The Korean Herbal Apothecary: Ancient Wisdom for Wellness and Balance in the Modern World

Clinical herbalist Yoon introduces readers to Korean healing and wellness principles in this beautiful book. The author details her childhood struggles with chronic illness and describes her connection to her two grandmothers—a midwife, and a devotee of Eastern medicine—who both inspired her with their wisdom and holistic approaches to healing. The basic principle of Qi, or the vital life force within, is covered, along with yin and yang, the power of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), and the essentials needed to create a Korean herbal apothecary. The bulk of this book, which features herbs and recipes, is divided by seasons: “Heaven Herbs of Spring” (mulberry), “Earth Herbs of Summer” (tiger lily, honeysuckle), “Sun Herbs of Autumn” (burdock, motherwort), and “Moon Herbs of Winter” (licorice). The book features a drawing of each herb and offers details about the parts of the plant to use and its native regions, properties, and nutrients. The final section of the book—“Infinite Balance, Peace, and Longevity”—highlights tenets and specific foods to keep in mind.