08/20/2025 / By Belle Carter
Deb Soule’s “The Roots of Healing: A Woman’s Book of Herbs” stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature and the age-old wisdom of women healers. This compelling book invites readers to embark on a journey that intertwines personal experiences, practical herbal knowledge and a profound call to reconnect with the Earth.
Soule’s story begins in rural Maine, where she was introduced to the wonders of the natural world by her grandmother. As a young girl, she spent countless hours exploring the fields and woods, developing a deep appreciation for the flora and fauna around her.
At the age of fifteen, she began gardening, a hobby that soon evolved into a lifelong passion for herbal medicine. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of reconnecting with nature and the ancient wisdom of women healers.
In 1984, she returned to Maine to establish Avena Botanicals, an herbal apothecary that specializes in remedies made from local wild herbs and those grown in her organic gardens. Her work is a testament to the healing power of nature and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. “Herbal medicine is women’s medicine,” she writes, a statement that underscores the historical role of women as the keepers of herbal knowledge and healers in their communities.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its holistic approach to women’s health. She delves into the intricate connections between women’s health and their life experiences, addressing issues such as poverty, sexual abuse, racism and other forms of oppression. Soule believes that understanding these connections is crucial for effective healing.
For instance, she emphasizes the importance of knowing if a woman has experienced sexual abuse or an abortion when addressing health issues like uterine fibroids or fertility challenges. This approach is a refreshing reminder that our bodies hold onto trauma, and that true healing must address both the physical and emotional aspects of our being.
Soule’s commitment to women’s health is further exemplified by her advocacy for bridging the gap between herbal and allopathic medicine. She envisions a world where herbal medicine is accepted and accessible to everyone and she continues to practice with a focus on putting people’s concerns first. Her work is a testament to the potential of combining traditional and modern approaches to achieve better health outcomes.
The book is a treasure trove of practical herbal guidelines and words of hope and kindness. Soule shares her favorite herbs and their uses, offering insights into the healing properties of plants like chamomile, calendula and nettle. She describes how to make a simple herbal infusion by steeping herbs in hot water, similar to making tea, and explains the process of creating tinctures, which are alcohol-based extracts that capture the medicinal properties of herbs.
Soule’s book is a call to return to God’s and nature’s original plan for maintaining health. She believes that miraculous truths, once hidden by commercial interests, are now being uncovered through honest efforts.
These truths are found in the Bible and nature, and they offer practical solutions for preventing disease and promoting well-being. Soule emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature, following its rhythms, and using its resources wisely.
“The Roots of Healing: A Woman’s Book of Herbs” is more than just a guide to herbal medicine. It is a journey into the heart of what it means to be a woman, a healer and a steward of the Earth.
Soule’s words inspire us to reconnect with our bodies, our ancestors and the natural world. They remind us that healing is a lifelong journey, one that requires patience, compassion and a deep respect for the wisdom of nature.
Learn more about the book “The Roots of Healing” by watching the video below.
This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.
Sources include:
Tagged Under:
allopathic medicine, alternative medicine, Deb Soule, healing, herbal medicine, Herbs, Holistic Approach, mind body healing, natural cures, natural remedies, oppression, prevention, The Roots of Healing, traditional medicine, woman healers, woman's health
This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author
Herbs.News is a fact-based public education website published by Herbs News Features, LLC.
All content copyright © 2018 by Herbs News Features, LLC.
Contact Us with Tips or Corrections
All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.