Location:Home : GPS Books : Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments
Product Description Fully updated and authoritative, this revised edition of DK's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine makes this classic, completely illustrated reference guide even bigger and better than the original. Featuring more than 550 medicinal plants and the most current scientific research, this volume provides a comprehensive guide to healing with the world's oldest form of medicine. A unique photographic index profiles over 550 plants, with detailed information on habitat and cultivation, parts used, active constituents, therapeutic properties, and traditional and current uses. A special section profiles 100 of the most common plants, featuring herbal preparations and recommendations for self-treatment. Guidelines on growing, harvesting, and storing medicinal plants also demonstrate making remedies for home use. In addition, accessible text offers fascinating insight into the chemistry of plants and their healing properties, explaining how and why they work as medicines within the body. The major herbal traditions of different cultures- Europe, India, China, Africa, Australia, and the Americas- are vividly described. A review of herbs from a historical perspective reveals the connection between medicinal herbs and cultural beliefs toward healing. Offering extensive coverage of all that herbs are- from cultural traditions to chemical components to self-treatments for common ailments-this Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine is the ultimate reference for anyone interested in exploring the healing benefits of medicinal plants.
Awesome pricing!August 25, 2010 Pennepasta The book was brand new with hardcover! The pricing was unbeatable! I would recommend this seller to everyone!
Good, but still lackingMay 10, 2010 Lily(Phx AZ) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I bought this book looking for a complete reference book for herbals for my family. I have two young boys, and it has been very challenging finding at home remedies for them when they have been sick. I don't like making too many trips to the doctor's office if I don't have to, and I'm more of a hands off, let nature take it's course kinda gal. However, when the boys or my husband are sick, I like to have something on hand that's not the most potent OTC you can buy, or even the herbal mixes they sell at the health food stores unless I am certain that what's in there is going to do no harm, and actually help them. That being said, this book falls short of what I was looking for. The full color pages are nice, and there is quite a bit of information available on each herb represented. It is also nice that there is a special section on kids in the back which tells you what the proper dosage is for little ones. However, I am concerned to find very little information on contraindications or cautions, for instance, herbs you should never take if you are pregnant are not noted except in a small section in the back. Kind of an awkward way to read the book. Specifically, the herb Lobelia has no mention of the fact that many herbalists don't use it because large doses can be fatal...might be good to know, eh? The organization is weird for the lay person (by scientific name), and there are some commonly found herbs in herbal remedies I have bought before that are not listed in the book. Overall, maybe good to have on hand, but not the one reference book you must have.
GREAT!March 31, 2010 Krystal N. Seek(Auburn, WA) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was excited to get this book, but I was thrilled when I actually received it and got to look into it more. It explains how to use the herbs, store them, dry them, turn them to creams, tinctures, infusions, you name it! The other thing I LOVED was the photos of each herb and plant making it soooo much easier to accurately identify them while out hiking! Great book, definitely get it if you're starting out and wanting to learn more :)
Great book!!!!March 7, 2010 Wildwood Flower(Texas) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This has almost everything anyone would need to learn about herbs, how to fix, what to fix, and for what problem! I had to get one when I read my friend's copy. A must have for anyone wanting to learn about herbs, and application of them.
Best Herbal Encyclopedia I've come across!November 11, 2009 Olivia. S(Adelaide, Australia) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I absolutely LOVE this book! I've had it for several years, and have given numerous copies away to friends and family including my own family doctor. My father was the one to first come across it in one of those discount book stores many years ago, and once I saw it I was hooked.
It is thourough and well written, and the lay-out is fantastic. It is so easy to read. Some of the reviews have complained about the fact that it is an alphabetical listing of plants/herbs as opposed to ailments/diseases, but this is what makes it great in my opinion. Often a particular plant has several therapeutic benefits, so it is nicer to read about one plant at a time (and less confusing, in my opinion). I disagree that it is difficult to find things, as the index also contains the common names of the plants as well as an index of ailments. Towards the back of the book there are ailment groups such as women's health problems and pregnancy, Cold & Flu, Allergies/hayfever, Digestive ailments/nausea, Respiratory ailments, and more, where you have a bunch of the most useful herbs for each group of ailments listed.
It's also a great book to sit down and flip through when you have a minute to read or rest. You can flip it open to a random page and read all about that particular plant. It's all very facinating and useful information. I use this book all the time. Whenever someone complains of pain or discomfort, I look it up in my trusted Herbal Encyclopedia and see if there's anything around the house I can use.
Some of the herbs I use more regularily are Camomile for stomach cramping, ground Ginger and Tumeric for nausea or stomach pain, Cardamon for gas, abdominal discomfort or if I need to burp, Rosemary for energy, Lemon juice in warm water for an internal shower of the digestive system.... to mention a few.
I also see a naturopath and take quite a few herbal mixes and supplements due to CFS, and being able to come home and look up why I'm taking each and every thing is great, and helps with compliance.
I'm actually looking for some new herbal books, as this one of course doesn't contain every possible medicinal plant (thought it comes close), but I haven't found one that comes close to this one. Highly recommend it to anyone. Especially great if you have children as it is a great reference guide when someone isn't feeling well. Why use synthetic drugs when there is an effective yet gentle natural alternative! A total joy to read and always useful! Definitely 5 stars.
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