Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West

by Michael Moore, Mimi Kamp (Illustrator)

In the first update since the original printing in 1979, renowned herbalist Michael Moore adds another twenty years of research and expertise working with medicinal plants to his classic Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. In this greatly expanded revised and enlarged edition, the book covers the entire range of medicinal herbs found in New Mexico, Arizona, west Texas, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California.

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

368 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Michael Moore (January 9, 1941 – February 20, 2009) was a medicinal herbalist, author of several reference works on botanical medicine, and founder of the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine (SWSBM). Before he was an herbalist Michael Moore was a musician and a composer. [1] He operated the SWSBM as a residency program for 28 years, first in Albuquerque, New Mexico and later in Bisbee, Arizona For decades, Moore influenced, impacted, taught, reached one way or another more practicing herbalists than any other living herbalist in the United States. His books put the previously unknown materia medica of the southwest into mainstream botanical medicine.

While Moore believed herbs and plants provided a natural way of treating many minor afflictions, he accepted that medical drugs should be used for serious illness.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best book on medicinal herbs for the mountain west that I've found and Michael Moore has a wonderful dry sense of humor that makes the reading a joy.

[Maja Haloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites. Highly informative, with Michael's entertaining anecdotes and commentary. I always pack this one on field trips to the area.

[Ms. Everitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous guide to the plants that grow in our area that have uses other than aesthetics. It is detailed and gives so much information that it merits multiple readings. It has served me well as I get to know the plants in my area and introduced me to their stories and uses. I'll probably refer to this book in one context or another for the rest of my life.

[C.A. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a textbook, but great information, and Michael Moore peppered it with personable prose. For my purposes, I just skipped to the medicinal uses and contraindications sections, as I'm not gathering the herbs myself nor making tinctures of them at this point, but I have that information now if I ever get that far.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Moore is a delight to read. He offers much information on his website and in his books. Humor is injected freely into his text, but his viewpoint on many herbs is that of someone who really does use them and knows what he's talking about. It's clear that he's confident in his approach, knowledgeable and, best of all, willing to share.

He tells four methods of collecting, followed by an intense listing of herbs and their actions. Each herb lists a great general reference guide - one of the more honest ones out there, making it a true favorite. On some of the herbs I would have liked the information to be a bit longer, but overall its an excellent job and a guide I'll keep returning to.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um, I decided to study with Michael based on his amazing books (and influenced, perhaps, by the Cult of Michael Moore in Portland). What else is there to say? His information is awesome. He contains multitudes and will sometimes contradict his writing when speaking in person. And many of the plants in here (mullein, anyone?) are common enough weeds that you don't have to be in the Rockies to become familiar with 'em.

[John Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have several of Micheal Moores books. I began studying plants in my region almost 15 years ago after moving here from Oklahoma. His books have been a part of my plant library from the very beginning. Since I have been studying I have actually used his information and I trust it wholeheartedly. I am not afraid to study and use the information he has presented. This book is one of my favorites and it always will be.

[wheels · Rating 5 out of 5]

i recommend reading all of Michael Moore's books even if you're not a self-identified plant dork. hey are filled with lots of history, political commentary, biting wit, and years of experience. The new-ish edition of this book is well worth obtaining because it's filled with lots of revised information and edits that MM has worked through over the past twenty plus years, since the last edition.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with a large volume of herbs and plants. Moore was definitely one of the leading professionals that advanced the public's awareness of medicinal plants.

[Anita Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love both of these books and feel they are safe, reliable, and hysterical. Just love these.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

great everyday, practical tone. the usual herb stuff plus specifics on tincture percentages and gathering times. white and black plant illustrations.