Forgotten Home Apothecary – In-Depth Book Review

Forgothen Apothecary

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I’ve always been interested in natural remedies, so I was excited to dive into Dr. Nicole Apelian’s The Forgotten Home Apothecary. Right away, it seemed like this book had so much to offer—practical remedies for everyday issues and useful survival tips, all packed into one.

Dr. Apelian, an herbalist and survival expert, put this book together based on years of research, personal experience, and a strong belief in natural health. Her journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) inspired much of her work, making this guide feel especially personal and meaningful.

Let’s explore what The Forgotten Home Apothecary brings to the table and why it might just be the most essential book you’ll ever own for natural wellness and emergency preparedness.

It’s A Collection of Natural Remedies

@thelostskills

Forgotten Home Apothecary is the only complete herbal book that covers the most important remedies that used to be made by our grandparents back when apothecaries hadn’t been replaced by pharmacies. The first thing you’ll see when you open the book is your new Apothecary. Here you’ll find all the 250 remedies, organized on shelves by specific ailments. Each page of the appendix displays the remedies found inside the book, and the page you’re going to find it. There, you will find step-by-step instructions, color pictures, measurements and dosages. Forgotten Home Apothecary is edited by Dr. Nicole Apelian, a wilderness expert and herbalist who survived for 57 days on the History Channel’s TV show Alone on the remote Vancouver Island despite her autoimmune condition (MS). #nicoleapelian #apothecaryjars #herbalremedies🌿🍂🍃💐

♬ original sound – The Lost Skills

The range of remedies in this book is impressive. Dr. Apelian includes over 250 remedies, organized by specific health issues, so you can find what you need quickly.

There are recipes for common problems like coughs and colds, but also for more unique concerns.

Here are a few I really liked:

  • Painkiller in a Jar: Uses wild lettuce, sometimes called “opium lettuce,” to offer pain relief naturally. It’s not an opiate, but it has a mild analgesic effect that makes it a safe option for mild to moderate pain.
  • Memory Elixir: Crafted with rosemary, a familiar herb you might already have in your pantry, this elixir helps improve memory and mental clarity.
  • Mushroom Drops: Harnesses the medicinal power of fungi, which can be especially beneficial for immune support and neurological health, an area Apelian has explored in her journey with MS.
Each remedy includes step-by-step instructions, visuals, and clear dosage recommendations. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you won’t feel lost trying to make these.

Easy-to-Find Ingredients

Most of the ingredients for these remedies are common items you might already have at home or can easily find nearby. I loved that Apelian doesn’t rely on rare or expensive ingredients.

Category Ingredients Purpose/Properties
Common Herbs and Plants – Rosemary Memory enhancement
– Lavender Calming effects
Valerian Root Relaxation, often used for sleep
– Wild Lettuce Pain relief
– Mullein Leaf Lung health, often in blends to clear respiratory passages
Dandelion Root Liver detoxification, gut health support
Everyday Kitchen Items – Honey General health, used in various remedies
– Salt Combined with cabbage for natural probiotics
– Potatoes Used for sore throat relief (e.g., warm compress)
– Papaya Seeds Parasite cleansing
Medicinal Fungi – Mushrooms (various types) Immune support, neurological health benefits
Natural Oils and Extracts Castor Oil Used in poultices, thyroid health support
– Essential Oils (e.g., Lavender) Anxiety reduction, relaxation, often in inhalers or roll-ons

The Philosophy of Self-Sufficiency

A lot of people turn to natural remedies for health, but The Forgotten Home Apothecary goes a step further by blending wellness with survival skills. In a world where we often rely heavily on pharmacies and packaged solutions, Apelian’s work encourages us to embrace self-sufficiency.

She views each remedy not only as a health booster but also as a resource in times of crisis, where access to medications might be limited. Imagine knowing how to make a natural fever reducer or flu remedy if you needed it in a pinch. It could be a lifesaver and it prepares you for the unexpected!

You Get Supplemental Guides As a Bonus

The Forgotten Home Apothecary
The Forgotten Home Apothecary

Besides the main book, you also get bonus guides, like The Lost Skills of the Great Depression and DIY Projects for a World Without Electricity. The first one teaches you clever, old-fashioned ways to make things last, while the second gives tips on surviving without electricity.

These extras are like Apelian’s way of helping us become more independent.

What Makes This Book Different?

I’ve read a lot about herbal medicine, but The Forgotten Home Apothecary felt special because of Apelian’s personal story. Living with a chronic illness, she’s relied on these remedies herself, making her advice relatable and trustworthy.

You’ll Find Vivid Descriptions and Practical Details In It

@gotahaveit

The Forgotten Home Apothecary Book is a hot seller! #apothecary #bookrecommendation #herbalmedicine

♬ Suspense, horror, piano and music box – takaya

Apelian’s writing style is simple and easy to follow. She doesn’t assume readers already know a lot, which makes the book feel welcoming.

For each remedy, Apelian includes practical details—how to harvest, prepare, and store ingredients, and what to expect from each application.

Even though I’m no stranger to herbal medicine, I felt as though I learned something new on every page. The book’s structure allows you to read casually or zero in on exactly what you’re looking for.

What I Loved Most About The Book

Let’s break down the biggest reasons why The Forgotten Home Apothecary is such a powerful addition to any home library:

  • It’s Beginner-Friendly: Despite its breadth, the book is surprisingly easy to follow. Even if you’ve never used herbs for healing, the clear instructions make it possible to jump right in.
  • Dual Purpose – Health and Survival: Apelian bridges the gap between wellness and survival, making this book as useful in a home medicine cabinet as it would be in an emergency survival kit.
  • It Covers Versatile Remedies: The diversity of remedies covers everything from everyday ailments like sore throats to more unique needs, such as heavy metal detoxifiers.
  • Empowers Self-Sufficiency: Apelian’s message of resilience resonates in every chapter. She inspires us readers to take their health into their own hands, even in uncertain times.
  • It’s Beautifully Organized: With over 250 remedies neatly categorized by ailment, finding what you require is simple.

Practical Applications in Daily Life

@mzjijase

#home #books #tiktokbooks #apothecary #powerful #remedies #foryou #cool #giftideas #tiktokshop #buy #good #shopping #fpy

♬ Amazing Grace – Grace McGuigan

Since reading The Forgotten Home Apothecary, I’ve already tried a few of Apelian’s suggestions. For instance, I made a batch of her rosemary-based memory elixir, which turned out to be simple to create and unexpectedly effective.

I’ve also started using her “Painkiller in a Jar” recipe with wild lettuce, which has become my go-to for those achy days when I’d rather not rely on over-the-counter pills.

Why The Forgotten Home Apothecary Is a Must-Have

Dr. Nicole Apelian’s The Forgotten Home Apothecary is a blend of natural medicine, personal wisdom, and practical resilience.

With its accessible language, rich content, and real-world applications, I’d recommend it to anyone interested in taking control of their health, especially those who want to reconnect with nature’s own pharmacy.

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Ada Peterson

Hey there! I'm Ada Peterson, and I absolutely love books. Ever since I was a kid, I've found comfort and excitement in reading. I'm always up for exploring new worlds and ideas through the pages of a good book. Over the years, my passion for reading has only grown. Now, I spend my time diving into all sorts of genres, uncovering hidden gems, and sharing my thoughts with fellow book lovers. To me, books are more than just stories; they're friends that bring endless learning and joy. Whether it's the twisty plots of thrillers, the sweet stories of romance, or the deep insights of non-fiction, I treasure every moment I spend reading. On this site, I hope to connect with others who feel the same way and inspire more people to find their next great read.
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