Customer Reviews

Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs & Spices

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not only does this book contain all the traditional herbal lore found in previous volumes down through the ages, but also cites and includes the most recent research into the nature of the herbs themselves and their chemical compositions. He tells you not only what the herb or spice is good for medicinally, but also *why*; which chemicals in the herbs are the active ingredients and what effect they have on the body's systems. This will enable the skilled herbalist to combine the most effective remedies and treatments for each individual person's needs and tolerances. I have found this book to be one that has replaced the use of several older herbals on my bookshelf.

Heinerman gives a listing of herbs or illnesses, so you can look up either easily. Also, he gives ways of preparing the remedy yourself for each herb/spice. This is incredibly helpful because I can make my own remedies without having to for a manufactured version. No irritating 'take so much of this standardized pill containing only these certain parts' here. One of the remedies for sore throat was a sage tea. Heinerman gave the exact quantities of water, herbs, etc to use. It tastes gross (like pine sap) but it works super fast. I used it after I got strep throat for the 4th time in a year and was tired of going on antibiotics just to get a new infection a few weeks later. The sage knocked it out for good! Very good resource if you want practical info on which herbs to use on certain ailments and how to prepare them.

I liked the detailed information on which herb was good for what, but, one of the herbs that i looked up has since the publication of this book been banned. I would also like more information on growing these herbs yourself to be sure of getting organic product.

If you wanted to know something about what you thought was a "weed" or what you knew to be an herb then this is your book. You'll find much more than just info and it is organized like a pro has done it. All of Heinerman's books are the greatest resource. If anyone says something has no cure that is just the sign that there IS!!!!!!!!!! Cancer, AIDs, Herpes (all kinds), you go on, I don't have time. Genesis 1 and 2 prove it. Not illustrated though so get yourself a good book about the plants in your part of the country.

This book is great as a glossary, or quick reference book since it has an extensive list of herbs. However, each entry isn't very detailed.

Full of useful spice and herbal information. Very well written. I reference this encyclopedia all the time.