Recently there has been a revival of interest in western herbalism, but practitioners haven't been able to explore its benefits due to a void of information on the topic—the system of medicine the herbs fit into had all but disappeared. To remedy the situation, herbalist Matthew Wood has researched the old-time practices and reconstructed them for modern use. In resuscitating western herbal medicine and bringing it up to date, he gives his readers a powerful tool for holistic theory and treatment. Wood makes the point that plant medicines, because they are made from a broad range of chemical components, are naturally suited for the treatment of general patterns in the body. He argues against the biomedical model of standardization, in which herbs are refined and advertised as if they were drugs suited to an exact disease or condition.

    Less well known is that many Western peoples made this same assertion. There are, in fact, two modes of cognition available to all human beings--the brain-based linear and the heart-based holistic. The heart-centered mode of perception can be exceptionally accurate and detailed in its information gathering capacities if, as indigenous and ancient peoples asserted, the heart’s ability as an organ of perception is developed.Author Stephen Harrod Buhner explores this second mode of perception in great detail through the work of numerous remarkable people, from Luther Burbank, who cultivated the majority of food plants we now take for granted, to the great German poet and scientist Goethe and his studies of the metamorphosis of plants. Buhner explores the commonalities among these individuals in their approach to learning from the plant world and outlines the specific steps involved. Readers will gain the tools necessary to gather information directly from the heart of Nature, to directly learn the medicinal uses of plants, to engage in diagnosis of disease, and to understand the soul-making process that such deep connection with the world engenders.

    For centuries, tribal shamans have successfully used these botanicals as remedies for various health disorders. Now, scientists have begun to uncover the medicinal qualities of these plants, which offer new approaches to health and healing. The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs is a unique guide to these herbs and their uses.Detailing more than seventy rainforest botanicals, this book presents the history of the herbs' uses by indigenous peoples and describes current usage by natural health practitioners throughout the world. Discover Amazon healers' traditional knowledge, as well as the clinical studies that support what shamans have known for ages. Essential dosage and preparation methods are provided, while at-a-glance tables help you locate the best botanicals for each disorder. Here is a unique book that offers a blend of ancient and modern knowledge in an accessible reference format.

    The book includes descriptions of more than 300 medicinal plants and their close relatives. Each entry gives a short summary with a description of the plant, the geographical origin, therapeutic category, historical and modern uses, active ingredients, and pharmacological effects. More than 500 full-color photographs assist in the identification of the plants. It is an essential reference guide for health care professionals — doctors, nurses, and especially pharmacists — or anyone with an interest in medicinal plants and their uses.

    Based on a mixture of detailed research and information provided by the public, it explores the remarkable diversity of ways that native plants have been, and continue to be, used in Scotland. The information is presented in clear and accessible format and is laced with quotations, illustrations, case studies and practical tips. This volume covers the complete spectrum of plant uses, addressing their diverse roles in our diet, healthcare, culture, housing, language, environment, crafts, and much more. It is a book to delight, inspire and inform.

    But a true magical garden touches something even deeper in us. In these places a different energy can be felt and our connection with nature becomes a very special one indeed. The Charmed Garden looks at ways of how to create your own magical garden, no matter whether big or small. In her practical, down-to-earth approach the author explains the basics of designing a charmed garden, points out the importance of the four elements and magical ceremonies and gives a multitude of ideas for gardens with a special focus. The encyclopaedia of magical plants provides the reader with a good overview of the practical and magical qualities of a variety of species, unveiling some plant lore from our ancestors and looking at fragrance, origin and habitat alike.

    Available in paperback, this is the definitive book on the history of gardens and gardening which describes the evolution of the Western model and explains the various historical factors which have created the modern idea of gardening as both art form and popular pastime. In her magnificent survey of the rich heritage of Western gardening, Penelope Hobhouse's engrossing text is perfectly complemented by an unsurpassable collection of beautiful illustrations that range from the earliest Egyptian tomb painting to some of today's best garden photography. Great care has been taken in the design of the book, making it both structured and accessible. Plants in Garden History is a classic work that will be referred to for many years to come.

    Seventy fancy but easy recipes, from appetizers to desserts, as well as a complete introduction and tips to growing, harvesting, cooking and eating nature's best. The author's sumptuous color photographs throughout make this a truly delightful book, as tempting for the eyes as for the taste buds.