The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines

Using wisdom from cultural traditions and homeopathy, 36 herbs are described for their medicinal uses-- In 1995, Americans spent nearly $1 billion on herbs and other tonics -- more than twice what they spent just five years earlier-- Describes how herbs are valuable as healing agents and as reference points for other natural remedies-- A 1994 survey found that 27 medical schools, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, offer courses in alternative medicinesWell-versed in homeopathic literature as well as Western herbalism, Matthew Wood brings a broad perspective to his descriptions of herbs, plants, and their healing properties. Written thoughtfully instead of clinically, he relies on herbal wisdom from Native Americans, Quakers, and the English as well as descriptions from botanical literature and his own clinical observations to explain the uses of a variety of herbs. One by one, Wood examines 36 herbs, showing how each reflects various principles, doctrines, experiences, and patterns of knowledge from the natural world. The author also describes soothing homeopathic treatments for numerous physical maladies, including gallstones, asthma, and menstrual cramps.Wood's background as both an herbalist and a homeopath gives The Book of Herbal Wisdom the advantage of the author's vast knowledge of the use of these herbs in modern medicine as well as a sense of their long history in human well-being. While Western herbalism alone is more accessible than homeopathy, 90 percent of all homeopathic remedies use herbs. Wood's expertise makes his insight invaluable in a rapidly growing market for homeopathy in America: More than 10, 000 drugstores now sell homeopathic medicines. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.