Review of Herbal Voices: American Herbalism Through the Words of American Herbalists (Hardcover)

HERBAL VOICES, by Kathleen Dougherty is the book to read if you are looking for a way to familiarize yourself with herbalists as well as their practices and history. Dougherty interviewed dozens of American herbalists, asking them salient questions such as "How did you become a herbalist?, What is the nature of your remedies?", and "How do you think science enters into the equation?"The first 100 pages of this book form a summary of her findings and conclusions, and the remainder is a distillation of 20 selected interviews.

I found Dougherty's book enlightening because it discusses the role of science (experimental) in conjunction with the traditional use of herbs for healing and/or preserving health (experiential). Holistic herbalists deal with areas science cannot address because science is linear and never proves anything. Science can only suggest with a certain degree of confidence that such and such is "likely" to be connected or that selected events are correlated - and do this only if the thing being observed or studied can be subjected to a clinical trial or something equivalent.

Holistic practitioners, on the other hand, do not view the Body-Mind-Spirit as three distinct entities that can be analyzed separately. They also generally follow the guidance of a particular tradition handed down from `wise elders' who preserved the cumulative wisdom of the ages. Along with what to obtain and how to use it, these wise elders have passed along shamanistic rituals that work with the whole person.

The Holistic herbalist considers the role of the individual human spirit in health. Holistic practitioners also practice a "hands on" approach, that involves touching in the form of massage or healing hands. Furthermore, herbalists generally do not use their herbal products like medicine dispensed at a pharmacy. For example, if you take Echinacea to do it in the most effective way you must take it in a certain manner, which does not necessarily mean popping denatured tablets purchased at a Natural Food Store in your mouth every day. The naturalistic viewpoint suggests that whole herbs you grew and processed yourself with love are the best way to go, and these products must be handled with care. Growing your own herbs and learning to make tinctures, salves and other products is the best way of all - and don't forget to give thanks to the Source.

This is an excellent, well written book and a must for anyone who seeks to understand these healers and their practices.



Product Description
Learn how traditional herbal practitioners are responding to the sudden, massive popularity of herbal medicine!

Herbal Voices: American Herbalism Through the Words of American Herbalists examines how herbal practitioners who started in the 1960s and 1970s are reacting to the mainstream popularity of herbal medicine today. This unique book features interviews with 20 of America's most prominent herbalists-focusing on their careers, their beliefs, and their perspectives on the contemporary herbal product boom in recent years. Also included is important information on herbal organizations, publications, schools, and companies where seeds and rootstock of endangered medicinal plants can be obtained, as well as a list of the United Plant Savers' "At Risk" and "To Watch" medicinal plants.

Herbal Voices synthesizes the words of a representative group of herbalists into a compelling picture of modern American herbalism as they offer their opinions on the roles of science, folklore, and spirituality in herbal medicine. This timely resource addresses controversial issues that arise within the herbal community, such as the endangered plant crisis, professionalism and licensure, and shifting the American consciousness toward a more Earth-centered way of life and health.

In Herbal Voices, you'll hear from many well-known herbal practitioners, including:
Rosemary Gladstar-founder of The California School of Herbal Studies and United Plant Savers, co-founder of Sage Mountain Herbs, and author of Herbal Healing for Women and of the Sage Healing Way series
James Green-former Director of The California School of Herbal Studies, a member of the advisory committee for United Plant Savers, and author of both The Herbal Medicine-Makers Handbook and The Male Herbal
David Hoffmann-Fellow of Britain's National Institute of Medical Herbalists, former President of the American Herbalists Guild, and author of The New Holistic Herbal, An Elder's Herbal, and Therapeutic Herbalism
Richo Cech-herbalist, owner of Horizon Herbs, executive board member of United Plant Savers, and author of Growing Your Garden Pharmacy
Sharol Tilgner-licensed naturopathic physician, founder and current President of Wise Woman Herbals, Inc., editor of Herbal Transitions, associate editor of Medical Herbalism, and author of Herbal Medicines From the Heart of the Earth
For the first time, these leading educators, clinicians, and business owners share the joys and pitfalls of practicing an age-old healing tradition in modern America. This rich resource of reflections fills a gap in the existing literature that will be useful for herbalists, herbal enthusiasts, historians, anthropologists, popular culturists, and holistic/alternative medical practitioners.

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