11/02/2009

Review of Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West (Paperback)

An excellent book for beginners, experienced herbalists, and other medical professionals alike. This book, like Michael Moore's others are seldom available used because people keep them and use them-alot . They are usually the most worn from use on any herbalist's shelf- including mine.
Medicinal Plants of The Mountain West has lovely and useful illustrations to aid identification. More photos would help though.
The text is lucid, funny and very helpfull. Beginners will find step by step instuctions on harvesting with care and attention to protecting habitat, medicine making, clear and detailed information on judicious medicinal use, and plenty of food for thought on history, health and healing and how your own body works, as well as gentle and experienced guidance through the sometimes confusing state of herbal medicine in the market economy Western world. Unlike many other herbals, this book clearly and simply explains how and when to use herbs (and when not to use them) as herbs- not as "little"drug replacements.
Herbalists and other health care practioners will find an amazing amount of helpful clinical detail and creative approaches to therapeutics. Although this book that is often placed in the Field Guide section of the book store it is aconcise yet articulate materia medica based in the authors extensive experience as a therapist, harvester, and medicine maker.

Doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health professionals will find this book to be an oasis of sane , seasoned advice on how to use herbs and how to understand what your clients are taking. Amidst the onslaught off nearly useless books on botanical medicine written by journalists and pharmacists who couldn't tell a chickweed from an oak tree, and whose personal and professional experience practicing herbal medicine is usually less than Peter Rabbit's cup of chamomile tea, Michael Moore's books offer clinical experience grounded in Western science and traditional cultural use. His writing encourages cultural competence, treating Native and Latino plant medicine with care, and respect.
Many of us have been waiting along time for this second edition. Buy it, use it, share it

Product Description
In the first update since the original printing in 1979, renowned herbalist Michael Moore adds another 20 years of research and expertise working with medicinal plants to his classic 'Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West'. In this greatly expanded (168 additional pages) revised and enlarged edition, the book covers the entire range of medicinal herbs found in New Mexico, Arizona, west Texas, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and California.

From the Publisher
Michael Moore's celebrated companion guides comprehensively cover the entire range of medicinal herbs found in New Mexico, Arizona, West Texas, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and the California desert. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West is the long-established classic work on medicinal herbs of the Western uplands. An authoritative presentation of more than 100 species, it is unsurpassed as a field guide and for its authoritative information on collection and medicinal preparation. Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West focuses on the plant life of rocky and arid lands of the West, and includes even more detailed information on the preparation and use of these vital herbs.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West (Paperback)

11/01/2009

Review of The Art of Redesign (Paperback)

The title says it all, finally a home makeover book with a zero budget. Redesign is all about taking what you already have (the space, furniture, walls, big and small stuff) and creating a dynamic and appealing change.

The author will guide your application of the simple five-step system and guidelines that will give your home a brand new look.

Intertwined in the system and guidelines are real-life stories and examples of the joy that was felt by those whose homes Val redesigned.

The five simple steps include: 1) Taking everyone into consideration who lives in the home. Identifying what each person desires from the redesign is vital to your ultimate success.
2) Focuses on the space, its current and future utilization.
3) Helps you decide how to best use the big stuff in the rooms and where these pieces can be placed to better meet your needs and make a stunning impact.
4) Focus on the walls. Choosing where to hang art can be daunting. The author identifies how to experiment with placement without leaving holes in the wall.
5) Selecting the right place for the small stuff, those cherished accessories, without creating clutter.

To help you visualize the dramatic redesign transformations, the author has photographed many of her projects. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. The results will certainly motivate you to begin your redesign-it did me.

Val recommends taking notes while you quickly read the book. Once you've completed the book it will be easy to apply the ideas in one project rather than in bits and pieces. This is great advice; when you follow it you will have the most successful outcomes from your own redesign efforts. Have fun; enjoy your redesign experience, and the results.

Armchair Interviews says: Check out this book to see how you could redesign your own space.

Product Description
It s Not What You Have, It s How You Use It.

Your dream home is right in front of you simply waiting to be revealed. Discover the key elements to creating your dream home with this step-by-step guide but without buying anything new. Highlight the things you love in the space that you have by following design principles that will make your home both look and feel---beautiful and uniquely yours.

If you re convinced your life will be complete if only you can recreate last week s episode of that decorating show you saw, this book isn't for you. If you want to create a dream home that communicates your life one that feels great, flows and functions well---this book is the only home improvement tool, supply or material you ll need to make that happen.



Click Here to see more reviews about: The Art of Redesign (Paperback)

Review of The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I really like this book.It's organized nicely, and is helpful in pairing diseases/problems with herbal therapies.It's interesting, and I like the illustrations, as well as many of the beauty products.I do have a couple problems with it though.The book contains a list of the 50 most common herbs, and while it does list some safety precautions, a lot of drug-herb interactions are missing.For instance Coumadin (Warfarin) is listed as interacting with willow bark in this book.But Warfarin also has interactions with ginseng, dang shen, devil's claw, garlic (in large amounts) and ginkgo biloba.A few of these drugs are even in the top 50 in this book, with no mention of the problems they can cause with Warfarin.I think this is a really negative aspect of this book, because people without a pharmacy or medical background might not know about such problems, and as some don't even consider herbals to be drugs (which they are!) they don't know to check for interactions, or even where to check if they wanted to.Another point the book fails to mention is that the FDA doesn't have guidelines for purity of herbal products the way it does for prescription and over-the-counter medication.So you might not be getting exactly what you think you are when you buy an herbal product.If you use this book, I would recommend asking your pharmacist what brand of herbs they suggest, because most pharmacists know which brands are more reliable than others.And also, you should always ask your doctor about taking herbals if you are on ANY medications, and when your pharmacist takes your medication history, tell them what you are on, too.Just because herbals are natural doesn't mean they are safe!

Product Description
Herbal Medicine for Women Only!

In this elegantly illustrated book, top herbalists offer inside advice on how to use herbs to look and feel your best, relieve more than 125 common health problems, and strengthen your immunity against illness. You'll find:

* Step-by-step directions for making your own herbal medicines
* Dosage and recommendations for hot new herbs like black cohosh-- "nature's estrogen"-- and kava-kava, the popular anti-anxiety herb
* Special sections on aromatherapy, dream pillows, and herbs for rejuvenation and relaxation
* Herbal remedies for female-only problems like morning sickness and PMS, plus much more

This beautiful book also features:

* Lavishly illustrated profiles of 50 top healing herbs for women, from aloe to yellow dock
* Full-color photographs, including herbs in their native settings
* Recipes for medicinal teas, soups, formulas, and blends

The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs is perfect for women who are looking for simple ways to use medicinal herbs to treat everyday health problems, relieve stress, and beautify their skin, hair, and nails.


From the Inside Flap
The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs

Practical and elegant, this is the ultimate book on herbs for female-only health problems. You'll find page after page of teas, tinctures, supplements, formulas, masks, compresses, and more. Special blends for relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing. Tonics that prevent or relieve colds and flu, hot flashes and menstrual cramps, digestive upsets, mood swings, pelvic pain, urinary tract infections, and much more.

The book, based on modern scientific evidence, kicks off with a look at the long tradition of herbal healing, then provides lavishly illustrated profiles of the 50 top healing herbs for women. Next, you'll find step-by-step directions, with color photos, for making tonics, compresses, and other herbal medicines in your kitchen with everyday equipment.

A special section of the book, arranged alphabetically, offers herbal remedies for more than 80 health complaints, from altitude sickness to water retention. Throughout, the authors emphasize safe and effective use of herbs for problems ranging from everyday complaints (like sage for bad breath and rosemary for headaches) to long-range concerns (like hawthorn for heart health and astragalus for immunity). Included are popular herbs like echinacea for colds and St.-John's-wort for depression as well as up-and-coming herbs like kava-kava for anxiety and black cohosh for menopausal symptoms.

A major section on botanicals that beautify spells out exactly which herbs can help clear up blemishes, lighten sun-induced age spots, heal chapped lips, smooth crow's-feet and other fine wrinkles, eliminate dandruff, moisturize dry skin and nails, relieve puffy eyes, perk up tired skin, and revitalize dry, oily, or graying hair.

The authors also give special attention to herbs valued for their power to lift mood and bolster emotional health:botanicals that boost energy, enhance sexual desire, improve memory, sharpen concentration, reverse midafternoon slump, and take the edge off stress and nervous tension.

You'll learn which kinds of tablets and capsules to look for when shopping for herbs. But you'll also learn how to use aromatherapy, essential oils, flower essences, liniments, lozenges, creams, ointments, and other herbal alternatives to over-the-counter medications.

This unique blend of historical lore and modern science draws on the wisdom of the world's most trusted herbalists. These are the herbal experts that more and more doctors consult when women ask about herbal treatments. Here, women get that advice first-hand, in easy-to-understand language. And a detailed list of purchasing sources makes it easty to find the herbs recommended throughout the book.

The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs is the one book on which women can rely to help them explore "nature's pharmacy" and select remedies for their unique needs.




Click Here to see more reviews about: The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Review of The Wild Berry Book: Romance, Recipes, & Remedies (Camp and Cottage) (Paperback)

Having been a berry lover and berry picker since a young girl, I found this to be a very lovely and interesting book.Lovely for the beautiful pictures of so many berries.Interesting forthe variety of berriespictured and described.There are so many berries I've seen and wonderedabout, not daring to pick and eat, or being aware they are edible, notknowing how they are to be eaten. Now I have a reference. The book is afeast for the eyes with lots of useful information. A good book forwanderers of the forest who come across these delicate fruits and wonder.



Click Here to see more reviews about: The Wild Berry Book: Romance, Recipes, & Remedies (Camp and Cottage) (Paperback)

Review of Haley's Hints (Paperback)

I hate cleaning, and must admit I'm not very good at it. Part of my dislike is wrought out of ignorance. I simply do not know what I'm doing. Cooking is also not a skill I have. I need help.

Haley's Hints teaches me to cheat my way though a lot of household problems. He covers cleaning and cooking tips, but that's just the beginning.

Like the old "Hints from Heloise" I read in the newspaper as a kid, Haley presents very do-able solutions to everyday problems. Unlike Martha Stewart's ideas, which seem unreasonable in the average income family, Haley seems to have considered the practicality of his hints quite aptly.

Whether is it is hiding food odors, discouraging ants or his various methods of removing gum from things, he has a trick to it here in his well organized book.

The guy is thorough. The sheer number of pages will provide plenty of ideas for your home. Besides making a great read for extended bathroom visits, it serves best as a reference. HThe index is impressive and easy to use.

I fully recommend "Haley's Hints: A Compilation" by Graham Haley.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Product Description
The extraordinary guide to ordinary items and products with time- and money-saving uses. Over 2,000 of them!

In Haley's Hints readers will find:

€ Environment-friendly tips on cleaning and stain removal
€ Money-saving advice on pest control and pet care
€ Practical pointers for children, seniors, and gardeners
€ Recipe tricks
€ Laundry tips
€ Sewing hints
€ Workplace wonders
€ Plumbing, painting, carpentry, and electrical shortcuts
€ Plus a whole chapter on pampering themselves

All topped off with a comprehensive easy-find index to help readers find the exact solution they need-fast.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Haley's Hints (Paperback)

Review of The Hayashi Reiki Manual: Traditional Japanese Healing Techniques from the Founder of the Western Reiki System (Paperback)

This book gives very specific Reiki treatments for different ailments used by one of the most prominent Reiki healers. I've been doing the Weight Loss (Diabetic) treatment on myself. So far it has had the curious effect of stabalizing my emotions when I work on the pancrease. This book will not work for you unless you have had the Reiki transmissions, but it is very easy to use if you have had some training.

Product Description
The manual consists of the story of Dr. Hayashi including unpublished photos and main exercises of the Hayashi Reiki system.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Hayashi Reiki Manual: Traditional Japanese Healing Techniques from the Founder of the Western Reiki System (Paperback)

Review of Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Cat Care (Paperback)

I think herbal care is a wonderful way to help heal our furry loved ones.I use herbs to treat some of my problems, why wouldn't I want to do the same for my cats! That is why I feel this is a wondeful book! This book lists all the types of herbs you can use on your cats.I also appreciate how easy the author layed out the different remedies for different conditions. Dr. Kidd also gives us an easy way to figure out doses. I feel good knowing I can turn to this book for help when my cats have anyproblems.

Product Description
Holistic veterinarian and herbalist Randy Kidd explains how cats can be treated for a variety of ailments--including calming nerves or getting rid of parasites--using only herbs.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Cat Care (Paperback)