The Handbook of Vintage Remedies: Review and Giveaway
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The Handbook of Vintage Remedies: Review and Giveaway

handbook of vintage remediesThis year I’ve committed myself to studying up on herbs in greater detail, learning how to use them for treating sicknesses, discomforts and other ailments, as well as for boosting our overall health. It’s been fascinating so far and I just love the in-depth learning that I am doing.

However, in-depth personal study on the topics of herbology and natural remedies certainly isn’t for everyone. I know that many moms are looking instead for some sort of easy reference for natural and herbal remedies. The Handbook of Vintage Remedies really fits the bill, with information that is suited to the whole family, including pregnant and breastfeeding moms, infants, children, and the elderly.

It is not only a great go-to guide, but it also spends some time teaching in the early chapters about the concepts of natural and alternative medicine, about herbs, homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition and more. Author Jessie Hawkins, MH, works hard in the beginning of the book to really lay a foundation for why and how a family might want to use these types of remedies and how to pursue good health in a holistic way, and not just by treating symptoms of illness. Jessie is an ideal person to learn from, as she has completed numerous herbal programs herself, and has additional education in midwifery, childbirth education, environmental health, childhood health and modern disorders and birth doula certification. Best of all, she approaches natural health from a Christian perspective, which is so very needed with the vast array of options that are out there today!

The main section of the book works alphabetically through all sorts of common symptoms and conditions, such as Acne, Bed-Wetting, Canker Sores, Colic, Eczema, Gallstones, Pink Eye, Sinus Infection, and Urinary Tract Infections. I didn’t count, but there are probably more than 100 ailments included. There are a few more chronic conditions listed as well, like Autism, ADHD, Diabetes and Ulcers. It’s honestly hard to try to come up with something that isn’t covered in the book!

Following this, Jessie goes into about 30 herbs and botanicals in more detail (focusing on ones that are used repeatedly throughout the remedies in the book), telling you briefly about the history of a herb, how it is usually used, some dosage tips, and when to avoid it. Lastly, there are a couple of short chapters with recipes for non-toxic, homemade cleaning supplies and beauty/skin care, which look wonderful and many of them are quite simple to make.

Now, I am one of those people who has umpteen books on natural remedies, alternative health, nutritional therapy and naturopathic treatments. Most of them are virtual encyclopedias of information, but that’s actually part of the problem. When I go to look up a specific illness or complaint, I find pages and pages of information, and often a list of anywhere from 10-40 different supplements and herbs that might be useful. Filtering through it all can be very confusing and daunting, especially to those who are newer to alternative medicine.

What I appreciate about The Handbook of Vintage Remedies is that Jessie, who happens to be a mom herself, has written it specifically for moms. It doesn’t bog you down, but succinctly and simply steers you in the right direction!

You may have noticed the advertisement for The Handbook of Vintage Remedies on my sidebar this past month or so. Although I have not received any compensation for writing this review (except for a book to review), I gladly chose to run the ad because this is a book that I would be happy to recommend to other moms. I love tools that give you a good foundation and some confidence in your own ability to make wise, natural choices for treating illnesses in your family. You’ll also note that the ad includes a coupon code for free shipping when you buy the book, by using the word “KOTH” when you check out.

I have one copy to give away as well! Who would like to add The Handbook of Vintage Remedies to their own arsenal of tools for keeping their family healthy, naturally?

Here’s how you can earn yourself some entries:

  1. Leave a comment telling us either why you’d like to win this book, or a favorite natural remedy that you already use.
  2. Follow Jessie on Twitter (@VintageRemedies)
  3. Become a Facebook fan of Vintage Remedies
  4. Follow myself on Twitter (@KeeperHome)
  5. Tweet or Facebook the giveaway.
  6. Subscribe to Keeper of the Home.
  7. Strike up a new topic in the Forum, or join in on a conversation that’s already happening (or become a member if you aren’t one yet).

*Please remember to leave each entry as a separate comment!

Giveaway will end Saturday, February 20th at 3:00pm. Giveaway has now ended!

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315 Comments

    1. My favourite natural remedy is garlic – best antibiotic there is! Although I have to say I don’t know a whole lot of remedies which is why I would love to win this book 🙂

  1. I browsed this book on Amazon and it looks very interesting! I would love to win it! My favorite herb is raw garlic to prevent colds and infections. I think it works better than over the counter medicine!

  2. Just ordered it from your sidebar. Thanks for the recommendation – this is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Can’t wait to get it =)
    .-= Amanda´s last blog ..Daybook =-.

  3. I would love to learn how to use more natural remedies to treat ailments. This sounds like a really good starter book!

  4. I would love to win this book. I currently don’t use any natural/herbal remedies, except for the cough syrup you had on your site. I’d love some more info. on herbs and stuff, but I never know where to begin. I hope I win the book! It sounds like it is a great resource!!!

  5. I make my own lotions and salves, grow herbs, and try to use natural remedies whenever possible–though I still do not know much at all. It sound like it would be a great resource to have!

  6. This sounds like a must have! So many times there is something I would like to know how to deal with (recently a bad case of pink eye!) and am not sure where to look first. This would be so much more reliable than google! Thanks for the giveaway!

  7. I would loveto win this book! The only natural remedies I use currently are Hyland’s products and garlic when we are sick.

  8. I would like to win this because I am really trying to get away from conventional medicines for ailments, but at the same time, when I have a headache or cold, as a mom, I sometimes just don’t have the energy to “tough it out” and wait for it to pass.

    Thanks for the chance.

    Kelly

  9. I would love to win this book because I want to learn more about natural remedies — all I really do right now is garlic and honey when I have cold/allergy coming on.

  10. I have recently been trying to learn more about natural remedies and a more natural way of life. This book would be a huge help in my journey toward being more healthful.

  11. I would love to win because I want to learn. My favorite remedy that I know is the weed commonly called plantain for burns and bee stings. I grabbed the hot handle of a cast iron pan fresh from the oven (duh!) last year and should have had at least 2nd degree burns, But we plunged my hand into ice water for a few hours then wrapped it up in a plantain poultice and I went to sleep. When we wrapped it, my hand was throbbing with pain, Within 20 minutes, the pain subsided. When I awoke the next morning, no pain, not burns of any kind at all. It was amazing!

  12. would love this book! favorite natural remedy – oh there are so many good ones. I have most recently enjoyed massaging temples with peppermint oil to ease a headache.

  13. In the last few months I’ve treated candida, carpal tunnel, UTI’s, and the common cold, all with herbs and/or supplements. This is one book I would really like to add to my shelf, as I firmly believe that you should cross reference at least two or three books before attempting self-treatment — preferably books from different viewpoints, not books of the same philosophy.

  14. I just put learning more about herbs and homeopathy on my list of things to do this year and this book would be a great way to get started on that path.

  15. Thank you for the giveaway. I would love to win this book because I am new to natural remedies. I’m trying to make a change for myself and my family and this book would be a great tool. Plus, this book would encourage me to continue on a natural path to wellness. I have been surprised by how many odd looks and comments I have received about natural remedies.

  16. This sounds like a wonderful book! I currently use coconut oil instead lotions and try to stay away from conventional medicines. However, I am still trying to get a handle on how to use herbs more regularly; this book would be a great start in the right direction!

  17. I’d love to receive this book because I am so turned-off by the traditional medical system. I can’t tell you how many times I have had problems that were caused by a prescription I was given by a doctor!

  18. This book looks great!

    I swallowed raw garlic chunks (ick!) when I had mastitis, and I think it really helped! It cleared up in about 36 hours, and I didn’t have to see a doctor.
    .-= Jessie´s last blog ..Bagels! =-.

  19. Even though I only get one entry-I would love this book! Just like you said, others are a bit overwhelming-this one sounds perfect!

  20. Honey will cure or fix anything, or at least make it feel better. From sore throat to use as an antibiotic on a cut.

  21. I would totally love to win this book! I just began using homeopathic remedies. I think this would be a lovely way to branch out into the herbal/natural ways of healing. Crossing my fingers!!! 🙂

  22. I would love to win this book–it sounds quite helpful, and with my first child approaching 1, I know it would come in handy in the years ahead. 🙂

  23. One remedy that works great for any kind of congestion is cayenne pepper. We put a teaspoon in water with some honey, close our eyes, brace ourselves, and go for it! IT is intense, but works so well

  24. I am still new to the ideas of natural healing, homesteading, organic eating, etc….but, I am anxious to learn more and would love to win this book! I have learned so much from your website and look forward to learning more.
    .-= Joi´s last blog ..Today’s Savings….. =-.

  25. thanks for the give away! i’d love the book. a natural remedy that is easy and seems to work for little ones is the honey lemon trick. squeeze some fresh lemon in a small cup and add some honey. stir. if they wake in the night or struggle during the day with coughing, give them a spoonful. yum! and it helps to drive the cough away!

  26. I would love this book! A friend and I have been talking about getting together and going through a bunch of books together to come up with a list of remedies for our families. It definitely sounds like this book would be very helpful. Thanks for the opportunity!

  27. I am beginning to do some research on natural supplements esp..for immunity. But am a bit overwhelmed by all the websites. What are some of the websites that you trust and use for your research..Thank you for your help.

  28. I’d love to add this book to my fledgling arsenal! In the 4th grade I did a huge project on apothecary practices in the coloines. All of my (elementary) research on the topic is long gone, but it’s been an interest of mine since youth. Thanks for the giveaway!
    .-= Ashley´s last blog ..Finding your purpose =-.

  29. I would love this book. I have a couple of books on natural remedies but there are like encyclopedias, too. I would a quick reference.

    My newest natural remedy is callendula cream. I get cracks in the skin of my fingertips in the winter from all the cooking and washing coupled with dry CO winter air. The callendula heals them quickly. I also use it on my daughter who gets chapped skin on her face in the winter. I love having a product that does more than one thing.
    .-= Noelle´s last blog ..where does your food come from? =-.

  30. As a soon to be mom, I would love to have this book. I know little ones often have problem but I don’t want to have to resort to antibiotics for every episode of thrush or an earache.

    I don’t really use a lot of alternative therapies right now but I love oils for my eczema…cod liver oil to help from the inside out and coconut oil on the patches that do appear.

  31. I’d love to read this book. I’m pregnant with our first child and would love more info on overall remedies and good health.

  32. This would be such an amazing book to have! I already use Prescription for natural Cures, but an herbal book would be so great!!

  33. I absolutely LOVE your blog and read it everyday! I, also, am becoming a bit more diligent in my research on herbs and ways to use them everyday. I would love to win this book.

  34. Wow! I would love to win this! My husband and I are making slow-ish but deliberate process of making everything in our lives as natural as possible. One area we haven’t addressed yet – probably one we should have made FIRST priority! – is our medicine. This would be a big help! Thank you for hosting the giveaway!

  35. I would love to win this book, as I am always looking for home remedies. Coconut oil is one of my favorite home remedies for all sorts of ailments, body odor to candida!

  36. I would love a chance to win this book! I, too, have been trying to learn more about herbal remedies this year. My favorite “discovery” so far has been goldenrod, which I’ve used as tea for colds and as salve for aches.

  37. I would love to have this. I’ve had a couple of friends who have introduced me to some more natural ways of healing. I’m working toward more whole foods, but the herbs are so much more to learn. I’m glad to know of a title I can add to my wish list that I can trust.

  38. I would love to win this book. My family is trying to learn to do more things naturally and getting back to basics.

  39. I would love this book because I’ve recently begun to grow tired of the Western medicine attitude of “Here’s a prescription now scram so we can herd the next patient through here,” and I want to explore other options.

  40. I’m expecting our first child in April and would love to learn more about natural remedies. I’m not a huge fan of going to the doctor myself (even though I have worked in healthcare). I would love to find safe, natural remedies, especially for some of the more common ailments that we encounter.

  41. Your review totally sold me on it, even if I don’t win the copy (not good odds with this crowd, I think, LOL!) it is going on my amazon wish list–this is something that sounds GREAT for moms and those who aren’t very well read in alternative meds like herbs!
    Sarah M
    .-= Sarah M´s last blog ..Anikka Turns 1!!! =-.

  42. I would love to win this book. I already have been able to avoid antibiotics for an ear infection with garlic infused olive oil. Boy was my hubby surprised 😉 My 6 year old seems to have constant allergy problems and something natural to try would be wonderful.

  43. Would love to win this book because I would like to take better management over my family’s health and not rely so much on the public health system. Many things can be remedied naturally, and I would love to have this resource!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  44. I would love to win this book! Our favorite natural home remedies are:

    garlic- to fight off infection during a cold, even mastitis and UTIs

    coconut oil- fight off fungal infection, diaper rash, and eczema.

    I would love to read more and be more equipped to keep my family healthy.
    .-= Flo´s last blog ..out with the old, in with the… =-.

  45. I would love to win this book! I already use some homemade cleaners like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar, but I would love to learn more! And herbs facinate me….thanks for the chance.

  46. This book sounds great! I have always wanted to learn more about herbal, natural remedies but always get overwhelmed by the depth of info out there! This book sounds like it covers all the basics which is exactly what I’m looking for!

  47. i would love to win a copy of this book! i’ve recently begun preparing more natural whole foods for my family and i’m also interested in learning more about natural remedies (i enjoyed your post on ginger, by the way!)
    .-= katherine´s last blog ..meet me in…atlanta? =-.

  48. This would be great to win! We currently take garlic, vitamins and a ech. goldenseal, elderberry syrup. I would love to have a resource like this book!

  49. I would really like this book to help deal with allergies and asthma. Currently I use fresh pressed garlic in applesauce for my children when they are not feeling well and cut up onion next to the bed when they are congested.

  50. This books sound just like what I’ve been looking for!!! We’ve found that colloidal silver works well for pink eye.

    God Bless,

    Abbi

  51. I think having information in print is what spurs me on to actually investing in them, that’s why I’d like to win.

  52. I would love to learn how to use more natural remedies to treat ailments. I am disabled and in lots of pain, I could use more natural remedy knowledge!

  53. I would love to win a copy of this book! I am somewhat new to herbal remedies and the like- luckily my husband and I do not get sick very often and our toddler and infant have never been sick either. BUT, I am sure the day will come! This book would be great to have on hand and seems like it would be wonderful for a person like me who is new to this type of thing, though I am definitely all on board for not using modern medicine stuff unless absolutely necessary. If I don’t win I will definitely be looking for this book at the library, if it is available!

    Amy

  54. I also subscribe to your blog (and I am glad that I do! I always enjoy it even when some things are a bit beyond where I am at…I know I will get there sometime)

    Amy

  55. I’ve got my third baby on the way, as our family is determined to become healthier and more natural, one step at a time. This seems like a great product to help me on my way!

  56. I actually have been studying herbs too! It’s been my winter project and I hope to grow a bunch this summer. For years I’ve used peppermint tea to settle upset stomachs. Another thing that I’ve started doing is using Aloe (the pure kind, it’s clear, not green!) as hair gel (works great for those who are curly haired!), and also to sooth dry skin on babies.
    Natasha
    .-= Natasha´s last blog ..fears. =-.

  57. I always want to use more natural means to help my family through ailments, but never know where to start. It sounds like this book would be a great help.

  58. what a neat book! i know it’s not an herb, but one of my favorite natural remedies is apple cider vinegar! it works great in some water to help ward off a cold, and a little bit in my son’s bathwater helped us get rid of a yeast diaper rash.
    .-= alissa @ birkel family life´s last blog ..menu plan monday: the week of february 15, 2010 =-.

  59. I would like the book, and my natural remedy is to drink water for headaches.and wear a breath right strip to bed when you have a stuffy nose.

  60. I would love to win this book! My daughter was recently “diagnosed” with ADHD, and we have chosen not to use medication. We are looking at diet changes and herbal remedies, but like you said, it can be very overwhelming to someone just starting. Thank you for your site! It is a huge blessing to me!

  61. I would love to win this book because I have no money to spare for ordering one right now.

    And my favorite natural remedy is garlic!

  62. I am following Jessie and you on twitter, and I became Jessies fan on FB. I love your blog! I would love to win this book, because I am always wanting to expand my knowledge on all things natural.

  63. Our family stays away from traditional medicine as much as we can. We’ve had much more luck with non-traditional. Instead of antibiotics when the kids get ear infections, i put drops of sweet oil mixed with tea tree oil in their ears. Usually better by morning. I would love to learn new natural remedies.
    .-= Marci@OvercomingBusy´s last blog ..Caught My Eye =-.

  64. I’m expecting my first baby in a few short weeks (yay!) and would love to have a quick reference book like this one to know what to do when the baby (or husband) come down with something. Thanks so much for such a great giveaway!!!

  65. I’ve been interested in herbal remedies since I was a kid. Unfortunately, I never really get sick, so I never have anyone to try them on!

  66. I would love to win this book b/c with three little ones in diapers, a fast look-up is a must! This book looks amazing!!

  67. I would love to win this book! As a mother of 3 children, two of which have medical issues, One has eplipesy and the other was a premie, Plus my hubby and I to take care of, would love this book to learn more about natural remedies!

    Ps- I am a fan on Facebook and I subscribe to your blog….

  68. 3) The reason I would like to own a copy of this book, now or later, is that I have been married a year and a half now and my husband and I are trying to start our family. I have been studying nutrition and natural health for the past year or so, and am currently in an intense independent study course…a.k.a. unemployment. 😛 I am taking this time to relax, and between applying for jobs I am studying the Bible, theology, health, and pregnancy and childbirth. Your blog has been a text in my course, by the way, and I greatly appreciate it. Thank you. 🙂

  69. This book sounds wonderful! With a 5 month old I am really trying to avoid mainstream products and cold medicines…this sounds extremely helpful. Thanks!

  70. This book sounds like the perfect resource for natural remedies! I, too, am new to herbs and natural remedies and most of the books I have are quite daunting. Thanks for the great giveaway!

  71. I’d love to win the book. I recently purchased your eBook, and we’re starting to transform our eating and living habits. But I’ve yet to learn much about natural remedies, so this book would really be nice.
    .-= Joy @ Five J’s´s last blog ..My Blissdom Recap =-.

  72. One of my favorite natural remedies is acidophilus–good for everything! yeast, digestions, immune system, infection, acne, allergies.

  73. I would love this book!!! I have been slowly getting into natural remedies as well as natural body products. So far I have made homemade soap, lip balm, scrubs and cleaners. I am a little intimidated on the remedies so this book would be an amazing help!

  74. I love books about natural remedies, especially if they are from a Biblical perspective. This sounds like a great one!

  75. I get moms calling me for advice on natural remedies as I always turn to them for first use. This book would be a great educational source. One of my favorite natural remedies is coconut oil.

  76. I would like to win this book. I have a few books, but often feel overwhelmed as I am trying to learn how to care for my family with more natural alternatives. Looks like an excellent resource!
    .-= Jodi´s last blog ..Painting Pictures of Egypt =-.

  77. I would love to own a copy of this book. I do not have anything this specific on herbs, and I do not have it in the budget to get it right now, so it would be SUCH a blessing!!! yippee!!

    Amanda

  78. A favorite remedy I use is clove bud oil. The obvious use is for toothache pain but it also is very helpful for other pain as well, including earaches, ingrown toenails, and minor cuts.
    This looks like a great book and I’ve love to add it to my library! Thanks!

  79. I really need this book! I have two children under two, both with major colds right now, and I’m at a loss to what natural remedies I can or can’t give them. I don’t have a Twitter, FB, or blog so hopefully this lone comment will get picked! 🙂

  80. I would like to win this because I am learning about Herbs in my masters right now. This books looks like a very easy down to earth book to have on hand.

  81. I would love this book. I am new to herbs and would lke to learn, but don’t have a lot of time to research, so this book looks wonderful! I’m excited to read more about your herb blog posts, too!
    .-= Miracle Quelle´s last blog .. =-.

  82. wow, this has been on my mind, just in the past few weeks! our local weston price chapter had a speaker come teach about herbs and i couldn’t make it and was so bummed. this book would be a blessing and i would utilize it and truly appreciate it! thank you.

  83. I would love to win this book – I have just ordered spirit plant medicine by Eliot Cowan and I think this would compliment it really well as practical handbook…..
    So I have done everything on the list apart from one – that will remain a secret.

    Hey I also love the cover, its beautiful,

    Louisa x

    this is the first giveaway I have EVER entered, let’s hope for beginners luck, but it maybe biased to give a contributing writer the prize?
    .-= Louisa´s last blog ..telling the bees =-.

  84. I love reaing your blog – especially the natural health and nutrition info – as I definately don’t know enough! This would be such a great book to have at my fingertips! Thanks for another great giveaway!

  85. I would love to win this book! I am just getting started using herbs as medicine and I would love to have this resource.

  86. I would love this book because I am getting more disillusioned with standard medicine and their “try this, that didn’t work, try this” approach of not trying to find the cause but just treat symptoms.

  87. I have been coming to your site for about a month now and really appreciate all the research you do for it. Thanks for all you do. I have just started Nourishing Traditions and realize how wrong I been in feeding my family. So we’re taking baby steps to change that and I would also like to study herbs. The book would really help to get started! Have a blessed day!

  88. One of my new favorite natural remedies is a tea made from thyme, lemon ginger and chilis served with honey for a sore throat, head cold.

  89. I would LOVE this book. I’m trying to take baby steps into living more naturally, but I get so overwhelmed by the options and so confused as to what is safe while pregnant, breastfeeding, etc. The sentence you included that said this book covers those things totally sold me. I added this book to my wish list in case I don’t end up winning it!
    .-= Shelsy´s last blog ..Amber at the window =-.

  90. This book would be so great for teaching me how to keep myself and my family healthy without medicine. I know there’s a better way, but like you said, I get too bogged down with all the information out there.

  91. I would love to win this book because as you said, I am interested in natural remedies but it is way too much to wade through most times!

    One simple and natural remedy we use is constitutional hydrotherapy for croup. We saw a naturopath one time for my daughter’s pneumonia. She recommended this, and we were disappointed that it didn’t work. A few months later, my son got that croup cough and couldn’t sleep, and I liked the idea and how soothing it seemed, so we gave it a shot. It took care of the coughing completely. Croup for only 1 night is unheard of! And we have successfully used it twice more for croup.

  92. I prefer to do things naturally, but sometimes don’t know what will work. This book sounds helpful. I have two littles under 2 and desire to keep them healthy!

  93. I’m starting to research natural remedies for my family and would love to win this book to get me started, with so much info out there its good to get something thats been researched and recommended. 🙂

  94. I’d love to win this book. One of my favorite things is olive leaf. It works and is gentle enough for my little ones to take it too.

  95. I really enjoy learning from you….I would love to win this book. I have a son who is allergic to 5 families of medications and is diagnosed with a low immune system disorder since birth. Natural remedies are really important in our home as for..they are less likely to cause a trip to the hospital, and let me tell you I have become quite the little “nurse” when my son gets sick and we try just about anything before going to a MD-seeing they dont help much either way and it’s riskier going to the MD-with all the illnesses and diseases that my son could pick up in the clinic…..thanks for taking the time to teach along with offering this as well.

  96. I would love to win this book! It sounds so great. One of my mom’s friends used some herbs on her acne and in a few days, it was gone (she had it really, really bad)!! I would love to learn about herbs.

  97. I would love to win this book! It would be great to learn how to treat things more naturally. I love lavender and eculyptus in bath water!

  98. I would love to learn more about using herbs for health and healing. There is so much knowledge from the past we have lost!

  99. This books sounds wonderful! I am a mother of 3 small children with a pashion for health and I would love to have this book.
    One nutural remedy I use is Breast Milk. Not only is it babies perfect food, I have used it for eye infections, ear infection, and skin troubles.

  100. I’d love to win this book- I have a few natural remedies that I use (calendula and tea tree oil are my staples) but having something on hand to get more familiar with others would be awesome.

  101. I would love to read and use this book, it sounds like a wonderful resource!

    As for my favorite remedy, it’s new(ish) to me; a glass of water and some apple cider vinegar and baking soda to cure heartburn/acid reflux! My brother said it worked faster than otc remedies, and it was made with things I have on hand.

  102. I, too, have been trying to learn more about herbal remedies. I didn’t know this book existed! I would really like to read what it has to say, especially about colds, coughs, and ear infections! This seems to be what gets my little one down most often.

  103. I would love to have a copy of this book! We always try natural remedies first, but I have so much more to learn. My favorite is using breastmilk to treat pink eye ( or a number of other ailments!)

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