Self-declared as “the complete guide to natural health and beauty,” The Organic Pharmacy does much to live up to its name. This book is a great start for those interested in reaping the benefits of natural skin care, herbal remedies, and nutritional approaches to areas such as skin care and general health.

The author of this book, who was once a pharmacist, first became interested in the dynamics of organics when she started having children. Around the same time she also discovered that some of the products that claim to be organic actually aren’t. This book is a direct result of her research and passion towards natural healing.

In 2002, Marrone opened The Organic Pharmacy, the first and only pharmacy in the world dedicated to using organic products and treatments, based in London. It was an instant success and was followed by more stores in the London area. Today, The Organic Pharmacy is an internationally successful brand that is used by both celebrities and everyday clients.

In her book, Marrone explains how seemingly overwhelming and complicated topics such as herbal remedies, homeopathy, and nutritional approaches actually work by breaking them down and explaining their benefits to our body’s systems and how they naturally enhance our health and beauty.

On a very practical side, she also provides detailed profiles of 33 common conditions from arthritis to infertility to sore throats, along with suggestions of tailored organic treatments for each ailment. For example, for arthritis Marrone recommends herbs that will not only ease the pain, but also reduce inflammation. These include devil’s claw, black cohosh, willow bark, and bogbean, among others.

Marrone also offers a ten-day plan for a safe, effective detox with easy-to-follow instructions and recipes. About the plan, she writes: “during the detox process your body will need support from a number of nutrients and herbs. An abundant supply of antioxindants, vitamins, fibre and essential fatty acids will enhance the process of cleansing and improve your body’s ability to repair itself where toxins may have caused damage. Follow my guidelines for detox and, far from depriving your body of anything, you will be giving your body a wealth of nutrients as well as the tools to ensure a stress-free cleanse.” Some of these herbs and nutrients include linseed, green barley, alfalfa, licorice, L-glutamine, aloe vera, and ginger.

While she provides a detailed breakdown of what should be consumed on each of the ten days, Marrone expects the following every single day: a glass of hot water with a lemon squeezed into it each morning on waking (to break down mucus in the body and alkanize the tissue); three herbal detox capsules with a glass of water twice a day (half an hour before a meal or one hour after is best); ten minutes of breathing exercises followed by ten minutes of stretching; gentle dry brushing of the skin before showering; after-shower massage with body oil containing rosemary and grapefruit essential oils (to boost circulation).

And with specific chapters on women’s problems, childhood illnesses, and skin care, this book is sure to have something for everyone. In the final chapter Marrone gets personal and describes her own personal skin care regime, and explains how it has helped her stay a step ahead of the aging process. Her enthusiasm and passion for natural remedies shine through on every page of this book. For Marrone, it is truly a labour of love based on her firm belief that true beauty and wellness work from the inside out.

You can learn more about The Organic Pharmacy by visiting www.theorganicpharmacy.com