Customer Reviews

The Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs

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

 

 

This fascinating book investigates the habitat, cultivation, historical use, chemical structure and benefits of nineteen psycho-active herbs. These plants are discussed by chapter in the following categories: Stimulants (including Damiana, Passionflower and Guarana), Depressants (including Lobelia, Skullcap and Valerian), Narcotics (Wild Lettuce and Wormwood), Hallucinogens (including Kava Kava, Yohimbe, Amanita Muscaria, Morning Glory Seed and Psilocybe Mushroom). Their preparation, ritual use, primary effects and potential hazards are described in detail.

Some of the benefits that may be derived from the wise use of these plants include stress relief (Kava Kava and Valerian Root), increased energy (Guarana), restful sleep and cleansing (Wormwood) and spiritual development (Fly Agaric, Psilocybe). The author writes with great authority, effortlessly blending scientific and esoteric knowledge. I enjoyed his no-nonsense factual approach. The book includes a Quick Reference Chart, a Bibliography and a Chemistry, Botanics/Organic and General Index, making it a valuable reference work in addition to a fascinating read.

One in the series of books by Richard Alan Miller. (The others being "Magical and Ritual use of Perfumes" with Iona Miller, and "magical and Ritual Use of Aphrodisiacs") This book is a typical example of the attention to detail, clarity of writing, and concise nature that I have come to expect from the author.

Covering some of the more Pharmocologically active herbs,the coverage is complete enough for my friends in the medical feilds, without losing readers with less chemistry knowledge (like me). There are diagrams of the active chemical compounds, when known, and lots of details about growth and habitat, but the directions and hazards of use are clear enough for a novice.

While not covering the more common herbs, such as Rosemary, or sage, this book is a valued part of my herbal library. I sincerely hope that the author writes a more wide ranging book on herbs in the future! Definately worth every penny.

This book is very informative, clearly written and well organized. One must have knowledge of wild crafting (plant gathering) and a pretty good knowledge of chemistry to take full advantage of what it has offer. It provides excellent and concise information on herbal effect and very clear warnings. Some good recipes also.

This book is a great all around kind of reference book. Covering a wild variety of plants it includes lots of interesting details such as traditional preparation and chemical structure for active ingredients. Highly recommended.

I have not really deep-read this book. I got it. I am working with herbs at every steo of my life, food, magic, charms, tea and cosmetics. This book - surprisingly - focusses less on magical uses or rituals even though some pointers are given but instead tells you on how to achieve trance and how they are useful as drugs ind the phychaldelic sense. NOT my cup of tea. NOthing I would subscribe to. So while it may be a good book for somebody looking for crutches in magical life too, sigh, it was NOT what I was looking for

I found the book intresting, but short. Thus even though I am an herbalist I would not recomend it unless the reader wants as complete a library as possable on the subject.