Jude Williams (1942–2012)

Also posted on my site The Paperback Stash

Jude's Herbal Home Remedies is designed more for those who enjoy folklore and simple remedies. This book is chocked full of recommendations, quick fixes, formulas, and more. I enjoyed the little tidbit on growing herbs with the three sketches of ideas, good stuff.

The chapter on beauty preparations was interesting. Toiletry makers won't find much use for it, however, as the recipes are more kitchen quick fixes, with lotions and such being basic and rudimentary. The emulsifier is the old fashioned beeswax and borax, with litle mention of preservative or actual ingredients used to make genuine lotion. She even mentions one with blending oils and gelatin/water mixture. She does bring up using teas in healing a lot, as in washes and such.

The Elder Flower Beauty Bag is a wonderful idea, however, one I will be sure to try. Many of these are old lore and neat ideas, and there's PLENTY of them. For skin care she discusses how to make soap, and her miracle soap recipe was basic but appealing. It's a nice addition and introductory detail to skin care was great. This section consists primarily of remedies for skin conditions like psoriasis, bunions, etc.

The 'medical' section is also lengthy, featuring probably 100s of quick remedies and recommendations. It ends with some household and misc. suggestions such toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaner ideas, Hot chocolate mix, and fresh mustard.

The ultimate melting pot for folkore and remedies - a truly great compilation, although all recommendations are very basic.… (mais)