I recently felt a wave of 1990s nostalgia by watching the movie Practical Magic 2. And, of course, this put me into a whole "gardening, herbs and spices, pressed flowers, listening to Stevie Nicks while dancing around in a long, pretty floral dress and living in a Victorian house" kind of vibe. It also led me into looking at some books from my own collection about using herbal medicines, making teas and tinctures, experimenting with aromatherapy oils and sachets. There's a whole art to this that requires some research and caution before broaching it. It's important to know what you are doing before making anything, and to be aware of any sensitivities or allergies you may have. Some of these books are recommended for the sake of entertainment and curiosity, and others contain some helpful knowledge in the use of herbs and spices (whether it is in tea, a botanical brew, or a salve). Do your own research going forward and make wise decisions!
"There are some things that I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can"- Sally Owens from the movie Practical Magic.
Booklist:
The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs
The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices
The Herball's Guide to Botanical Drinks
Essential Oils for Beauty, Wellness, and the Home
The Healing Power of Essential Oils
And if you want to dance around your house wearing a pretty floral dress to the music of Stevie Nicks:
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