Product Description

Fully updated and authoritative, this revised edition of DK's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine makes this classic, completely illustrated reference guide even bigger and better than the original. Featuring more than 550 medicinal plants and the most current scientific research, this volume provides a comprehensive guide to healing with the world's oldest form of medicine. A unique photographic index profiles over 550 plants, with detailed information on habitat and cultivation, parts used, active constituents, therapeutic properties, and traditional and current uses. A special section profiles 100 of the most common plants, featuring herbal preparations and recommendations for self-treatment. Guidelines on growing, harvesting, and storing medicinal plants also demonstrate making remedies for home use. In addition, accessible text offers fascinating insight into the chemistry of plants and their healing properties, explaining how and why they work as medicines within the body. The major herbal traditions of different cultures- Europe, India, China, Africa, Australia, and the Americas- are vividly described. A review of herbs from a historical perspective reveals the connection between medicinal herbs and cultural beliefs toward healing. Offering extensive coverage of all that herbs are- from cultural traditions to chemical components to self-treatments for common ailments-this Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine is the ultimate reference for anyone interested in exploring the healing benefits of medicinal plants.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12495 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 336 pages

From Library Journal
This is the second edition of Chevallier's The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants (LJ 12/96). Although the title has changed, the format and contents are substantially the same. Careful comparison of the two editions, though, reveals that the text of the second edition has been revised to reflect the latest herbal research and includes some herbs not mentioned in the earlier book, such as cat's claw. The new edition also addresses the issues of quality control and the safe use of herbal remedies. But as with the original, initial and final chapters address the development of herbal medicine, world herbal traditions, and home remedies. Sandwiched between this material is an alphabetical listing by Latin name of 550 of the most commonly used individual herbs. One hundred key plants are given a full-page spread outlining their habitat and cultivation, related species, key constituents and actions, research, traditional and current uses, parts used, key preparations, and self-help uses. In a separate alphabetical list, an additional 450 plants are covered in less detail. A fine bibliography and index complete the book. As with all DK publications, the encyclopedia is lavishly illustrated with high-quality color captioned photographs and focus boxes. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (1998) is a similar title directed to a different audience. Although the Rodale book addresses briefly the medicinal uses of the listed herbs, there is a much stronger emphasis on the horticultural and culinary aspects. Deni Bown's Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (1995) is more comprehensive, covering over 1000 herbs, but has less information regarding their medicinal use. Therefore, the new Chevallier volume remains a top choice for a library reference on the medicinal use of herbs for the public, although North American practitioners will find it lacking in the coverage of regional herbs. Recommended for both public and academic libraries. Mary Stout, Pima Community Coll., Tucson, AR
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH, is an experienced medical herbalist and Senior Lecturer in Herbal Medicine at Middlesex University. He runs a busy private practice in London and is involved in clinical and laboratory research in herbal medicine. He is a past president of the National Institute of Medicinal Herbalists, and author of several other books on herbal medicine, including Hypericum: The Natural Antidepressant and More and Flaxseed.

Customer Reviews

Learning Tools
I have only had the chance to peruse this book lightly thus far. From what I can see in the table of contents and thumbing through, the book covers most of the topics I'm interested in. Due to personal duties which require my immediate attention, I've not had time to give it my full attention. But once able to read further, I will be more than happy to update my findings.

Natural Health-Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
I like the book. It shows different remedies that the plant can provide for any problems such as: headaches, mentrual cramps, fatigue, diarrhea, you name it. And it shows how you can make the remedies at home. Buy it, It's a really good book!

liked the pictures--not easy to read/use
There is alot of information about the herbs and what forms they are best used in. It was hard to figure out what they should or should not be used for and finding an herb you are looking for is nearly impossible without knowing specific names. The listings are under the scientific name making it hard for someone like me just starting to learn to find anything in the book.