334 plants are described as to family, general information, parts used, chemical compounds, properties, form of use, and miscellaneous notes. Entries include photographs in color. Glossary. Index.
The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices provides comprehensive coverage of the taxonomy, botany, chemistry, functional properties, medicinal uses, culinary uses and safety issues relating to over 250 species of herbs and spices. These herbs and spices constitute an important agricultural commodity; many are traded globally and are indispensable for pharmaceuticals, flavouring foods and beverages, and in the perfumery and cosmetic industries. More recently, they are increasingly being identified as having high nutraceutical potential and important value in human healthcare. This encyclopedia is an excellent resource for researchers, students, growers and manufacturers, in the fields of horticulture, agriculture, botany, crop sciences, food science and pharmacognosy.
Medicinal and aromatic crops (MACs) are high-value crops since the natural products obtained from them are low-volume high-value commodities that have numerous applications in various sectors such as the food, beverage, food supplement, flavor and fragrance, perfumery and cosmetics, pharmaceutical and aromatherapy industries. In addition, the plant biomass is used in the production of teas and medical applications in traditional and also modern medicines. MACs are important mainly because they contain plant secondary metabolites such as essential oils, alkaloids, glygosides, saponins, tannins, vitamins and other bioactives. Plant secondary metabolites are differentiated from plant primary metabolites of photosynthesis and respiration since they are directly involved in growth and development of plants. Some MACs are used as spices and culinary herbs since they contain mainly essential oils, and are used as tonic to the digestive system, appetite modification and other systems and may facilitate nutrient uptake and utilization from various foods. A significant amount of MACs and their natural products have also demonstrated antimicrobial, antifungal and bactericidal activity and significant antioxidant capacity. In the past, MACs and their natural products have been used as a source for various medicines, in food and beverage production and in aroma products. Essentials of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops summarizes the current knowledge on medicinal and aromatic crops, including the agronomical practices of important MACs and their products, their beneficial effects and utilization of MAP and their products. The chapters provide a comprehensive guide to the most important and used medicinal and aromatic crops and their use in functional foods, nutraceuticals and as bioactives against various ailments, providing researchers, teachers, chemists, food scientists, agronomists and agroecologists in academia, industry and government a fully up to date singular source on this important topic.
Woodhead Publishing in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition'... a good reference book for food processors and packers of herbs and spices.'Food Technology (of Volume 1)'... a standard reference for manufacturers who use herbs and spices in their products.'Food Trade Review (of Volume 2)The final volume of this three-volume sequence completes the coverage of the main herbs and spices used in food processing. The first part of the book reviews ways of improving the safety of herbs and spices. There are chapters on detecting and controlling mycotoxin contamination, controlling pesticide and other residues, the use of irradiation and other techniques to decontaminate herbs and spices, packaging and storage, QA and HACCP systems. Part two reviews the potential health benefits of herbs and spices with chapters discussing their role in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease and promoting gut health. The final part of the book comprises chapters on twenty individual herbs and spices, covering such topics as chemical composition, cultivation and quality issues, processing, functional benefits and uses in food. Herbs and spices reviewed range from asafoetida, capers and carambola to perilla, potato onion and spearmint.The final volume will consolidate the reputation of this three-volume series, providing a standard reference for R&D and QA staff using herbs and spices in their food products. - The final volume of this three-volume sequence completes the coverage of the main herbs and spices used in food processing - Incorporates safety issues, production, main uses and regulations - Reviews the potential health benefits of herbs and spices
An illustrated reference guide, revised and updated, providing authoritative and informative advice on how to make herbal preparations to treat a wide range of common ailments and health problems. Medicinal herbs are detailed in terms of history, cultivation, constituents, properties and uses.
An exploration of the history, folklore and medicinal uses of thirty Native European trees. In this beautifully illustrated book, which uses the author's own photographs, Christina Stapley provides a thorough and deep appreciation of trees as she has experienced them through everyday life, as a herb historian and practising herbalist. Categorised into seasons, each of the thirty tree chapters covers cultivation, cookery, foraging, crafts, history, botany, medicinal use and mythology. Original herbals are used as source material for the historical section, allowing voices from the past to speak for themselves. A 'Herbalists Reference' for each tree includes medicinal uses, dosage and constituents and reflects the author's own extensive experience of using these wonderful tree remedies. Never again will a tincture or dried herb of tree origin be simply a name on a label and a list of constituents, actions and indications. This books encourages herbalists to expand their horizons from what grows around their feet, to the bounty that grows above as well. As you read this book, you will also feel a stronger connection to the trees and wish to explore, plant and care for them yourself. Volume 2 of The Tree Dispensary covering exotic trees is out now and can be purchased here.