Medicinal-Herbs Books

This is the first volume of the two volume herbal set.If you like classical literature and recipes,you will enjoy reading this book.Also has information on tonics and liniments for various aliments.Methods of harvesting and chemical dosages are discussed.And preparation of the extracts and tinctures are detailed.Some illustrations,from the root to the bud,are drawn clearly.Folk tales and cosmetic aspects are included.It's a bit old-fashioned ,yet it reads like an enchanting medieval Herbal Arthurian text. If you're a serious student of herbalism and classical studies,then you'll find this botanical set engrossing reading.

I enjoy this book because it has so many plants in it, even plants we don't usually consider herbs. It gives a lot of info about each plant listed. Very good!

Wish this was back in print in one volume but glad I was able to pick this up. One of the most invaluble resources I have give tons of wonderful information very comprehensive...love it. Only wish the pics of the plants were with each description instead of in their own lil groups.

I received my book in excellent condition and in very short order. I am pleased to add it to my library and am sure it will be well-used.

Although I preferred the older verison this is great for the beginner and advnce alike.

Whether you want to ease sore muscles, dye a piece of cloth, freshen your breath, or figure out what just sprouted among the pepper plants, this is the first and last book you should reach for. Much of the book is dedicated to identifying herbs and other plants, with line drawings, full descriptions, instructions on which parts of the plant to use for which needs, and medicinal values. However, there is also a convenient dye chart, instructions on cosmetic preparations and even a bit of plant legend and lore. Did you know that the ancient Greeks wore marjoram as wedding flowers? You would if you owned this book! I am here to buy a replacement for my well used 1978 copy, which finally failed to survive its latest move.

In this book, Dr Lust provides a quick reference on every possible herb you could need. The book is very useful as an encyclopedia of herbs and their medicinal uses.

I have used this book so much over the years that I am about in need of a new one. This has so many herbs packed into a small, fat book. Excellent!

I don't regret buying this book , but I will be looking for something more modern.
The book itself is pleasing to the eye, I like the simple drawings. (old fashioned)

This great resourceful paperback on herbs,is still the best one around.It's packed with useful herbal information and history.Anyone interested in herbs should read this book.Anyone also studying and practicing Wicca can learn a lot from this little book.For the cost of this book,its well worth it.When first published ,in 1974,it was well ahead of its time.Nowadays,everybody knows the health benefits of 'Green Tea',Ginko Biloba and Hoodia.Green Tea burns body fat,aids digestion,surpresses appetite,flushes out free-radicals,and kills bacteria around your teeth.I was glad to have read it years ago and it got me thinking about better,healthier living.It also got me interested in the environment and gardening.When you hurt the environment,you hurt others and it will come back to haunt you too.

Indispensable for the armchair herbalist

I just bought my second copy of The Complete Medicinal Herbal (my first was lost) and am so happy to have it back again!

Ms. Ody certainly knows her herb uses and she shares that knowledge in a straightforward, understandable manner. The images are plentiful and make plant identification easy. Luckily, while this book is currently out of print, it can often be found used, for an affordable price.

Be you an armchair herbalist, a writer in need of common sense reference or just curious, this book is well worth the having.

I use this book often. The illustrations are great and clarifies
which parts of the herb to use. The instuctions covering how to prepare assorted concoctions is essential.

I thought this book was the most complete herbal book I have ever seen. Why? The A-Z listings with the pictures were great. She breaks down the several ways each herb can be used and for what along with making it easy to understand. She includes dried herbs, oil, tincture etc. She shows a picture of each, what to do with each and how to do it. With illustrations she shows how to harvest and dry, how to make herbal remedies, (again with picture instructions) Tinctures, infused oils, along with and creams and ointments. I thought it was extremely detailed and designed for the beginner. I am a true believer in natural medicine and the use of essential oils and herbs but I don't want to take classes or do a huge study to know what or how to use them. This is the answer. Simple, good pictures, complete as I will ever need and for the beginner and advanced alike. This book is a must have!

A must have book! If looking for an exhaustive herbal, you might try the German monographs, and others (although I've yet to see an all exhaustive on herbology), but for home or professional use, this is an awesome book! Has some projects, and many uses for the herbs that are in this wonderful book.

A library wouldn't be complete without it!

The book is lovely as far as pictures goes, but she leaves out some basic stuff that a beginner wants to know. I managed to figure it out, but it wasn't easy. For instance, she tells you to use a simple, but then doesn't explain the term.

I bought the book specifically to make eucalypus oil and a cough syrup, but she really doesn't tell you which method, hot or cold. With the herb Comfrey, she tells you it's a hot infusion and with Marigold she tells you it's a cold infusion. Being a beginner, I didn't know the difference between an infused oil and an essential oil, which caused alot of frustration. If she had devoted a couple of sentences under the infused oil section explaining that essential oils are very different and need specialized equipment, it would have saved me some frustration and less disappointment of the book. I had to find this out by searching on the internet.

She is from the United Kingdom and all her recipes are in european measures, so they all have to be converted, and I really had a hard time with that, maybe you won't. Although she does give you a conversion table for dosages. I did manage to make a cough syrup but I had doubts about my calculations. My husband is still alive, by the way.

She mentions Cherry bark as one of the remedies for coughs but doesn't have Cherry bark in the visual directory, which means there is no information on it at all.

After having said all of that, the descriptions and pictures of each plant is wonderful. Also, she lists combinations that are good together, like for coughs. There are 85 herbs listed in the book. It makes a good reference, but I will definately need another book to supplement it.

I had to buy this book as a textbook for a mentorship I am doing with an herbalist in NYC. It is thorough and well-written. It does not discount western medicine or trivialize the role that herbs can play in treatment. It presents a very well-rounded, well-researched, holistic approach to health.

This book is for advanced level, a lot of chemistry for people who like to dig in deeper and understand plants and their performance from structural point of view. I like it, very valuable information.

i love this book. . . .my teacher of Herbal Medicine recommended it and i couldn't be happier, easy to read, well layed out, a lovely book. Postage was quick to Australia too ! !

Medical Herbalism is a must to have book if you are interested to learn or already work with phytotherapy. I suggest it 100%.

I am so enthralled with this book. I'm using it as a text book...taking notes, etc. I got into medicine because I don't only want to know "what" but, also "why". This book brings phytotherapy and mainstream American medicine together and makes herbalism make sense to a practitioner of pharmaceuticals... I love this book!!

Dr. Taylor cured herself of cancer after traditional medicine had written her off.

She goes over a lot of information about Amazon herbs, how and when to use them. Take your time and study the book. It is information dense.

Because of this book I purchased the herb Cat's Claw when I got sick. I do think it helped me clear the illness. It is almost tasteless and taken with a small amount of water it is easy to use.

It can be hard with so many overlapping symptoms to pick the right herb so move slowly and carefully before deciding what course you want to pursue.

This is an excellent reference book for rainforest herbs. In some respects it is technical but understandable and interesting. You can access information by malady or by the herb itself. Portions are very activist in nature giving suggestions as to individual action toward preserving the natural bounty of medicines yet discovered or near extinction. Highly recomended.

what a great book! Leslie Taylor has written a very valuable resource to anyone interested in plants and herbs. whether you are an expert or just curious to know what herbs can do, this is a must have!! i am looking forward to the next book---AWESOME!!!

Most people know of the Amazon rainforest only because of ecological concerns. This is unfortunate since the rainforest is far more than just a figurehead for Green Peace. In THE HEALING POWER OF RAINFOREST HERBS, Leslie Taylor provides a starting point for those who know little of rainforests in general but wish to learn of the medicinal properties of its indigenous plants. My own interest I suspect is typical. I take a variety of nutritional supplements and over the years I realized I needed a reliable source to explain the use of some of the more arcane herbs commercially available. Taylor's book proved a boon. Taylor organizes her text in a commonsense way. She provides an alphabetical list of rainforest herbs that ranges from Abuta to Yerba Mate. She later adds a great deal of information about each herb that is not readily available anywhere else, even on the internet (I've looked). What I found particularly useful is her listing of each herb's traditional usage and chemical compositions. Yet, HPRH is far more than a shaman's field guide to rainforest herbs. Taylor uses the Amazon rainforest as both a literal and symbolic metaphor for the human need to find a working balance between using the environment to survive and abusing it to make a buck.

God said choose life or death!
God gave us herbs. Use them.
Man gave us pills, avoid them.
Pills kill and herbs cure.
Make your choice.
Pills made my life hard and I almost
submitted to a useless operation.
Desperately, I looked for another choice.
Herbs gave me the answer.
No operation needed, life is good again!!!

This is the one herb book I would take with me to a deserted island :)

I've had it for years and it amazes me how ahead of its time it is. I've even found articles on coleus and guggul. It's hard to find info on these.

He includes both folklore and research information.

I FEEL I MUST FIRST SAY: TO DO "NO HARM" MUST COME FIRST & DOES IN THIS GUIDEBOOK!

I read a large number of alternative health and medical texts and some are better than others. I borrow as many as possible from the library, but Michael Murray's books, along with James Duke's, are among the few that I purchase and keep handy at all times. The approach of these two men are always safety first, and they follow the first cardinal rule of medicine which is to do "NO HARM". For that reason I feel a level of security that allows me to make the leaps of faith needed in order to try new things that will affect the health of myself and my loved ones.

IN A NUTSHELL: A terrific read, but very useful and efficient too!

The Healing Power of Herbs, contains detailed and coherent discussions about the effects and practical applications of 37 medicinal herbs and 34 common ailments treated by them. A short history of "herbal medicine" precedes these discussions.

WHAT IT IS:

SECTION 1: Pages 1-28

INTRODUCTION: BASIC HISTORY OF HERBAL MEDICINE & PREPARATIONS

SECTION 2: Pages 29-344

MATERIA MEDICA: In alphabetical order from Aloe Vera to Valerian, 37 of the most useful and commonly used herbs are examined. For each Herb examined, the same organization of the discussion is utilized as follows:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, HISTORY & FOLK USE, PHARMACOLOGY - [effects are itemized and examined in detail], CLINICAL APPLICATIONS - [what ailments the herb may be used for -each ailment is examined as it pertains to the particular herb], DOSAGE - [different forms of the herb and uses are detailed in regard to dose], TOXICITY - [usually described as the toxic effects on lab animals or the lethal dose in 50% of the cases {LD50}].

REFERENCES - [There is a long list of references at the end of each herbs discussion, which both validates the information and gives one other places to research the particular herb.]

SECTION 3: Pages 345-390

RECOMMENDED HERBS FOR SOME SPECIFIC HEALTH CONDITIONS - Again there is a repeated structure:

AILMENT - alphabetically listed, is described to aid in its identification and to illustrate its seriousness. After the description there is an "Herbal Recommendation" paragraph for each ailment. The use of multiple herbs in combination makes
section 3 important and indispensible when dealing with a specific ailment, as section 2 deals with the herbs and their actions individually rather than their uses in combination with other agents.

At the end of the ailments' discussion, there are references for each specific ailment which can lead one to further study quite easily.

GLOSSARY: Page 393-402

INDEX: Page 403-410

BOTTOM LINE: Works well with the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine", Revised 2nd Ed. by M. Murray and J. Pizzorno

Currently value-priced at $12.95 through Amazon or other discounters, this is an extreme value and a great read filled with useful Herbal information. Bear in mind that this book, originally written in 1992 and later revised and expanded in 1995, is starting to need a major update. There are herbs like Ephedra that are included in this book, but have been taken off the market due to safety concerns. Though I have the revised second edition I would buy a third edition of this book in a heartbeat.

I have owned this book for 5 years. I still use it on a regular basis. Its one of the best books on basic herbs you can buy. I can't even begin to count how many times it has saved us from a trip to the doctor. Get this book if you want to keep yourself healthy naturally.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants
There were quite a lot of common herbs that were not represented in this book. Also, the information given per each herb was not very complete. I was rather dissapointed in this book.

The Healing Power of Herbs is the most credible and useful herb book on the market, helpful for the consumer and the health professional alike. I especially appreciate the discussions of clinical trials, the medical journal references, and the easy-to-reference summaries of uses and dosages of herbs. This is *the* book I turn to when I have a question about herbal medicine. If you're only going to have one book on herbal medicine on your shelf, this is the one!

As a chemist with more than 18 years in research and 4 years studying nutrition, I have reviewed and researched many books on the medicinal properties of herbs. I find this book to be one of my favorites. It contains enough information to satisfy my appetite for the pharmacological composition of herbs while being extremely pleasant to read. Dr. Presser has a unique wit and manner of writing. As an owner of two health food stores I find myself recommending this book above all others for anyone asking for additional information on herbs and their medicinal value. Definitely a must have!

As a nutritionist and natural health educator, I highly recommend Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs. It's well-researched, fun to read, and easy to find what you're looking for. Dr. Presser has managed to present scientifically credible information while maintaining a style of writing which is not only easy to read, but clearly reflective of his wonderful sense of humor. Furthermore, Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs is especially important at this time since we currently live in an age of self-prescription regarding herbs. Up-to-date information is extremely important to help consumers make educated decisions. Dr. Art Presser's book is just what the doctor ordered. As a matter of fact, doctors who are interested in integrating herbal medicine into their practice should read Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs too.

As a nutritionist and natural health educator, I highly recommend Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs. It's well-researched, fun to read, and easy to find what you're looking for. Dr. Presser has managed to present scientifically credible information while maintaining a style of writing which is not only easy to read, but clearly reflective of his wonderful sense of humor. Furthermore, Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs is especially important at this time since we currently live in an age of self-prescription regarding herbs. Up-to-date information is extremely important to help consumers make educated decisions. Dr. Art Presser's book is just what the doctor ordered. As a matter of fact, doctors who are interested in integrating herbal medicine into their practice should read Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs too.

Dr. Presser has taken a subject that can be a bit boring and injected humor here and there which makes it not only enjoyable to read but very informative. I find myself looking forward
to reading another chapter much the same way I look forward to reading a novel.

Clearly Dr. Presser has a unique and refreshing way of delivering
information that could otherwise be quite boring.

I look forward to any forthcoming books from Dr. Presser.

This is the most enjoyment I have had reading a book on herbs. The author kept my attention with his light writing and sense of humor. I will save it on my bookshelf a[s]... a reference book, ... I read it from cover to cover.

What sets this book apart from other books on Chinese herbal medicine is its philosophy of using "superior tonic herbs" to improve the quality of one's life and health. This book is not about treating disease, but rather about achieving radiant health from a Taoist perspective.

This is Ron Teeguarden's first of several books on the subject of Chinese Medicine and in my opinion is a classic. (Note, I have not read his latest book The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs.)

Having formally studied Traditional Chinese Medicine for two years and Ayurvedic medicine for two years I can unequivocally state this is the book to start learning practical do it yourself Chinese herbalism for increased energy, creativity, spiritual growth and happiness. It contains many useful and effective herbal formulas that would not be otherwise accessible to the non-professional. If you want to learn Chinese medicine for the treatment of disease this is not the book to get, rather the focus is on tonic herbs and their correct application. (While tonic herbs are widely used for deficiency diseases in Chinese Medicine, not enough herbs, formulas and theory are given in this book for treating complex deficiency conditions/diseases.) This book shows one how to gradually work towards radiant health through the application of Superior Tonic Herbalism. All the practical and theoretical knowledge needed is covered.

The cost of the herbs involved ranges from $.50 / ounce to $200 / ounce (retail). To seriously put to use the knowledge contained in this book would require having a selection of about 20-35 herbs. Though one could start out with as few as one to three herbs. The primary emphasis is on learning how to mix and cook the bulk tonic herbs into teas (decoctions). These teas range in taste from sweet, sour, and pungent to bitter. (There is one chapter devoted to the use of commercially prepared tonics, but it is not the major focus of the book.) The companies listed to order herbs from are now out of date, but a search of the Internet will reveal more current sources.

Traditionally the tonic herbs are divided into four categories: 1) chi (qi) tonics, 2) yang tonics, 3) yin tonics and 4) blood tonics. Ron Teeguardian covers three additional categories: 1) chi moving/regulating herbs, 2) blood moving/regulating herbs and 3) organ-meridian tonics. The book covers 35 herbs in detail, including buying tips and a black and white photo of each herb.

The section on ginseng (a chi tonic) is very informative and contains insights and perspectives not readily found elsewhere. Also covered in detail is dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula) a safe and low cost ginseng substitute. The coverage of some the "minor" tonic herbs is unique as the longevity properties of these "minor" tonic herbs are usually overlooked or ignored by most texts on the subject.

The theory section is kept simple, but detailed enough to be practically useful. While Chinese Tonic Herbs discusses modern scientific research on Chinese herbs, the formulas and theory is geared toward building up the three Taoist treasures: shen (spirit), jing (essence, refined reproductive energy) and chi (life-force/energy). When these three treasures are built up a person will have a strong reserve of adaptogenic energy to effectively deal with stress and changing life conditions.

The book has a few flaws. The taxonomy is a little weak as some of the scientific names used are outdated. Perhaps not enough information is given on how to correctly distinguish between yin, yang, chi and blood deficiency conditions. Also, not enough contraindications are given for each of the herbs discussed. While superior tonic herbs are generally very safe and non toxic, it is possible to use them incorrectly and put one's body into a deeper state of imbalance. Dosage information is somewhat weak, but sufficiently covered if one studies the book carefully. Usually only relative proportions for each herb are given for a formula.

Ron Teeguarden was personally trained by a Taoist master visiting from Korea in the 1970s. His book is part of a real living tradition of Superior Tonic Herbalism.

While several volumes would be needed to do Superior Tonic Herbalism justice this book is an excellent beginning.

(A useful adjunct book is "Yoga of Herbs" by Frawley and Lad, which covers Western, Ayurvedic and some Chinese herbs from an Ayurvedic perspective. Yoga of Herbs focuses both on the treatment of disease and tonification and rejuvenation. It covers some of the spiritual aspects of herbs according to the Ayurvedic perspective. Both Yoga of Herbs and Chinese Tonic Herbs embrace the life energy model of herbalism as opposed to the more modern pharmacological model.)

The real secret of tonic herbalism is doing it carefully (e.g., don't over do it) and steadily every day -- this book will definitely help one get started on this path, by both the knowledge contained within, and the truly inspiring stories and passion of the author. Superior Tonic Herbalism is Ron Teeguardian's passion and mission in life and this book follows from this.

I have several good books on Chinese herbs, but Teeguarden's book is the only one with full, complete explanations. He includes:

1. Section on the five elements (water-wood-fire-metal-earth), what "cool" and "warm" and "yin" and "yang" mean.

2. Section describing the most-used and important herbs like Ginseng and Dong Kwai, Ma Huang and many others. This section includes photos of the herb shown as they are sold in herb shops, tips on getting the best herbs, the Chinese name (and Korean, sometimes) The names are both Romanized and in Chinese characters, with the Latin name, and the active chemical components and their effects.

3. Formulae for herb tonics, because Chinese herbs are not used alone but in combination (and the reasoning behind the combination.)

4. Philosophy of Chinese medicine for health (prevention versus cure) and much more.

The book is very readable, too. While I very much like other books I own, this one is such a classic, I consider it a MUST-HAVE if you are interested at all in Chinese medicine and definitely the first one you should own.

I found this gem in a used bookstore around fifteen years ago, and learned
enough about Chinese tonic herbs to change my life, energy levels and how I think about health completely.
This book is written in a comfortable, accessible style, yet is concise and informative as well. It is also perfect as a herbal reference.
For me, the section on prepared tonics has been invaluable.
A previous reviewer is correct about the supplier list being out of date, but a company called East Earth Tradewinds has everything you will require to concoct Mr. Teeguarden's formulas, as well as most of the patent medicines and
prepared tonics listed in the book.If you are interested in looking into the wonderful and amazing herbs of China, buy this book. It is truly excellent, and one you will be referring to for the rest of your life.

I found Ron Teeguarden's new book "Radiant Health" to be the most easily understood and comprehensive book on the subject that I've ever read. Many Westerners, during the last several decades, have become aware of the benefits of Chinese Medicine, specifically acupuncture. This book brings to light the extremely effective system of Chinese Herbal Tonics, which is an ancient tradition of promoting and maintaining a state of radiant health rather than treating disease once it has developed. Considering the cost of health care to both individuals and society at large, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in maintaining their own personal health or providing for the health of society. Not only does Ron Teeguarden explain in detail the properties and uses of each of the tonic herbs but he has a rare talent of making very complex and profound concepts easily understandable to the layman. One suggestion that I would make is not to miss the last chapter called "Six Lessons The Tonic Herbs Have Taught Me." Some readers might get bogged down in the middle of the book where each of the herbs is described. If that happens to you, just skip to the last chapter and then pick up the book, from time to time, to read about an herb or two. The last chapter was my favorite because it beautifully expresses the degree to which the tonic herbs can transform life and raise it to a pinacle that is the birthright of every human being.

Ron has certainly opened the eyes of those of us who wish to avoid the chemicals of modern day medicine. This book will guide you to the Chinese herb that is right for you and your health. While he makes no claims of cures, I can attest to the renewed energy and vitality I have attained from his advice and knowledge

This book and its New World sister are far more than herbals. To make a herbal of just this type, now, is a statement about the way medicine needs to go, and perhaps even civilization too. So it had to be done just right - which it has been.

Wood's approach is best conveyed in his own words:

'I have called this herbal "earthwise" to contrast it to other herbals reflecting the pharmacological approach. It is based on sources that the scientific approach ignores: historical uses, folk medicine, folk practitioners, the experience of actual herbalists, intuitive concepts of energy, plant properties, and medicine, daydreams, and dreams. It is, however, "scientific" in a broader sense of the word because it follows an organized and reasonably critical approach to understanding plant medicine.'

What a treat this book is! Respectful of every herbalist's approach, and of every herb, Wood places us back amidst a true and genuine western holism. Noting the systems of the Greeks, Chinese, and Ayurveda, he takes a simple approach (with which his readers will already be familiar) based on tissue states and actions.

And Wood points out with perfect correctness that holism cannot take place without such an energetic approach. As he says, much of what was 'alternative' not so long ago is now 'complementary', and doctors are considering lifestyle and temperament issues just as much as their vaunted biochemistries - the 'molecular lesions,' as Wood styles them, upon which recent western medicine has based. But even most 'holistic' western doctors haven't taken the plunge to a full energetic concept as has Wood. They will look at bodily systems and say that all need to be addressed 'as a whole' - but (so far as I'm aware) most have had no overall concept by which to look at the human system as *one thing*, unless they were importing it from the East; this book will change all that.


Wood looks at *everything* about a herb. He wants you to understand its essence, its geist, its character and personality, the thing that makes a herb itself as a particuar entity. No, of course he doesn't ignore molecular biology! - why would anyone do that? But he does acknowledge its huge limitations as a method of understanding the action of herbal remedies.

He will look at absolutely any piece of information that he can give which helps to form a picture of a herb - its taste is very important to him, for example, and in terms of indications he will give physical, emotional or mental symptoms as appropriate. Wood Betony, for example, is good for bronchitis or fear of vomiting, is traditional for demon posession, and thus good for those who are hysterical, good for 'tall persons, disassociated from their bodily instincts', etc. - from this plethora of well-organized detail a picture emerges, like a snapshot of 'what the herb is'.

This makes the herbal perfectly well suited for the amateur, but equally, more or less essential for the professional who wants to expand not only their knowledge, not only their instinct, but their knowledge *about* instinct. Needless to say the list of herbs covered is very thorough (including bee propolis for example, or a dozen medicines made from grapes), but I have to say, the bibliography is no less so. The voices of Wood's favourite teachers and colleagues continue to ring through his work, passing on not merely particular information but also a general attitude, one which the 'molecular lesionist' might need to study at a little - imaginative, awake common sense perhaps says it best.

This is a book about how to heal; it may yet heal, not just many of the maladies from which we suffer, but our relationship to illness, wellness and herbs as well.

Essential.

This book is a valuable book for herbalists who are serious about expanding their knowledge for the benefit of their clients.

Those who are interested in herbs of North America will love this book. The authour provides detailed information about many poorly researched herbs that are valuable in natural medicine practice. He melds homeopathic provings with botanical information to create a full picture of each herb that he reviews!
For example, Lactuca is just a sleep herb, right? The authour reveals an entire personality and specific conditions that respond well to wild lettuce. Truely useful in any natural medicine clinical setting.

I was lucky enough to be able to use a draft version of this text in conjunction with one of Matt Wood's Herbal classes for most of the last year, and it fills virtually every hole [half the holes really] left open by the authors' earlier *Book of Herbal Wisdom*; a true masterpiece which I and all of my fellow healers turn to over and over.

BoHW had only 40 or so herbs and an excellent if brief Therapeutic Repertory at the end. This tome - or 1/2 tome really - has begun the process of providing a nearly complete Western Herbal Materia Medica; the like of which has not been seen since the Eclectics demise far back in the early 20th Century. And indeed goes beyond the Eclectics usual bare-boned and dry essentials for prescribing. Matt knows most of these plants like we know our friends. Like Tolkien's 'Smith of Wooten Major' he has been given a passport to go directly into the worlds of the plants soul and spirit, and while we may never have such direct access ourselves, Matt gives us a travelog in this [and all his books] simply unsurpassed in all of the worlds Herbal Literature [or at least the big slices that have made it into English!]

Another aspect makes this different from all other herbals out there is that it is a continuation of all that is good and true in most of the Schools of Western Herbology:
*Hippocratic and Galenic Humoralism
*Paracelsian Natura Sophia and medicinal specifics
*Physio-medicalism [Thompson and Dr. John Christopher]
*The Eclectics [Jones, Rafinesque and Scudder]
*Homeopathy - especially referencing the more eclectic Homeopaths like Burnett and Clarke - Matthew prefers the single remedy when possible but like most good herbalists - will use compounds if well indicated - and likely to benefit the patient]
*Chinese Medicine - which the author studied independently and with famed underground Herbalist/Acupuncturist William LeSassier also receives not just it's due, but it's still living energetic/elemental tradition updates and infuses the authors revised western system of 6 tissue states [below] at nearly every turn.
Heat/Excitation
Cold/Depression
Constriction/Tension [TCM=Wind]
Damp/Relaxation,
Dry/Atrophy
Damp/Stagnation
These are the Western equivalent of Chinese Medicine's Differentials - culled primarily from a 19th Century Physiomedical text but really being the medical/quasi-energetic terminology used by most 18th and 19th century healers of all schools to describe the conditions of all organs/glands/muscles etc [thus 'tissues'] as they could be perceived through palpation, pulse tongue and facial diagnosis.

For an acupressurist/homeopathic bodyworker like myself wanting an herbal-homeopathic system rooted in western plants but open to/informed by chinese medicine and human energetics, his system is exactly what I was looking for.

Keeping in mind this is ONLY Old -World plants [new world in the next volume due out shortly] undoubtedly many will find a plant or two they wish was covered, but far more importantly Matthew gives us the method [especially within his last books *Book of Herbal Wisdom* and *Practice of Traditional Western Herbalsim*] of seeing plants multi-dimensionally [essence and energetics, physical constituents, traditional uses], whether he has included them in his herbal or not!

Matthew has taken the hints of Bach for a new medical system; the potential equal of Homeopathy but based on the virtues of plants instead of the poisons of metals, chemical compounds and toxic plants, and combined it with the Eclectics TCM-like differential diagnosis and has essentially called Traditional Western Herbalism out of it's tomb like a 21st century medical Lazarus.

If you are wondering whether or not to buy this - the real question should be, as it is with *The Book of Herbal Wisdom* whether or not to buy 2. Because you are going to use it so much that you will quite possibly be loathe to loan your only one out.

Concise and interesting. A wonderful link between the anecdotes of folklore and the juggernaut of scientific research. The photos make this book possible possible for use in the field, albeit a bit bulky for travel.

Excellent, not limited to Minn and Wis. An excellent overview of 100 plants from the Prairies and forests of the upper midwest. In-depth review of historical uses balanced with the author's own clinical experience and practical how-to informaiton. Good safety data and recommendations. Most of these plants grow around me in Colorado, and everywhere in the 1500 miles to the authors home, so the book's title is too limited.

I wouldn't say this is the one and only book you'll ever need. But it certainly is a GREAT addition to anyone's herbal library. It's relatively easy to use, because the plants are listed in alphabetical order by their common names. The food qualities and health benefits of the plants are thorough and informative, as well as their habitat and visual description. Points of interest are easy to find and there is a listing of plants that are good for certain illnesses. Plus short descriptions of how to use and prepare them.

This book is very scientific and seems to cover it all in an up-to-date fashion. But if you're not familiar with terms in botany and biology you'll find this book a little difficult to understand. It has a good glossary but a dictionary is still handy at times.
None the less the book has true to life color photos, which are the best I've seen for wild plant identification. Considerably this just may be the answer book for this topic. It's defiantly worth the price, if you desire to take wild herb collecting seriously.

A disclaimer at the beginning of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants Of Minnesota & Wisconsin warns that some wild plants are toxic or even deadly; though the author Matthew Alfs has made every effort to completely describe safe ways to recognize, harvest, and prepare edible wild plants, they cannot be held liable for any adverse effects. With that sober caution in mind, Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants Of Minnesota & Wisconsin is a truly impressive compendium of information and lore about the art of foraging. A beautiful section of color photographs aptly illustrates the many species of edible plants discussed and described herein. User-friendly introductions to using wild plants for food and health benefits are written in clear, concise text easily accessible to the lay reader. A glossary, exhaustive list of references and comprehensive index round out this superbly presented and very highly recommended guide.