Book Review: Held by the Land

Held by the Land: 45 Ways to Use Indigenous Plants for Healing & Nourishment by Leigh Joseph is an absolute gem! This beautifully illustrated book opened my eyes to the incredible world of Indigenous plants and their healing properties. As I explored the detailed information and vibrant illustrations, I felt a deep and enriching connection to nature. I also love that this book comes with a card deck so you can interact with the material in an innovative and inspiring way.

Leigh Joseph, an ethnobotanist and member of the Squamish Nation, has crafted a wonderful resource that makes Indigenous plant knowledge accessible and practical. The book includes plants that are culturally significant to the Pacific Northwest, such as Western Red Cedar, Devil’s Club, Broad-Leaved Plantain, Camas, Wapato, and Red Laver. Each section provides valuable information on the plant's properties and uses, while the guidebook offers tips for building a home apothecary, recipes for infused oils and salves, and checklists for safe and sustainable harvesting.

One of the things I loved most about Held by the Land is how it encourages mindful harvesting and a deep respect for the land. The botanical glossary and recipes for food and beauty products add a practical and enjoyable touch, making it easy to incorporate these powerful plants into daily life.

Whether you're a seasoned herbalist or just starting out, this book is an invaluable resource that will inspire and guide you.

I highly recommend this elegant and informative book to anyone interested in the natural world and the wisdom of indigenous cultures. It’s a truly unique and beautiful book! You can also read more about Leigh and her work on her blog, The Yetwánaý Project: Squamish Nation Cultural Approaches to Health.🌿✨

Thank you to the team at The Quarto Group for a chance to read this book, and thank you to Leigh for the amazing work, love, devotion and dedication that went into this book. It is felt on every page!

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