Book Review Quick Guide to Winter Herbs & Christmas Spices

Book Review Quick Guide to Winter Herbs & Christmas Spices: Ancient Healing Wisdom & Modern Use
By Carol Roy
Leafinprint Gmbh, 2022 (130 pages)

This is a cozy, inviting handbook that bridges the gap between seasonal cooking, herbal wellness, and a bit of festive magic. Its central strength lies in delivering a simple but compelling proposition: that the herbs and spices associated with winter and Christmas are not only culinary delights, but also part of a tradition of healing and homegrown wellness.
The book begins with practical guidance — an overview of eight essential winter spices to keep stocked year-round, and instructions for cultivating a small herb garden indoors or outdoors even in cold months. Next, it dives into botanical and historical context: you’ll learn how certain herbs and spices were used in ancient times, including references to biblical herbs and how their historical uses carry through different cultures today.

What makes the book especially charming are the personal — almost nostalgic — touches: recipes for warming winter meals, teas, or comfort foods; recommendations of which herbs to use if dealing with ailments like sore throats or muscle aches; and even stories, legends, and folklore that surround many of these spices. The paperback edition even includes coloring-book style pages — a thoughtful detail for those who enjoy relaxing by blending creativity and cooking.

That said, the book is modest in scope and depth: at around 130–132 pages, it offers an accessible overview rather than exhaustive herbal scholarship. For readers seeking deep scientific detail, rigorous botanical classifications, or comprehensive dosage/therapeutic protocols, it may feel light. But for its purpose — a seasonal guide to comforting, health-conscious cooking and home herbalism — it succeeds beautifully.

In short: this guide doesn’t try to be a heavy-duty herb encyclopedia, but instead offers warmth, practicality, and a gentle introduction to combining herbal wisdom, history, and holiday spirit. If you’re drawn to cozy cooking, natural remedies, or simply the comforting aromas and traditions of winter, this book is a delightful companion.

Carol Roy describes herself as the “composting queen.” She is passionate about gardening, especially herbs, and enjoys using herbs for medicinal purposes. She also loves cooking and attends to people’s everyday needs through food and wellness. In addition to writing books about gardening and herbs, Carol contributes gardening columns to magazines, focusing on plant care and prevention of plant problems. She also does some travel writing, and interestingly, teaches Spanish to adults and children.
Carol Roy is associated with publisher LEAFinPRINT, which features an “Our Authors” page including her profile. If you want to learn more about her other works or contact her, checking the LEAFinPRINT website is a good start.