Author Description

Before the advent of the modern pharmaceutical industry, mankind relied for thousands of years on medicinal plants and herbs to cure its ills. And today, as our faith in the infallibility of modern medicine begins to waver, we are turning back to the ancient wisdom of plant lore. The use of herbs for the relief of physical ills is a subject well covered in other publications. This book turns towards the subtler properties of herbs, exploring their ability to soothe our soul and heal our spirit. The first section of the book examines individual herbs, both Western and Chinese, classifying them by their subtle action: from "Herbs that Invite Peace and Stillness" to "Herbs that Gladden the Heart" and "Love Potions". Section two is a clear and practical guide to using the herbs in their different forms. It explains how to pick, preserve and use the herbs. The last section is a comprehensive "Materia Medica" including physical appearance, folklore, medicinal uses, cautions and contra-indications.