I wrote a back-cover review for this fantastic book some time ago and the review has been sat on my desktop until now, waiting for me to do something with it and give this book the credit it deserves. And here it is !! Deborah Martin’s Herbs: Medicinal, Magical, Marvelous! is every aspiring occultists’ answer to the sometimes bewildering world of herbal magic and remedies. The study of herbs is an extensive one, particularly if you are interested in both the medicinal and the magical attributes of plant life. I have been using herbs for both medicinal and magical uses for almost 10 years, yet I am certainly no expert – frequently having to check a multitude of puzzling reference materials before using any herb. But witchcraft is a holistic belief system, which works with life force. We believe there is a vital life-force which connects both body and spirit - to cure the body is to also cure the spirit, and vice versa. It is frustrating at times when one must consult two or more books in order to approach the problem from both angles. ‘Herbs: Medicinal, Magical, Marvelous!‘ combines these studies of herbs, and in my opinion, this book is long overdue! The study of herbs can at first appear overwhelming. This book however demystifies the practice, and presents the material in a humourous yet authoritative manner. The author explains the structure behind the Latin names, which otherwise can often confuse the beginner, and gives details on the differences between synthetic drugs and natural alternatives. She also details how to work with herbs safely, and references to astrological correspondences whilst also giving a simple ailment list which enables the reader to quickly find a cure for their problem – magically and medicinally. This book is truly a how-to guide. Many books on herbs will tell you what to do, but not how to do it; this book explains in simple terms how to use herbal preparations, and the ‘cheat sheets’ make for simple referencing, giving the reader a concise overview of each herbs’ use and the safety precautions. This book demands a position next to the mortar and pestle as a permanant fixture of any magically inclined kitchen!
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