, how to create a tincture and how to use specific herbs to treat specific issues, this book is laid out in a simple, easy-to-read format that lends itself to beginners in the herbal world but also provides insight and understanding for those more advanced in the art of natural healing.

The book is clear and easy to follow. Each herb, its uses and often a color photo is provided for readers to help them in their herbal efforts. The authors ideas are well explained and well supported by their own practical experiences and the testimonials of others with whom they have worked.

Whether readers hope to simply dabble in the world of herbs or plan to more fully immerse themselves in at-home healing, this book is a good place to start.
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