In Memory of Juliette de Bairacli Levy~ The Grandmother of Herbalism

The kind and gentle Juliette de Bairacli Levy was born November 11, 1912 in London to a Turkish father, and a Egyptian mother.

Although she was born into a somewhat wealthy family,  and could have any future she wanted, she chose to leave college and live amongst the Gypsies.  Juliette knew she would learn far more from them, than she would have in any college or university.

For years, she shared in their nomadic lifestyle.  Juliette lived side by side with them in Spain, Greece, Morocco, and many other countries. The knowledge she gained was finally put into writing in the 1930’s. Before this, the Gypsies herbal treatments had only been shared by word of mouth.

During the 1930’s, she put to use what she had learned from the Gypsies to use in her natural animal clinic. This clinic for distemper became well known, and she treated the dogs of the Royals, as well as Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.

Juliette traveled during the 1940’s, and the information she learned was put into her book Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable.

Juliette became the grandmother of herbalism.

Juliette has written several books on herbs for children, herbs for animals, as well as a books of poetry. Her written works also include a novel and personal memoirs.

“Juliette of the Herbs” is a wonderful documentary film about her life by director Tish Streeten.  It was years in the making, and was released in 1998.

Her book “The Natural Rearing of Children“, became the 1970’s version of the Dr. Spock book for parents looking to use natural ways to raise their children. Though dog eared and very worn, many still have their copy to this day.

May 28, 2009 was a sad day for the herbalists of the world, as Juliette passed away peacefully at the age of 96.

My Treasured Autographed Copy of Nature's Children

Interested in learning more about Julia, and my personal story read Meeting Juliette~ A Biography of Juliette de Bairacli Levy.