Review: Good primer on medicinal herbs
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 10, 2013
The book describes the herbs' usage with a little bit of history behind them, tells us what parts are used medicinally, gives as preparation and dosage, and, if applicable, any cautions and contraindications. In one of the first chapters it also describes the methods of preparation of the medicinal herbs: Tincture, Infusion, Decoction, Poultice, Syrup, Capsules, Essential Oils, Creams, Ointments, Steam and Inhalation, etc.My favorite - Aloe Vera - is also mentioned. I am glad someone finally acknowledged its uses in treating stomach ulcers - it helped me quite a lot in my college days, what with the constant stress, irregular eating habits, and drinking, of course, I was on my way of developing one doozy of an ulcer. My grandma dug out an old family recipe and I was able to stop it from getting worse and then got rid of the ulcer altogether.Seeing as certain herbal medications, like ephedra-containing supplements, are banned for sale in the United States by FDA, I was surprised to find it here. Props to the author for mentioning the regulated status of the plant and giving a safety advise on its usage.In a reference book such as this, I would have liked to see a clickable table of contents and a little more organization - perhaps clickable tags on the supposed beneficial uses of the herbs. It's pretty easy to do this in a Kindle book and, in my opinion, it will increase the value tremendously. Just a suggestion to the author for the future revisions.Otherwise, this a good, if no thrills, primer on easily obtainable (for the most part) medicinal herbs.