Customer Reviews

Growing At-Risk Medicinal Herbs, Cultivation, Conservation and Ecology

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This book is essential for any serious medicinal herb grower or for those simply interested the history and conservation of at risk medicinal plants. Many of the plants addressed in this book are somewhat difficult to cultivate but Richo imparts his observations and experience accrued from a lifetime of experience in the field to the reader, effectively facilitating their propagation. The botanical information alone is much more exhaustive than anything that I've encountered anywhere else.
Besides need for individuals to cultivate at-risk medicinals for the sake of conservation, one will find that many of these plants are mainstays in the arsenal of any respectable herbalist. For those of us who prefer to cultivate our own medicinal plants, this book is an essential resource. Also Richo offers seeds, root cuttings, and live plants detailed in this book from his seed company, Horizon Herbs. In my encounters with him, I have found him to be extremely gracious and helpful in answering any questions that I have had.

I am including a list of all of the herbs which are addressed in this book as that seemingly pertinent bit of information is lacking from Amazon's description:

Black Cohosh
Bloodroot
Blue Cohosh
Echinacea
American Ginseng
Goldenseal
Kava Kava
Lady's Slipper Orchid
Lomatium
Osha
Peyote
Slippery Elm
Stillingia
Sundew
Trillium
False Unicorn
True Unicorn
Venus Flytrap
Virginia Snakeroot
American Wild Yam

Note: While completing this review, I discovered that it is no longer offered from Horizon Herbs, from whence I purchased my copy. However, it is offered on another major site that sells used books for under $20. I would assume that it is currently out of print, so please don't hesitate in securing a copy for yourself!

I dare anyone to read this book and not be inspired. Truly wonderful book. I would recommend that you go to either Richo Cechs site or United Plant Savers to buy this book. It's about $15.00 without shipping. I would hate to think someone went without this book due to the pricing here on Amazon. Enjoy!

Very informative book. I would recommend it highly. Tells how to grow medicinal plants in great detail. The chapters are very insightful. Detailed list of plants is given.

This item was recommended from a wonderful teacher I have been blessed to learn under. I, like most people, immediately went to amazon to purchase/get a price point for what I can expect to pay. Holy goodness! What a shock when I saw the new/used pricing. I did a lot more searching, and in case one does not find something more affordable on their own: There is an organically grown/ethical wildcrafting grower "Pacific Botanical" where you can secure a copy for the actual price :) Plus, I have found them to be a great "resource" to get a lot of items I need. (I do not work there nor know anyone who does, just simply want to pass on something I have stumbled across in my journey.)

As to the book: still reading it. I do not feel that it would be fair to give an unfinished book a review. But so far very awesome

The leading authority on growing medicinal herbs.....Richo's gift of writing, as well as the blessings of his experience and knowledge make this a MUST HAVE for any legitimate herbalist. With wildcrafting no longer an ethical option for a true herbalist - Richo Cech gives us the means to grow our own medicine, as well as preserve the art of healing through the gifts of our native herbs. Anyone who is serious about medicinal herbs owe our thanks to Richo and his family for sharing such an amazing gift - the gift of knowledge.

I read this book in one sitting and return to it over and over for information. It is wonderful for growing information, medicinal purposes, recipes for tinctures, and much much more. Well written and entertaining as well. I keep in in easy reach.

If you are interested in learing how to save at risk plants - or even just how to be a more varied and cultured gardener - buy this book.