The Village Herbalist: Sharing Plant Medicines with Family and Community
At one time the only option for treating illness, herbal  medicine has been superseded by modern "conventional" medicine,  even though many Americans regularly use herbal preparations as  part of their health regimen. Longterm practitioners of  alternative farming methods (see, e.g., Michael Phillips's The  Apple Grower: A Guide for the Organic Orchardist), the  Phillipses believe that while medical doctors are sometimes  needed, herbalists still have much to offer. Writing in a style  that is sometimes feisty and frequently spiritual, the authors  provide a broad overview of herbal medical practice, offering  their philosophy of earth-based healing and wellness, brief  information on specific plants, and instructions on preparing  some herbal products (such as decoctions, salves, and oils).  Given the New Age tone, some readers may view this book with  suspicion but they are not the intended audience. This title  does not present in-depth information on specific herbs and  their culture and use what most public library users want but it  instead introduces a philosophy as old as humankind. Recommended  for comprehensive collections. Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit  Cty. P.L., OHCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.