A remedy begins long before it reaches the medicine cup. 

Across generations, people have learned how to transform leaves, flowers, roots, bark, seeds and resins into preparations suited to the needs of the moment. Here we explore the traditional ways healing plants and natural ingredients have been prepared and used—from a simple cup of tea to poultices, washes, salves and tinctures.

These pages are not simply recipes. Each preparation carries its own history, wisdom and way of working, and we will explore the traditions behind them alongside the practical knowledge of how they were made. As always, we distinguish traditional practice from modern evidence and include appropriate cautions where needed.

Come into the kitchen. The kettle is already on.