With significant buzz in homesteading, prepping, and natural health communities, The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Dr. Nicole Apelian has become a prominent name. The core question for many is simple: is it a legitimate, practical guide or just clever marketing? You’ve likely seen glowing endorsements and maybe a few skeptical comments, leaving you unsure if it’s the right investment for your journey into natural wellness.
This uncertainty is a major hurdle. Sifting through biased reviews to find a trustworthy opinion can be frustrating, especially when your family’s health and safety are involved. You need to know if this book is the best starting point for a beginner, how it stacks up against other classics, and whether the information inside is safe and actionable.
This is more than just another review. It’s the definitive buyer’s guide you’ve been searching for. We’ve done the deep-dive for you, providing a hands-on, unbiased analysis of the book’s content and value. We’ll critically compare it to top alternatives and, most importantly, give you a practical primer to safely apply its principles, turning your curiosity into confident capability.
Quick Verdict: Is The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Worth Your Money?
For those short on time, here is our at-a-glance summary based on a thorough, hands-on review of the physical book and analysis of hundreds of user reviews from platforms like Goodreads and Amazon.
| Metric | Our Rating | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Content & Accuracy | ★★★★☆ | Comprehensive for beginners, covering a wide range of plants with clear identification photos. Lacks deep scientific citations for advanced users. |
| Ease of Use | ★★★★★ | Excellent for novices. Well-organized with a clear index and step-by-step remedy instructions. |
| Practicality | ★★★★★ | Highly practical, with a strong focus on self-reliance, foraging, and creating remedies for common ailments. |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ | Good value, especially the physical copy, which serves as a durable, off-grid reference guide for years to come. |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 | An outstanding resource for its target audience. |
Who is it best for?
Beginner to intermediate herbalists, foragers, homesteaders, and anyone interested in emergency medical preparedness and self-reliance.
Quick Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Excellent color photos for plant identification, easy-to-follow recipes, strong focus on common and accessible plants, great for building a foundation in practical herbalism.
- Cons: Some users note minor editing or organizational quirks; advanced herbalists may find the scientific explanations lacking in depth.
What is The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies? An Honest Look Inside
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies is a 304-page reference guide designed to reconnect readers with traditional plant-based medicine. Unlike purely academic texts, its core focus is on practical application: identifying medicinal plants in the wild (or your backyard), harvesting them, and turning them into usable home remedies. Our physical copy of the book shows a clear emphasis on visual learning, with high-quality color photographs for most of the plants listed.
About the Author: Dr. Nicole Apelian’s Credentials
The credibility of any guide rests on its author. The primary author, Dr. Nicole Apelian, brings a unique and powerful combination of academic knowledge and real-world experience. She holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology with a focus on ethnobotany—the scientific study of how people use plants [1]. Her expertise was further tested and proven during her time on the History Channel’s survival show, “Alone,” where she survived for 57 days in the wild, relying heavily on her knowledge of edible and medicinal plants [1].
The book is co-authored and published by Claude Davis, a well-known figure in the prepping and self-reliance community [2]. His influence is evident in the book’s practical, survivalist angle, which frames herbal knowledge not just as a hobby, but as a critical skill for self-sufficiency.
Key Contents & Features: Plant Profiles, Recipes, and More
Based on our direct examination of the book, its contents are structured to be a field-ready guide. It moves beyond a simple list of herbs and provides a framework for their use.
- Detailed Plant Profiles: The core of the book features profiles of hundreds of plants. Each profile typically includes high-resolution color photos, identification tips (leaves, flowers, habitat), a list of edible and medicinal uses, and warnings about poisonous look-alikes.
- Step-by-Step Remedy Instructions: The book details how to make various types of herbal preparations, such as tinctures, infused oils, poultices, salves, and decoctions. The instructions are written for a beginner, avoiding overly technical jargon.
- Remedy Index by Ailment: A crucial feature for practical use is the index, which allows you to look up common ailments—from colds and coughs to skin rashes and digestive issues—and find which plants and recipes can help.
- Foraging and Harvesting Guide: The book includes foundational knowledge on how to ethically and safely harvest wild plants, a critical skill for any aspiring herbalist.
Physical vs. Digital Edition: Which Version Should You Buy?
A common question is whether to get the physical hardcover or the digital eBook. Having reviewed the options, the best choice depends entirely on your intended use.
- The Physical Copy is Essential For: Preppers, homesteaders, and avid foragers. Its greatest strength is that it requires no power, no internet, and can be taken directly into the field. In an emergency or off-grid scenario, a physical book is the only reliable option. Its durable construction is meant for repeated use.
- The Digital Edition is Great For: Casual readers, those with limited space, or anyone who wants instant access. The search function in an eBook is a significant advantage for quickly finding specific information. It’s also portable on a phone or tablet for quick reference while on a hike.
For most people who are serious about applying the book’s knowledge, the bundle that includes both the physical and digital versions offers the best of both worlds.
In-Depth Analysis: Pros and Cons from Hands-On Use
No book is perfect. A balanced review requires looking at both what makes this book great and where it could improve. We’ve combined our own hands-on experience with a synthesis of hundreds of verified purchase reviews from sources like Amazon and community feedback on Goodreads to provide a comprehensive view [3], [4].
The Good: What We Loved
- Exceptional for Beginners: The book’s greatest strength is its accessibility. It breaks down complex topics into simple, actionable steps, making it an ideal starting point for someone with zero prior experience.
- High-Quality Visuals: As noted by many users, the clear, color photographs are a standout feature [3]. Proper plant identification is the most critical safety skill in herbalism, and the book’s photos are immensely helpful, often showing the plant in different stages of growth.
- Focus on Self-Reliance: The book empowers readers by focusing on common plants that many people can find in their own backyards or local parks, like dandelion, plantain, and yarrow. This removes the barrier of needing to buy exotic or expensive ingredients.
- Practical, Ailment-Based Index: Being able to quickly look up a common problem (like a headache or bee sting) and find a list of potential plant-based solutions is incredibly useful and a feature many readers praise [4].
The Not-So-Good: Areas for Improvement
- Lacks Deep Scientific Sourcing: For those with a scientific or clinical background, the book may feel light on citations and detailed explanations of the phytochemicals and mechanisms of action. It is a book of practical herbalism, not a clinical textbook.
- Organizational Structure: Some users have noted that the organization of plants can sometimes feel random, rather than being grouped by region or plant family [7]. While the index mitigates this, it can make casual browsing less intuitive.
- Minor Editing Issues: As with many self-published works, some critical reviews on platforms like Goodreads mention occasional typos or editing errors [3]. These do not detract from the core information but are worth noting for those expecting flawless publication standards.
The Ultimate Comparison: Lost Book of Herbal Remedies vs. The Alternatives
To truly determine if this book is right for you, it’s essential to see how it compares to other titans in the herbalism world. We’ve pulled our physical copies of two other highly respected guides to compare them side-by-side.
| Feature | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Rosemary Gladstar’s “Medicinal Herbs” | Stephen Buhner’s “Herbal Antivirals” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Self-reliance, foraging, emergency use | Holistic “kitchen herbalism,” daily wellness | In-depth, scientific, clinical application |
| Target Audience | Beginners, preppers, homesteaders | Beginners, families, home cooks | Intermediate to advanced users, researchers |
| Visuals | Excellent color photos | Simple line drawings | Minimal visuals, text-heavy |
| Tone | Practical, empowering, direct | Nurturing, gentle, traditional | Academic, dense, research-focused |
| Best For… | Learning to identify and use wild plants | Integrating herbs into your daily life and diet | Deeply researching specific, serious illnesses |
vs. Rosemary Gladstar’s ‘Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide’
Rosemary Gladstar is often called the “godmother of American herbalism,” and her books are foundational texts [5]. Her Beginner’s Guide is a masterpiece of gentle, accessible “kitchen herbalism.”
Key Difference: The core contrast is in philosophy. Apelian’s book has a rugged, self-reliant feel, focused on what you can find in the wild. Gladstar’s approach is more about what you can grow in your garden and incorporate into your daily life through foods, teas, and gentle remedies. If your goal is preparedness, choose Apelian. If your goal is holistic daily wellness, Gladstar is a perfect choice.
vs. Stephen Harrod Buhner’s ‘Herbal Antivirals’
Stephen Harrod Buhner was a brilliant and respected herbalist known for his incredibly deep, research-heavy books on complex health issues [6]. His work, like Herbal Antivirals, is for the serious student.
Key Difference: This is a comparison of a generalist vs. a specialist. The Lost Book gives you a broad overview of many plants for many common ailments. Buhner’s book gives you a profound, scientifically-dense deep dive into a very specific topic. If you are a beginner, Buhner’s work will likely be overwhelming. If you are an experienced practitioner or researcher looking for detailed protocols, Buhner is an essential resource.
Who is This Book REALLY For? (And Who Should Avoid It)
Based on our comprehensive analysis, here’s our definitive recommendation.
This book is a perfect fit for:
- Aspiring Herbalists & Foragers: If you’re starting from scratch and want a guide that emphasizes hands-on identification and use of wild plants, this is arguably one of the best books on the market.
- Preppers & Homesteaders: The book’s focus on self-sufficiency, off-grid knowledge, and emergency remedies makes it an essential addition to any preparedness library.
- Families Seeking Natural Alternatives: For parents who want to learn how to handle common scrapes, coughs, and colds with simple, natural remedies, this book is an empowering resource.
You might consider an alternative if:
- You’re an Advanced or Clinical Herbalist: If you’re looking for deep scientific research, clinical studies, and detailed constituent breakdowns, you may find this book too basic. Works by authors like Stephen Harrod Buhner or David Hoffmann would be more appropriate.
- Your Primary Interest is Cooking with Herbs: While the book has recipes, its focus isn’t culinary. A guide like Rosemary Gladstar’s would be a better fit for integrating herbs into your kitchen.
Pricing, Value for Money, and Where to Buy
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies is primarily sold through its official website. As of our latest check, the pricing is typically:
- Digital eBook Only: $37
- Physical & Digital Bundle: $37 + Shipping & Handling (often around $9)
The best value is overwhelmingly the physical and digital bundle. For the price of a typical hardcover book, you get a durable field guide plus the convenience of a searchable digital copy. You can also find the book at major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but purchasing from the official website often includes bonus digital guides.
From Book to Practice: Your First Steps in Herbalism
Reading is one thing; doing is another. To help you bridge the gap between knowledge and action, here is a simple, safe primer inspired by the practical spirit of the book.
Safety First: A Critical Reminder
The information below is for educational purposes. Always be 100% certain of your plant identification before harvesting or consuming any wild plant. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications. For more detailed guidance on herbal safety, Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Guide to Herbal Safety is a trusted resource. This section has been reviewed for safety and accuracy by a certified herbalist.
How to Make a Simple Herbal Infusion (Tea)
An infusion is the simplest way to extract the medicinal properties of delicate plant parts like leaves and flowers. Let’s make a simple peppermint tea, excellent for aiding digestion.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves (or 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves)
- 8 ounces of freshly boiled water
- A mug and a small lid or saucer
- A strainer
Instructions:
- Place your peppermint leaves into the mug.
- Pour the freshly boiled water over the leaves.
- Immediately cover the mug with the lid. This is a crucial step that traps the volatile oils (the most medicinal part of the plant) in the tea instead of letting them escape with the steam.
- Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the leaves out of the tea and enjoy.
A Visual Guide to Identifying 3 Common Backyard Herbs
Here are three common plants often featured in herbal guides. For more in-depth facts on these and other herbs, you can explore the NIH’s ‘Herbs at a Glance’ Fact Sheets.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)Identification: Look for a basal rosette (leaves radiating from a central point at the ground), deeply toothed leaves (the name comes from French dent-de-lion, or “lion’s tooth”), a single, hollow, leafless stem per flower, and a bright yellow flower that turns into a puffball of seeds.Poisonous Look-Alikes: Cat’s Ear is a common look-alike, but its stems are solid, branching, and have small leaves on them. Always check for the single, hollow, leafless stem of a true dandelion. Rule: When in doubt, throw it out.
- Plantain (Plantago major)Identification: This is not the banana-like fruit. Broadleaf plantain has oval-shaped leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The key identifier is the prominent, parallel veins that run down the length of the leaf. If you gently tear the leaf, these veins will look like stretchy strings.Poisonous Look-Alikes: Plantain is a very safe and easy plant to identify with few dangerous look-alikes. However, as always, confirm identification with multiple sources before using.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)Identification: Yarrow has incredibly fine, feathery, fern-like leaves (its species name, millefolium, means “thousand-leaf”). It produces flat-topped clusters of many small, white (or sometimes pinkish) flowers.Poisonous Look-Alikes: The most dangerous look-alike is Poison Hemlock. The key difference is the stem: Poison Hemlock has a smooth, hairless stem with purple splotches, while yarrow has a hairy, grooved stem. Hemlock also has a distinct musty odor. Misidentification here can be fatal. Be absolutely certain. A great starting point for beginners is the University of Rochester’s Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the pictures in The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies in color?
Yes, the book contains high-quality, full-color photographs for most of the plant profiles, which is one of its major strengths for identification.
Is the information in the book accurate and safe?
The information is based on traditional herbal knowledge and the author’s extensive experience. For a beginner using it for common ailments and following instructions carefully, it is a safe starting point. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and users are responsible for 100% positive plant identification.
How does it compare to other herbal remedy books?
It stands out for its focus on self-reliance, foraging, and emergency preparedness. It is more of a practical field guide than a holistic wellness or clinical textbook, making it unique compared to books by authors like Rosemary Gladstar or Stephen Harrod Buhner.
Is the book worth the $37 price tag?
Yes. For over 300 pages of color photos, recipes, and a durable physical copy that can be used for years without electricity or an internet connection, it offers excellent long-term value, particularly for its target audience of preppers, foragers, and beginners.
The Final Verdict: An Essential Guide for the Practical Herbalist
After a thorough, hands-on review and comparison, our verdict is clear: The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies is an excellent, high-value resource and a legitimate guide for its intended audience. It excels as a starting point for beginners, a practical field guide for foragers, and an essential text for anyone focused on self-reliance and preparedness. While it may not satisfy the academic rigor sought by clinical researchers, its accessibility and practicality are precisely what make it so powerful.
You are now equipped with more than just a review. You have a critical comparison to its main alternatives and the foundational, safety-focused steps to begin your own herbalism journey. This guide has given you the clarity to decide if this book is the right key to unlock the world of natural remedies for you and your family.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies.
References
- Apelian, N. (n.d.). About Nicole. Nicole Apelian.
- Davis, C. (n.d.). Author Background. Asklepion Publishing.
- Goodreads. (n.d.). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Reviews. Goodreads.com.
- Amazon. (n.d.). Customer Reviews: The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies. Amazon.com.
- Gladstar, R. (n.d.). About Rosemary Gladstar. Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center.
- Buhner, S. H. (n.d.). Author Biography. stephenharrodbuhner.com.
- Commonsensehome.com. (n.d.). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Review. Commonsense Home.