This book investigates the historical and contemporary uses of medicinal plants. Hans Flück, a noted ethnobotanist, draws upon extensive field research and historical texts to present a comprehensive overview of plant-based remedies. The work categorizes plants by their medicinal properties and geographical origin, detailing their applications in various cultures and medical traditions.

This work is recognized as a foundational text in ethnobotany and pharmacognosy. Its detailed cataloging of plant properties and uses makes it an invaluable resource for researchers, herbalists, and anyone interested in the scientific study of medicinal flora. The book's rigorous approach and extensive documentation have established it as a reliable reference for understanding the complex relationship between plants and human health.