Customer Reviews

Herbs For Health And Healing: A Drug-Free Guide to Prevention and Cure

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to give you my opinion of Kathi Keville's book, HERBS FOR HEALTH AND HEALING. My husband purchased this book for me, having no idea if I would like it or not. I have so many herbal references that I thought, "Oh well, I might be able to find SOMETHING new in here." I couldn't believe how well researched and thorough this is! Although I have many books, magazines, etc., I honestly don't know what I would do without this book. The reason I contacted this site in the first place was to try to get more of her books. This would be an excellent choice for any experienced or beginner herbalist (or for any one simply interested in a holistic approach to medicine) to have and use frequently; I HIGHLY recommend it

I absolutely love this book, and have yet to find one that rivals the information & layout of this book. Very informative, but easy to read--excellent for the beginner!!!

******This is a review of the paperback version*******

It's amazing that I can go out and buy several $20+ 'recommended' books, and the 5-8 dollar paperbacks end up being the best. Such is the case with Kathi Keville's Herbs for Health and Healing. While not an herbal that is the end all of every herbal out there, it's extremely informative, enlightening, easily digestible, and chocked full of useful information.

The author genuinely has a love of herbs and a belief in their performance; for a change we have an herbalist who really is one, and not just trying to cash in on the latest craze. This little gem is broken down cleverly, with each section as exciting as the last.

The introduction alone is useful, highlighting some of the common reasons to use herbs and natural remedies; she lists facts that are eye openers and refreshing.

Why Use Herbs? further demonstrates her reasoning, listing the troubles of combating side effects, the benefits of herbs, how they work, why they do, and more.

The second, Herbal Preparation, briefly touches upon various way to use herbal remedies and make your own. It's of course clear to see this should be included, and included in this order. She mentions main herbal preparations, with some brief illustrations. There is not outright detail, but it's clear enough to get the basic idea.

The third section, Herbal Medicine, breaks down the larger sections into various body systems, beginning with the Brain and nervous system, ending with The skin. Each system is introduced with the roles it plays, things that can go wrong, and why they do. From here on she lists major complaints, symptoms and causes, backs up the herbs recommended with various studies, then backs up further with personal experience, and THEN usually has a basic formula to recommend. Excellent quick resource for a variety of maladies, clearly and confidently written.

For part 3 we have Living with Herbal Wisdom. Here she devotes an entire chapter to Men's Health, then Women's, then Childrens. Everything from hormones and infertility, to colic, to male baldness is touched upon. The section for children is an especially welcome entry; teeting, earaches, sugar blues, you name it.

And....this isn't all. Chapter 14 lists Herbal first aid, helping you establish a 'first aid kit' , why the herbs are recommended, how to use them, etc. Here she goes into detail on poison oak, ivy, bug bites, stings, mosquito repellants, and sunburns.

Chapter 15, aptly titled Cautions and Considerations, warns about using things safely. Topics include essential oils, identification, contamination, endangered herbs, and rare reactions. 16 dives briefly into the huge pool of aromatherapy, something that is obviously a first love for Kathi. In fact, she has other books on this subject alone. Techniques and measurements are all laid out. The list keeps growing - chapter 17 brushes upon Skin Care - including hair of course. Homemade beauty recipes, as well as combating skin issues and problems - are mentioned. Great extra! Finally, chapter 18 is about cooking for health - delicious recipes are given for soups, oils, vinegar, spices, pestos, veggies, hot sauces, homemade coffees, ending with candies such as ginger and horehound drops.

I repeat, sometimes the more expensive, bigger, prettier book is skimpier. From skin and cosmetics to cooking to first aid to body conditions, it's all here. It's not the most advanced herbal out there but it's not too basic for those with experience. Beginners will easily understand, while those who know their stuff will keep learning as the page turns. At this price, it's a bargain, a steal, almost a sin if not purchased.

I have gone back to this book over and over, using the tinctures or teas as needed. Keville gives excellent explanations regarding different ailments, then suggests remedies, often telling a short story about someone who used the remedies. I have given copies of this book to three different family members and even took my copy along on a month long trip. As with Dr. James A. Duke's books, I trust the advice in Keville's books.

The book is pretty informational and it I like, but the seller advertised a new book and the book wasn't new. The book was old and had pencil markings in it. I contacted the seller because I was upset, I didn't pay for an old book, I payed for a new one. Well he was no help and I ended up fileing a claim. Then he contacted me after. Every email, except 2 out of the 5 he sent since the first time I contacted him about the problem, was insulting to my grammar and he talked to me like I was a child and he a college grad from Harvard. The only reason 2 were not so insulting is because he wanted the book back so he tried to talk a little nicer. Well the fault falls on the seller in this case because if you sell anything you always check the condition of the product before you sell it. If it is not as you say it is, where I come from that is false advertisement. So the book is a nice read but the seller I won't buy from again. That's sure.

I purchased this book in 1999 when I was 22 years old. I've always been into alternative and/or complimentary medicine (CAM), but at 22 I must have only skimmed this book. I recently picked it up again and I honestly can't put it down. I'm 34 now and have once again revived my interest in holistic products to enhance the health of my family. I've found her explanations very insightful, her research well-cited and above all her "don't stop your traditional medicine regimen" honest and refreshing. Most herbal medicine books claim to "cure" ailments or promise to ween an individual off a certain prescription or regimen. Kathi Keville does the exact opposite; she provides an historical approach to herbal medicine and urges you NOT to forgo traditional medicine regimens but rather use herbs (tinctures, teas, etc) to help you arrive at the lowest dose (of TM) possible. To me, that's responsible and honest. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, she devotes an entire chapter to precautions and herbs that should be avoided. Again, very responsible. I've started making my own tinctures, herbal vinegars and skin/hair care products. There's something inherently satisfying in being this involved in my health and I owe it to this book.

Everything they said about the item and the period of time it took to get the book was how it went. The book was just as discribed. Good, good, good!!

I own countless herbal reference and guide books and this one ranks as one of the highest on the list. I have had this book for a few years now and it is the first one i reach for when i need guidance. Not only is it very easy to follow and very practical, but it is also very well researched and well rounded. She writes about not only the healing properties and recipes, but also about the historical uses of the herbs as well. I have also had the pleasure of taking a few courses with Ms. Keville and can honestly say she is one of the most down to earth, approachable and knowledgeable teachers i have ever had. For me it is a bonus to know that my money is going to supporting something/someone i can truly stand behind.

I was amazed at the shape that this book was in and how quickly the seller processed this. The person I purchased this from was very quick to get in the mail and on its way to me. It was shipped the same day that I ordered it. I would and will definitely purchase more books from Amazon.com. Thanks Amazon, and thank you to the seller for such a great book in perfect condition and the extremely quick response to the shipping of this book!!!!!

the frozen north was both informative and entertaining. it provided my family with an extended view of how mr. dick proenneke survived in his chosen wilderness and lived his day to day life. it showed how he was able to meet his needs and gave our family a good opportunity to discuss how pioneers (no matter what year they chose to homestead or venture out on their own) survived all the perils of depending on themselves for everything. would recommend it for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and beautiful scenery of mountains, lakes, etc.