I grew up in a big household. There were six of us including my parents. With parents in between jobs and dealing with “life,” there wasn’t money to take us to the doctor. Come to think of it, I don’t recall any doctor visits.

In order for my mom to take us to the doctor, there had to be blood. In large amounts. Or something broken. We just didn’t go to the doctor.

If any of us fell ill, there was one book she went to for help. That book was Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss. We used the book so much as a reference that mom had to replace it. Even her current, “newer” copy is taped for preservation.

Back to Eden is an encyclopedia of herbal remedies, healthy eating and healthy ways of living. Just about any disease, virus or ailment has an herb remedy listed in this book. Flip to the index to find what you’re looking for, and then go see what herbs help it.

I started to recall information from the book as news coverage about flu season, and a new deadly respiratory virus filled the airwaves. There are newer, more modern herbal encyclopedias. I wouldn’t be surprised however, if they are loosely based on this book.

The edition I own, has a copyright date of 1939. This book is old, some might even say outdated. But I love it, and think anybody loosely interested in herbal remedies should own this book. In times like this, I’m glad I decided to get a copy for my family.

Have you ever heard of this book? Do you have a favorite herbal remedy reference that’s not this book? I’m into books. Especially really old ones, lol. Let’s be friends, and talk about old books.