Juliette of the Herbs

Juliette of the Herbs is an intriguing 1998 documentary that provides insight into the life and work of the world-renowned herbalist, Juliette de Bairacli Levy. This film primarily exists to explore the life of Levy who spent many years studying the medicinal properties of plants and promoting an alternative and natural way of living and healing. It is directed by Tish Streeten and features not only Juliette de Bairacli Levy herself but also other well-known herbalists such as Rosemary Gladstar and Susun Weed.

The film opens a window into the beautiful, vibrant world of natural healing practices, showcasing Levy's deep understanding and reverence for the plants she encountered throughout her lifetime. With a running time of 75 minutes, Juliette of the Herbs unfolds in a sequence of episodes detailing Juliette's travels, her interactions with different cultures, and her quest for knowledge about plants' healing properties.

Levy was born into a wealthy English family, raised in a comfortable and scholarly environment. Still, her thirst for knowledge led her to venture out into the world. The film focuses on her early life, showing how Levy rebelly rejected the traditional path laid out for her and instead ventured to study veterinary medicine. Yet, dissatisfied with contemporary medicine's limitations, she explored the world, seeking out ancient healing knowledge from nomadic tribes in many different countries.

The film beautifully depicts how her fascination with nomadic cultures and their deep understanding of the natural world led her to the life-changing decision to study and live among them. These experiences significantly shaped her philosophy, leading to a holistic vision of health and well-being grounded in nature’s resources.

Herb enthusiasts Rosemary Gladstar and Susun Weed feature prominently in the documentary. They join in the narrative, underscoring the impact that Levy's work had on herbalism as a field. Levy's holistic and herbal approach to health is presented not only as part of an ancient tradition but also as a vitally important perspective in an increasingly industrialized and disconnected world.

One of the distinguishing aspects of the film is the way it weaves together incredible storytelling and breathtaking cinematography. It not only showcases the healing power of herbs but also beautifully encapsulates the essence of a woman like Levy, who was ahead of her time. The high-quality visuals capture enticing landscape scenes along with extreme close-ups of the flora and fauna, which Juliette tirelessly worked with. Reminiscent of a poetic ode, the camera glides through glistening fields, rustic villages, wild forests, and the bustling life of the very people who cherished ancient wisdom.

Juliette of the Herbs provides an in-depth portrait of Juliette as a visionary, a free spirit who blended veterinary knowledge with a nomad's lifestyle to restore wellbeing, and an often overlooked pioneer in the field of herbal medicine. However, the film does not only dwell on her unique perspective on healing arts. Also featured are Juliette's holistic views on nutrition, pet care, childbirth, and nature conservation. Her relentless advocacy for a return to nature in the face of industrialization unequivocally resonated throughout her life and work.

As the documentary draws to an end, viewers witness an octogenarian Juliette, undeterred by age, as vibrant and passionate about her life’s work as ever. It is not just a testament to her enduring spirit, but also a tribute to an extraordinary life dedicated to the exploration and promotion of herbal healing and a distinctly natural lifestyle.

Juliette of the Herbs serves a dual purpose. It immortalizes Juliette de Bairacli Levy's extraordinary life and contributions to herbal medicine, and offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of herbalism. It is a celebration of nature, its bounty, and its potential for healing. This documentary is an inspiration not only for current herbalists and health practitioners but for anyone interested in leading a life deeply connected with the natural world.