Hippocrene Books, Inc. announces the release of a new book written by Dunkirk resident and graduate of Dunkirk High School Class of 1966, titled “Polish Herbs, Flowers and Folk Medicine. Revised edition.”

Taking the reader on a historical tour of herbs and flowers used in Poland throughout the centuries, the book by Sophie Hodorowicz Knab captures the unique history and role of plant life once essential to the people of Poland.

The book contains cautionary tales, love potions, as well as a chapter devoted to wedding plants and herbs. There are home remedies for everything that ailed the people of Poland, from acne to arthritis, relaxants to rejuvenators, and heartache to heartburn. Gleaned from old Polish herbals, Knab provides recipes for balms to treat ailments such as stress, insomnia, and slow metabolism.

Also included are recipes for homemade herbal vinegars, soups, syrups, and liqueurs, including elderberry syrup, homemade Benedictine, and a healing vodka drink from Gdansk.

Wander through monastery, castle and cottage gardens with acclaimed Polish-American, explores the growth of medicine and pharmacies in Poland and provides information on the use of over 150 plants, used in healing as well as in daily life and seasonal holidays throughout the year.

This revised edition includes new information and research as well as new illustrations and color photographs. All plants are listed alphabetically according to their English common name, followed by Latin botanical name and common Polish name.

There is an index of scientific names for quick reference. History buffs, gardeners, and anyone interested in the lives of their Polish ancestors will find much to explore here.

Other books by the author include “Polish Customs, Traditions & Folklore,” “Polish Country Kitchen Cookbook,” and “Wearing the Letter P: Polish Women as Forced Laborers in Nazi Germany 1939-1945,” all published by Hippocrene Books.