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

Click Here to see more reviews about: Witch-Doctor's Apprentice: Hunting for Medicinal Plants in the Amazon (Library of the Mystic Arts) (Paperback)

Review of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Clinical Guide to the Healing Plants of Traditional Indian Medicine (Hardcover)

A very good book integrating clinical testing of ayurvedic herbs.A bit heavy on the science side but if you know how to interpret clinical studies the book opens up some interesting perspectives for herbal uses.

Product Description
A single-source reference on the most important and best-investigated Ayurvedic herbs

This book examines the clinical information available on more than 60 Ayurvedic herbs to determine how their use in traditional Indian medicine is supported by modern scientific study. Plants are grouped according to body systems and each entry includes a description, information on the source plant, distribution and traditional use, active chemical constituents, relevant pharmacology, and details of clinical studies and safety findings. This unique book also includes a brief history of Ayurveda, examines the history of drug development and evaluation in ancient India, and identifies current trends resulting from scientific investigation.

Worldwide interest in Ayurveda is growing quickly, especially in the United States, Europe, and Japan. But until now, information on Western-style clinical trials on Ayurveda herbs has been scattered and no single source for descriptions, comments, and references has existed. Ayurvedic Herbs presents the first critical validation of Ayurvedic medicine, extensively referenced for physicians and clinicians interested in alternative and adjunctive therapies. This unique book is essential for making informed choices on herb use, offering clinical trial data, results of pharmacological studies, and safety information.

Ayurvedic Herbs examines:

gastrointestinal agents

hepatoprotective agents

respiratory tract agents

cardiovascular drugs

urinary tract drugs

antirheumatic agents

skin and trauma care agents

gynecological agents

antidiabetic agents

CNS agents

rasayana drugs

dental and ophthamological agents

and much moreAyurvedic Herbs includes cross-references to chapters when a particular plant has more than one indication and watercolor illustrations of twelve major herbs.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ayurvedic Herbs: A Clinical Guide to the Healing Plants of Traditional Indian Medicine (Hardcover)

Review of Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self Healing for Everyone (Eleventh Edition) (Paperback)

After first encountering this book in my local Whole Foods a couple of years ago, I got my own copy for reference. I can honestly say, it is the most helpful health book I own (and I own a lot).

Linda's wise advice hasseen me through asthma attacks, ear infections and a nasty bout ofdepression. She's even helped my husband with his notorious tummy aches.

The ailments are listed alphabetically, so they're easy to find evenwhen you're not thinking straight (like when you have the flu). Hertreatment suggestions are incredibly thorough and include, herbs, vitaminsand lifestyle suggestions.

Though it centers on treating specificailments, "Healthy Healing" isn't just for when you're under theweather. It's filled with great information (including supplement anddietary protocol) to make sure you stay in top form.

Product Description
When "Healthy Healing" was first written, it was the only book of its kind. Now, bigger and better than ever, "Healthy Healing" is used by people around the world including practitioners, educators and health store staff. Why? Because it is complete and easy to use!

First, look up the illness in the handy table of contents. This alphabetical listing of over 150 health complaints directs readers to the encyclopedic reference section. For each ailment, there are alternative health care therapies: diet and superfood, herbal and supplement, and lifestyle support. This book also contains a wealth of information - complete lifestyle programs for people with special needs, programs for children, a new expanded guide to detoxification and more!

*100 new pages
*Easier to use
*New - Personal Ailment Analysis Section - "Help Yourself"
Customize your own healing program. What's your problem? Choose the best therapy.
*Natural Healing Product Section
*Updated - How to use - Safety Cautions
*Expanded Food Is Medicine Section
*The Latest about natural healing for children
*Natural Healing For Pets Section



Click Here to see more reviews about: Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self Healing for Everyone (Eleventh Edition) (Paperback)

Review of Herbal Defense: Positioning Yourself to Triumph Over Illness and Aging (Paperback)

While not as popular as some (for whatever reason), and certainly not as pricey, Herbal Defense is chocked to the brim with useful information. The authors certainly believe firmly in natural healing, with years of experience between them, concentrating more on preventive medicine over curing. Reading works such as this loans you confidence and reassurance in natural remedies - thank God - instead of scaring you off or subtly hinting herbs may be good for you like some watered-down books out there.

Focused more on Ayurveda but incorporating just as much with Western medicine, so that all parties can learn and enjoy, various herbs are discussed with folklore, personal usage, and studies/research. Several formula combinations are given, as well as details on different body conditions, such as depression and the immune system. In fact, the main emphasis of Herbal Defense seems to BE the immune system, all about increasing your stamina and making yourself healthy enough to combat just about anything. Special chapters are also devoted to children, men, women, cleansing, skin, energy, and other body systems.

The authors devotion to herbs is shown even clearer in one of my favorite segments, "Urban Myths and Sidewalk Talk", where Landis discusses the current comfrey controversy, the issues with licorice root and high blood pressure, ephedra made to look bad because of incorrect use, and more. Supplements and exercise are mentioned as complimentary therapy to herbal aide, in a straight forward, concise, reliable manner.

Herbal Defense enjoys sharing their views on the flaws of scientific studies, the dangers of relying too much on objective science and supposably objective scientists, using your own head to decipher through the garbage and see what's real, and of course on the history of herbalism and Ayurvedic medicine itself. There are charts to help show you where you fall and various eating recommendations for your body type.

Not short and sweet in any way, this book is more than enough for a beginner or advanced herbalist looking to relax with an informative companion. Witty, smart, strong, and intelligent, it's a great book that shouldn't be as overlooked as it is. If there are flaws, it's that in my opinion Landis isn't right on using pills over other herbal preparations because of their convenience, but hey, we all make our own paths.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Herbal Defense: Positioning Yourself to Triumph Over Illness and Aging (Paperback)

Review of Bach Flower Remedies for Dogs (Paperback)

I found this book very disappointing.A large portion of the book talks about how the remedies apply to humans rather than dogs.The book is badly organized and is not laid out to be an easy to use reference book.There is no index and the table of contents is not very specific. Even the chapter detailing each of the remedies is not in alphabetical order for ease of finding a remedy.

Product Description
Dog owners can care for their canines from puppyhood to old age through a safe and natural system using the flower remedies created by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. This book explores how this healing therapy heals ailments with different flora and can be applied to dogs to ease their mental stress, worry, and other emotional problems. Individuals can gain a closer understanding with their dogs and spare them from unnecessary medications and drugs in the process. The book delves into the background of the 38 different Bach flower remedies and their applications in animal health, and italso addresses commonly asked questions that dog owners may have.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Bach Flower Remedies for Dogs (Paperback)