Plants have cultural histories, as their applications change over time and with place. Some plant species have affected human cultures in profound ways, such as the stimulants tea and coffee from the Old World, or coca and quinine from South America. Even though medicinal plants have always attracted considerable attention, there is surprisingly little research on the interface of ethnobotany and medical anthropology. This volume, which brings together (ethno-)botanists, medical anthropologists and a clinician, makes an important contribution towards filling this gap. It emphasises that plant knowledge arises situationally as an intrinsic part of social relationships, that herbs need to be enticed if not seduced by the healers who work with them, that herbal remedies are cultural artefacts, and that bioprospecting and medicinal plant discovery can be viewed as the epitome of a long history of borrowing, stealing and exchanging plants.
Discover how to use common medicinal plants and natural beauty products for healing and self-care with this sumptuously illustrated guide. Dig up the fascinating history of these plants, their active components and therapeutic properties, and learn how to prepare safe herbal remedies including infusions, tinctures, oils and lotions. This journey into plant-based wellbeing is guided by a respected ethnobotanist and doctor of phytotherapy, meaning you can grow your knowledge of this natural science with complete confidence. Ordered alphabetically, the guide covers a huge range of common plants, including almond, blackcurrant, borage, caraway, chard, chicory, dandelion, fig, hazel, ivy, juniper, nettle, poppy, cornflower, cowslip, oak, walnut, eucalyptus, fennel, flax, nasturtium, heather, horse-chestnut, jasmine, lavender, leek, mint, oregano, pomegranate, raspberry, rosemary, St. John’s-wort, watercress, thyme and yarrow. You’ll find suggested treatments for nausea, coughs, colds and flu, acne, burns, bites and sprains, as well as ideas for pain relief, skincare and aids for digestion, stress, sleep and more. At the end of the book, you’ll find a small practical guide for budding herbalists, featuring useful tips for picking and preserving plants while being an environmentally responsible picker, ensuring you always show respect to nature and its “magical” healing powers. The healing properties referenced for each plant are fully explained and there’s a glossary of botanical terms to ensure that everything is clear for complete beginners. This magnificent book will satisfy all your curiosities about healing plants and become your essential companion to herbal medicines and natural beauty products.
The book covers 107 herbs and their medical uses in the treatment of diseases. It is divided into two parts- the first describes, in detail, 66 important herbs with strong healing powers and curative properties and the second describes, in brief, 41 herbs with comparatively milder properties. In each part herbs have been arranged alphabetically, according to their English names, as well as by trade names, where they are more popular by the trade name. While there are numerous books on herbs, the distinctive feature of this book is its reasonably comprehensive information about herbs, especially their uses in the treatment of various diseases.
The global popularity of herbal supplements and the promise they hold in treating various disease states has caused an unprecedented interest in understanding the molecular basis of the biological activity of traditional remedies. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects focuses on presenting current scientific evidence of biomolecular ef
In The Healing Garden, Deb Soule, founder of Avena Botanicals, offers an inspiring guide to herb gardening and crafting herbal remedies that promote wellness of spirit and body. Soule combines her passion for plants gardens, and healing with her extensive experience working with medicinal herbs, flowers, roots, and berries. Her practical advice addresses each aspect of fostering a garden filled with helpful, healing plants: biodynamic gardening practices; gathering plants and setting up a drying room; and creating herbal teas, decoctions, tinctures, syrups, tonics, vinegars, essences, and more. A chapter outlining eighteen medicinal herbs provides detailed information on their cultivation and healing properties. Molly Haley's colorful photography showcases Avena Botanicals' lush herb gardens in all seasons. The Healing Garden is grounded in respect for the interconnectedness of all living beings and is an eloquent plea for spiritual awareness and the wholeness of individuals, communities, and our planet.
An organic gardener and noted herbalist presents detailed instructions on how to grow 101 medicinal plants, along with organic approaches to propagation, soil preparation, natural pest management, harvesting, and garden design, and features profiles of each herb and direction son how to prepare a range of herbal remedies and healing foods. Original.