Medicine Quest: In Search of Nature's Healing Secrets

by Mark J. Plotkin

A world-famous ethnobotanist scours the planet in search of new natural cures, unveiling the healing power in snake venom, leech saliva, rain-forest frogs, and other natural sources. Reprint.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Medicine, Nature, Medical

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Mark J. Plotkin is an ethnobotanist.

Reviews

[Vallerie]

I learned so much about medicine and I find myself feeling hopeful about medicine which is new for me. Relating nature to medicine and doctors helps me to believe it'll help. This book was great and includes sections about a few different species and their impacts on medicine. This also brings up lots of points about the lack of importance modern medicine puts on indigenous knowledge and remedies.

[Cherie]

Very focused on how plants can be used as medicine, animals and insects too. Great for anyone thinking chemicals are the be-all end-all.

[Di]

Really amazing to learn how much of our medicine comes from nature. Nature is so fascinating and mysterious and deserves much more respect than our society gives.

[Jennifer Collins]

Plotkin's exploration of the natural world as a source of modern medicine is a fascinating look at the ways in which we (and other species) have incorporated even the most surprising elements of nature into healing practices. From sought discoveries to surprising happenstance, the plants, animals, substances, and chemicals that have led to serious medical breakthroughs are fascinating, and Plotkin's discussion works to incorporate an understanding of history and unfolding discoveries so that readers aren't just allowed a glance into such a world, but a real view into the importance of the natural world and what may seem to be the most insignificant species that can have drastic effects on (human) health.

From beginning to end, the book offers an implicit (and yes, sometimes explicit) argument that the natural world and biodiversity are at the heart of our survival, and likely at the heart of the still elusive cures for the various diseases which most haunt are species and our best researchers. With humor, detail, and heart, his readable exploration is a journey into various far reaches of the globe, and one which is worth any reader's time.

Absolutely, I'd recommend it.

[Rosalind M]

This book stresses the importance of the natural world to the continued survival of mankind and reminds us that some of our greatest medical achievements would not have occurred had we not found them already existing in a natural form. I only wish the chapter on shamans had been longer; In any case, I've been inspired to look for more information on shamanism and those who practice the traditional ways.

[Mauri]

I read this book for a Drug Discovery and Development course I took last year. Probably the most entertaining part of the course besides the teacher.

The book is divided into chapters that share anecdotes of the author's time spent in the rainforests of South America and their connection to cutting edge medical research in the States.

[Mindy]

Incredibly interesting.

[Toby]

Great anecdotes about the discovery and development of drugs from ethnic healing. Great leach and maggot stories etc.[return]

[Nancy]

This book is mostly a series of gee wiz "Ripley's Believe It or Not" type vignettes. There are threads of good information that might have made an interesting short article with some major editing.

[Shelley]

taking medicine back to nature and tribal beliefs. i loved the exploration element and candor in Plotkin's writing.