Juliette of the Herbs is a captivating documentary film that chronicles the life and work of renowned herbalist and author Juliette de Bairacli Levy. Directed by award-winning filmmaker and herbalist, Teresa Marcin, the film tells the story of Julietteâs fascinating journey from a young girl growing up in the Gypsy culture in the early 1900s to becoming a world-renowned plant healer and traveller in the latter half of the 20th century.
The film brings to light some of the unique experiences of Julietteâs upbringing, including her adventurous travels in the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean, where she learned traditional healing methods from local healers and natural remedies from the plants and animals of the wild. With an unmatched enthusiasm for plant healing, Juliette dedicated her life to the study and practice of ethnobotany and herbal medicine.
Julietteâs adventures were often intertwined with history and folklore of the different cultures she encountered, and the film weaves together themes of travel, science, history, magic, and personal growth. The documentary introduces us to a wealth of fascinating characters, among them Rosemary Gladstar, the well-known herbalist and founder of the United Plant Savers, who speaks about her experiences with Juliette and her insights on the importance of plant medicine in our lives.
Other key figures in the film include Susun Weed, an authority on herbal medicine and author of the best-selling book, âHealing Wise,â and Henriette Kress, another respected herbalist who shares her personal experiences and knowledge of the ways in which plants can be used for healing.
Throughout the film, we learn about the various plant-based remedies Juliette used in her practice, including tinctures, teas, poultices, oils, and salves. She believed that plants have the power to heal and restore our bodies and that we can access these natural remedies just by looking around us.
The film also highlights Julietteâs contribution to the field of herbal medicine, including the publication of several books, such as âCommon Herbs for Natural Health,â which has become a staple reference guide for many herbalists today. We see how Julietteâs work has had a profound impact on the field of herbal medicine and continues to inspire generations of healers who share her passion for plant-based healing.
In addition, Juliette of the Herbs is a beautiful visual tribute to the natural world, with stunning footage of the forests, meadows, and rivers of Europe, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The lush cinematography and natural soundscape of the film create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, transporting the viewer to the beauty of nature.
Overall, Juliette of the Herbs is a fascinating and inspiring film that pays tribute to the life and work of one of the most respected herbalists of our time. It not only chronicles Julietteâs incredible journey and her legacy in plant medicine but also serves as a reminder of the importance of connecting with the natural world and finding healing in the wisdom of plants.
Juliette of the Herbs is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.