Forgotten Home Apothecary: 250 Powerful Remedies
Nicole Apelian’s The Forgotten Home Apothecary is nothing short of a masterpiece for anyone with an interest in natural healing and herbalism. Let me tell you why its worth the hype, from the perspective of an herbalist.
Nicole Apelian Ph.D (love me an educated woman) is a renowned herbalist, naturalist, and survival skills expert with decades of experience in plant medicine and traditional healing practices.
Drawing from her background in biology and ethnobotany, as well as her time living with indigenous communities, Nicole has dedicated her life to teaching others how to harness the power of nature for health and wellness.
Through her books and workshops, she inspires people to reconnect with the natural world and create their own paths to healing. She has poured that dedication into this book, creating something for herbalists of all skill levels.
my favorite parts
Filled with 250 remedies, the book goes beyond being just a resource – it feels like a heartfelt guide to rekindling our connection with the natural world, crafted with the kind of love only a true natural warrior can instill. Apelian’s approach to herbalism is both practical and poetic in its charm.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the stunning imagery. The table of contents is designed to look like an apothecary shelf – each remedy and recipe is a bottle, a tincture, a salve. These are true to recipe, too; if the recipe is for a salve, the table displays it as such. This attention to detail is a continuous thread throughout it. Click here to grab one now.
The photographs and illustrations throughout are not just decorative but deeply enriching, capturing the essence of each herb and remedy.
As you flip through the pages, it feels as though you’re being guided through a lush, living apothecary, the kind that I one day hope to have – you know, the unattainable 1% of the world style of kitchen that we all have saved somewhere on Pinterest.
This visual element is particularly inspiring—it brings the remedies to life and helps create a stronger connection to the plants themselves. While I love a good jargon heavy book, imagery is something I feel truly elevates herbalist literature.
The depth of information in The Forgotten Home Apothecary is another standout feature.
Each remedy is meticulously broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps, from preparing your herbs to crafting the final product. This level of detail is incredibly important, especially for beginners or those looking to refine their skills.
Too often, herbal guides leave readers with vague instructions or assumptions about prior knowledge, which not only sets the reader back, but creates a gatekeep through which only seasoned herbalists can pass.
Apelian avoids that entirely, making her book accessible while still providing plenty of depth for more advanced practitioners.
What truly makes this book shine, however, is its celebration of simplicity.
As I have said before, some of the best and most potent recipes contain the fewest ingredients. The recipes don’t call for an overwhelming number of ingredients or overly complex processes. Instead, Apelian emphasizes how a few well-chosen herbs, when prepared with care, can create powerful remedies that stand the test of time.
This simplicity is practical reminder of how effective nature’s gifts can be when used thoughtfully, and as intended. As someone who believes in letting herbs speak for themselves, I found this approach both refreshing and empowering.
The book also covers an impressive range of remedies, from teas and tinctures to salves and poultices, addressing everything from everyday aches and pains to more chronic concerns. Apelian’s personal experience as an herbalist and naturalist breaks through in the way she explains each recipe and its purpose. Her expertise feels approachable, comforting, and the book carries a warm, welcoming tone that invites readers to dive in, whether they’re just starting their herbal journey or looking to expand their repertoire. Also, I don’t know about you, but there is something so validating when you see a recipe or an herb you use in a book like this. The validation is fantastic, not gonna lie.
The Forgotten Home Apothecary is an illustration of the abundance that surrounds us and the healing power of the natural world. Whether you’re new to herbalism or a seasoned practitioner, this book has something to offer. It’s practical, inspiring, and beautifully crafted, making it a staple in my apothecary and a resource I see myself turning to often in the future.
