The Healing Herbs

by Michael Castleman

"The Healing Herbs" provides the information you need to use the earth's wonderful bounty of medicinal plants confidently, effectively, and above all, safely. It examines 100 of the most widely used, most easily available, most familiar, and most fascinating medicinal plants, tracing their history, folklore, and healing properties, and summarizing the latest scientific research on their many benefits. "The Healing Herbs" also explains where to find the herbs, how to take them, store and prepare them, even how to grow them. The "Healing Herbs" also includes an easy-to-use A-to-Z herb encyclopedia, plus a section titled Prevention and Treatment: A Fast-action Guide to Using the Healing Herbs, including: Conditions--from ear infection to stress, A-to-Z conditions and the herbs you can use to treat and prevent specific symptoms and diseases; Healing Actions--from antibiotic to sedative, an A-to-Z list of medicinal uses with herbs as a natural alternative to certain medicines; Other Uses--some unusual uses for the healing herbs, for example as insect repellent or memory improvement. Both Conditions and Healing Actions include special precautions about certain herbs, whether in preparation, long-term use, or short-term effects.

Genres: Reference, Health, Herbs, Nonfiction, Gardening, Plants, Survival

436 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a handy to have reference book for some of the more common herbs. It's laid out quite well and easy to read. A bit of historical reference is given for each herb, as well as it's Latin names. The common/historical uses for each herb is given as well as it's ideal growing conditions.

The safety recommendations from the American FDA are listed for each herb, though that information is most likely out of date, as the book was published in 1991.

It's most likely not the most comprehensive herb reference book on the market, but I'm sure at the time of publishing it was probably pretty close. It is a good jumping off point for anyone wanting to read a little further into any particular herb. Worth having on the bookshelf.

[Anjie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is really good as a reference book. It has an encyclopedia-like section that gives detailed descriptions of what each herb can be used for and bunches of recomendations. I got it from the library, but I'm going to buy my own copy.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive, gives studies to back up claims, talks about history, describes various treatments. A great reference book for anyone granola or not.

[Renee Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

no-nonsense (nearly) complete catalog of herbs, their history, uses, and contraindications. For those of us who need a 'dummy' book on herbs, I recommend reading this oldie but goodie.

[Marcel Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book on my bookshelf since I can remember, only occasionally dipping into it from time to time. With so much spare time on my hands this past three months I’ve found myself more and more revelling in the hedgerows of the British countryside and reacquainting myself with the abundant plant medicine that is available on our doorstep.

This book has been my companion and has made an excellent accompaniment to the book Hedgerow Medicine by Julie Bruton. What I’ve liked most about this book is the folklore and history of each of the plants use throughout the ages helping one to reach deeply into the past and connect with this rich history of ours. It is however written by an American author so does not detail some of the common plants used for healing in the Uk but nonetheless it is a rich resource for any budding herbalist.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am happy that shepherd's purse is in the list for menstruation reduction. I am excited to try out goldenseal as the only other option. I haven't heard of it for that use. However I am suspicious of following his recommended dosage because self experiment with shepherd's purse let's me know that 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water steeped for 10 minutes isn't going to work. I use at minimum 1/4 of powder. Making a savory pancake is my favorite method, just add one egg. The alcohol extract is expensive and doesn't work. Its easy to null its effect by accidentally also using one of the many herbs designed for emmenagogue.

[Belle Meade School]

615.321

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book. In my opinion, can be a bit overwhelming for a novice herbalist. Still...excellent guide.

[shelby ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very handy book! It is a catalog of common herbs, from A-Z, along with their histories, uses, warnings and recipes. Not the most comprehensive one out there, but it is *very* good.

[Mazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noomba Noomba !

[G R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cannabis is not listed. Can not be the ultimate guide to the curative power of herbs without listing cannabis.

[StrangeBedfellows · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps not the best book on herbs, but definitely an informative resource. Easy to navigate, this book contains a huge listing of herbs and their properties, preparation notes, cautionary notes, and more. I'm not always happy with the images and physical descriptions, but I've always been glad I purchased this.

[Kadrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for the beginner in working with herbs.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best and most extensive guide to herbs I've ever read.

[Maggie Fout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome guide! Really easy to understand and very encompassing!

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource. Only thing is that I couldn't find the lavender. Other that, I love it and want to buy a copy (my version was from the library).

[Rebecca Anjali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great fi nd for learning more about herbs and how they can be used.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes an in-depth look at healing herbs and ways that you can incorporate the herbs benefits into your life.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing special. Good coverage and depth, but bad organization