Review of Witch-Doctor's Apprentice: Hunting for Medicinal Plants in the Amazon (Library of the Mystic Arts) (Paperback)

This was a great read for me back in '94 when it was presented as a gift and I have often recommended it. Nicole shares her life story when she is in her 80s. One needs to keep in mind the prevalence of ethnocentricity of our society back in the 50's and 60's. And to her credit she tells the WHOLE story, including all her fumbling bumblings of an imperfect human.As one who has ventured a little into the Bolivian and Belizian jungle her misadventures are only to be expected and provide great humor and reading. An example of her humor is while she is deep in the amazon jungle she relates that she wasn't all that concerned because what self respecting warrior would want a meazly female head for a trophy. Nicole was way ahead of her time in two areas: collecting ethnobotanical information and plants, and fighting multinational corporations in the pharmaceutical industry by bringing information directly to the people. I wonder if anyone has ever discovered what that one plant was that given one tbsp a woman was sterile until given a tbsp of another plant and she was fertile again! One may only be able to realize what an adventuresome and hardy soul she is, if you have taken steps into the amazon jungle yourself.

Product Description
When Nicole Maxwell first visited the Amazon more than forty years ago, she had no idea that she would make a life's work of the people, plants and lore to be found there. Decades before Americans became aware of the riches to be found in the knowledge of plant medicines which native shamans had passed down over thousands of years, Ms. Maxwell, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, was scouring the Amazon ram forest for clues to this ancient medical tradition.

Now, on the eve of the decade in which mankind will have its last chance to determine the fate of this region and its wealth of traditional knowledge, Citadel Press's Library of the Mystic Arts is proud to bring out a newly revised edition of this classic work. Long hailed as one of the major works of popular ethno-medicine, this book is both an engaging adventure story and an engrossing account of the traditions of plant medicine to be found among the tribes of Amazonia -- and its re-release could not be more timely.

Scientists now fear that one plant species per day is being made extinct by man's ravenous appetite for "progress". Of the plants which are found only in the Amazon rain forest, only a tiny percentage have been tested for their full medical possibilities. Witch-Doctor's Apprentice is an inspiring and amusing plea to modern civilization to save these plants -- and the people who know how to use them -- before they are destroyed forever.

On the occasion of this newly revised edition, Ms. Maxwell has created an appendix which catalogs all of the plants mentioned in the text, with their scientific names, the names by which they are known locally, and their medicinal uses. This edition also includes a newintroduction by the noted ethno-botanist Terence McKenna.

"A spirited and engrossing personal narrative, as much about people and places, discomforts and dangers, the beauty of the jungle and the arc-leap of wordless communication across cultural barriers, as it is about... bringing natu

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Review of Chinese Herbal Secrets: The Key to Total Health (Paperback)

When you pick up a book in this genre, it's very important to ensure that the info is factual and relatively unbiased. Many of the books on wellness out there are really out to sell some supplement, product or service.

This book only gives you the facts on Chinese medicince. Using very simple language and plenty of illustrations, the author presents the basic principles of TCM - Yin, Yang and the 5 Elements. It's a very different "science", so some people may not believe in it, but there is really nothing secretive or mystic about TCM. It really works.

Especially helpful is the author's glossary of common Chinese herbs and their actions, side effects. He also has a few herbal formulas and food recipes. An essential read for novices who want to learn the basics about TCM.

Product Description
Chinese Herbal Secrets lists both Chinese and Western herbs with their uses and effects. It also provides a complete breakdown of the principles of Chinese herbal medicine for the nonspecialist, gives instructions on how to determine constitutional type, and shows how to choose the right herbs. Helpful exercises, homemade creams and tinctures for skin and hair, and delicious recipes are included.

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Review of The Natural History of Medicinal Plants [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

Having an interest in the subject of medicinal plants, I have been looking for book that explained more about what compounds are in plants and how they affect not only people but nature as a whole. I was intrigued by the concept that plants produce these compounds as defense mechanisms for their own survival, and it is these same compounds that act as medicines (or poisons) when used by people. It also inadvertently explains plant companions for successful gardening. For instance, when Purple Sage leaves are crushed, they release a compound to nearby tomato plants to release their own insect inhibiting compounds. What a great book!



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Review of Herbs for Reducing Stress & Anxiety (Natural Health Handbooks) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I can't imagine going wrong with any of Rosemary's books. I'm an aromatherapist and herbalist [...] and make all of my own products- and I have hundreds of books on herbs. This little book is a wonderful value for someone who would like to learn more about herbs and make their own herbal remedies. Her tea and tincture recipes are great. I prefer using essential oils to using infusions of herbs in the bath personally, but her formulas are very good- as always. If you want a more general book I would suggest her Family Herbal- which is really a wonderful, simple, treasure of a book for herbalists of all levels!

Product Description
One of America's foremost herbalists provides concise, simple-to-understand, and practical information for using herbs for health and well-being. Each book contains profiles of specific herbs, cautions, contraindications, and easy-to-make recipes to relieve common ailments.

From the Back Cover
Relax, Rejuvenate, and Lift Your Spirits Naturally

Reverse the damage of daily stress and begin your journey of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. You'll find effective treatments for stress-induced illnesses such as panic attacks, depression, migraines, and insomnia, using herbs such as ginseng, St.-John's-wort, and kava-kava. Rosemary Gladstar also offers simple techniques for continually building and strengthening the nervous system.



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Review of Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Bible (Hardcover)

Plants are referred to and referenced throughout the books, poetry, and letters that comprise the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. "Duke's handbook Of Medicinal Plants Of The Bible" is a 528-page compendium of superbly organized and presented information on biblical plants that provides both academicians and non-specialist general readers with a complete, descriptive listing of the herbs that, based on citations, scholars and ethnobotanists feel were utilized by the people of the biblical era. Enhanced with an evidence-based scoring system for these plants, "Duke's Handbook Of Medicinal Plants Of The Bible" compares and contrasts citations from different versions of the Bible, presents multilingual nomenclatures providing historical and geographic roots for each featured entry, and even covers dosages that have been used historical for various human and animal ailments. Superbly enhanced with full color drawings of individual plants, each specific entry provides family line information, synonyms, notes, common names, activities, indications, dosages, dosages, downsides and interactions, natural history and extracts. Biblical quotations are provided from various translations of the bible from the King James version to the Revised Standard edition -- along with comments on points of interest. A superb writer and expert, James A. Duke (with the assistance and collaboration of Peggy-Ann K. Duke and Judith L. duCellier) has provided a seminal and invaluable contribution that should be a part of every academic library reference collection, as well as on the supplemental reading lists for students of herbal medicine, alternative medicine, botany, and biblical studies.



Product Description
Readers have come to depend on Jim Duke's comprehensive handbooks for their ease of use and artful presentation of scientific information. Following the successful format of his other CRC handbooks, Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Bible contains 150 herbs listed alphabetically and by scientific name. Each entry provides illustrations of the plant, family line information, synonyms, notes, common names, activities, indications, dosages, downsides and interactions, natural history, and extracts. This comprehensive text also includes Biblical quotes from various translations, such as the King James version and Revised Standard edition, along with comments on points of interest.



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Review of Herbs Demystified: A Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies Really Work (Paperback)

4 stars is an average:
3 stars for implying that only Western Science's double-blind, placebo controlled studies are of any worth.
5 stars for:readablity, layout & format, for including some of the fun and interesting history and folklore, for value, and for the personal anecdotes as well as for explaining, in layman's terms, the science behind the studies.I especially applaud that last point, the author's ability to explain the concepts behind the science in layman's terms.
Since I seem so impressed (I am. btw), it might seem churlish of me to subtract those two stars for the implication that Western "science" is the only way to look at things in general and herbs in particular.I don't think so.I have long training-nearly life long, in fact-training in alternative medicine and other alternative ideas.Therefore I am qualified to benefit from the Western science information and also to ignore or modify for myself the author's bias against traditional information.
I am guessing that's not so of the many readers of this book, not the least because this book is targeted at a general audience, and therefore this bias is quite a large deficiency in my opinion.Further, Dr Phaneuf, in ignoring some of the traditional information available on particular herbs, fails to give some of the traditional cautions and contraindication for certain herbs.That too I find a deficiency.Although I fully agree with the author that some traditional references like "this herb is good for the liver" are useless and possibly dangerous if relied upon, but that's certainly not all there is available in the way of traditional information.If this book were not aimed at a general audience I would not feel compelled to make such an issue of this.
Otherwise, I expect this book will be a valued addition to my library and I congratulate Dr. Phaneuf on an entertaining book in a very accessible format.

Product Description
Is green tea the revolutionary answer to weight loss? Can cinnamon help diabetics?Is yohimbe the new Viagra? What do herbs really do to your body?

From the Publisher
As researchers and consumers alike become more aware of the power of herbs, more information is readily available--and much of it is conflicting or even potentially dangerous. Yet most resources simply prescribe herbs, without explaining how the herb works. Finally, Herbs Demystified provides scientifically up-to-date explanations for what herbs really do--in a clear, concise, user-friendly way.

A lifelong fascination with herbs led biochemist Dr. Holly Phaneuf to research their properties and the cause-and-effect mechanisms of herbal molecules in the human body. Answering basic as well as complicated questions about herbal remedies, Herbs Demystified is practical, easy-to-read, and extraordinarily comprehensive, covering every relevant topic, including:

* Echinacea's long-debated healing properties
* Lemon balm and sage as treatments for Alzheimer's disease
* Tea tree oil's effectiveness in getting rid of bacteria--and its cost to your cells
* Soy versus black cohosh for the prevention of hot flashes
* Licorice's ability to heal ulcers--and cause overdoses
* Garlic's effectiveness in preventing blood clots
* Wintergreen as nature's aspirin
* Aloe vera's two forms--and the drastically different effects of each

Exploring more than fifty of the most popular herbs, from aloe to yohimbe, the oft-used ginseng to the less well-known turmeric, Herbs Demystified also contains:

* How scientists think herbs work
* Lists of common ailments and recommended herbs
* Little-known dangers and warning labels
* History and folklore
* Good effects...and not so good
* Commonly reported use and dosage

Herbs included: aloe, arnica, artichoke, astragalus, bilberry, black cohosh, borage, cascara, cat's claw, catnip, chamomile, chaste tree, cinnamon, cranberry, dandelion, echinacea, eleuthero, evening primrose, feverfew, flax, garlic, ginger, gingko, ginseng, gotu kola, grape, guarana, hawthorn, hoodia, horse chestnut, kava, lavender, lemon balm, licorice, marsh mallow, milk thistle, nettle, parsley, peppermint, red clover, red pepper, sage, saw palmetto, senna, soy, St. John's wort, tea, tea tree oil, turmeric, uva ursi, valerian, wild yam, wintergreen, witch hazel, yerba mate, yohimbe



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Review of Herbal Remedies for Men's Health (Natural Health Handbooks) (Paperback)

much needed herb book dealing with men's issues...A+

Product Description
One of America's foremost herbalists provides concise, simple-to-understand, and practical information for using herbs for health and well-being. Each book contains profiles of specific herbs, cautions, contraindications, and easy-to-make recipes to relieve common ailments.

From the Back Cover
Look and Feel Strong, Healthy, and Energetic with Herbal Formulas

Discover Rosemary Gladstar's holistic aproach to men's health that pays dividends of increased energy, strength, potency, mental clarity, and reduced stress. You'll find lifestyle tips and simple formulas using herbs such as ginseng, kava-kava, and saw palmetto to prevent and ease the symptoms of heart disease, hypertension, infertility and impotency, prostate disorders, and more.



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Review of Herbs for the Home Medicine Chest (Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Remedies) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This is an excellent resource book. Rosemary gives you natural remedies to common ailments that we all suffer from. Her books are easy to read and comprehend and a valuable addition to any herbal library. I can't say enough good things about her books: she gives you recipies to follow, ways to prepare herbal concoctions in various forms using a variety of bases and her writing is very down to earth.

Here is the however: This book and a few of her others are completely included in her book "Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal". The "Family Herbal" includes: Taming Stress & Anxiety, Home Remedies for Everyday Ailments, Recipes for Radiant Beauty, For Children, For Women, For Men and also For Elders and even more information then that - including information on how to prepare herbs, An A - Z Herbal Apothecary, etc...

The only book, where the topic is also touched on in "The Family Herbal", I would purchase aside from "The Family Herbal" is "Herbal Healing For Women" and any of her other books whose titles aren't included in "The Family Herbal"

Product Description
One of America's foremost herbalists provides concise, simple-to-understand, and practical information for using herbs for health and well-being. Each book contains profiles of specific herbs, cautions, contraindications, and easy-to-make recipes to relieve common ailments.

From the Back Cover
Heal Your Whole Family with Natural, Effective Remedies

With one of America's foremost herbalists as your guide, you'll learn how to create your own natural first-aid kit customized to your family's needs with healing teas, syrups, salves, ointments, pills, and baths. You'll find simple formulas using herbs like chamomile, echinacea, and garlic to effectively treat burns, colds and flus, cuts and wounds, fevers, headaches, digestive problems, and more.

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Review of Herbal Remedy Gardens: 38 Plans for Your Health & Well-Being (Paperback)

This practical guide to growing healthful herbs includes 20 specific plans for such things as cold and flu gardens, healthy heart, windowsill medicine cabinet, skin care, first aid, hair care, relaxation garden, and lots more. Recipes - culinary as well as medicinal - are included with each garden type.

The book begins with an overview of medicinal herbs, with their uses, cautions, and raising and harvesting advice. The "at a glance" box directs the reader to the gardens (always multiple) the plant is used in, so you can see what complements it and how the plant is used.

Tables include specific plant care and propagation advice and uses in the garden for attracting and repelling bugs. Byers includes the basics on getting started, garden maintenance and harvesting, but the heart of this book is practical herb use. Byers even concludes with an appreciative and practical chapter on the wild herbs, otherwise known as weeds.

Product Description
Using simple organic gardening techniques, anyone can grow a healing garden of more than 20 medicinal herbs like garlic, dill, peppermint, and echinacea.Readers will also find recipes, tips for using medicinal herbs, and plans for gardens customized for specific health requirements.



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Review of Herbal Remedies for Children's Health (Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Remedies) (Paperback)

This is an excellent resource book. Rosemary gives you natural remedies to common ailments that children suffer from. Her books are easy to read and comprehend and a valuable addition to any herbal library. I can't say enough good things about her books: she gives you recipies to follow, ways to prepare herbal concoctions in various forms using a variety of bases and her writing is very down to earth.

Here is the however: This book and a few of her others are completely included in her book "Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal". The "Family Herbal" includes: Taming Stress & Anxiety, Home Remedies for Everyday Ailments, Recipes for Radiant Beauty, For Children, For Women, For Men and also For Elders and even more information then that - including information on how to prepare herbs, An A - Z Herbal Apothecary, etc...

The only book, where the topic is also touched on in "The Family Herbal", I would purchase aside from "The Family Herbal" is "Herbal Healing For Women" and any of her other books whose titles aren't included in "The Family Herbal"

Product Description
One of America's foremost herbalists provides concise, simple-to-understand, and practical information for using herbs for health and well-being. Each book contains profiles of specific herbs, cautions, contraindications, and easy-to-make recipes to relieve common ailments.

From the Back Cover
Care for Your Children with Gentle, Effective Remedies from Nature

With guidance from Rosemary Gladstar -- internationally known herbalist, mother, and grandmother -- you'll learn how to use herbs such as chamomile, echinacea, and lemon balm to create gentle baby care products and safe treatments for childhood colds and flus, diarrhea, constipation, earaches, and fever. Gladstar also includes safety precautions, dosage information, and guidelines for when to seek medical help.



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