Nutritional Herbology : A Reference Guide to Herbs [Paperback]

Mark Pedersen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1998

Have you ever wondered which herbs are good sources of Iron, Chromium, Selenium or Calcium? Well, this book is for you. Mark Pedersen's Nutritional Herbology is a one-of-a-kind resource book giving you a comprehensive summary of what nutrients are in herbal supplements and how they work!

You will find detailed nutritional analysis for hundreds of herbs, including Chinese constitutional combinations. With each herb's nutritional profile is an historical summary of the herb's use, a list of medicinal properties as well as folk remedies.

Nutritional Herbology is an indispensible reference for both the modern herbalist and for those interested in natural remedies. Over four years of extensive research and lab work has gone into bringing you this landmark work!

TOPICS INCLUDE: How and why herbs work - Nutritional Analysis of scores of herbs - Scientific analysis that authenticates historical usage. Detailed description of active principles in each herb - How to decipher each herb's herbal properties - Major acupressure and Iridology points correlated to herbal combinations - Easy to read charts giving vital information on each herb.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Pedersen is a research chemist who specializes in herbal chemistry. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Chemistry and Geology in 1982.Since then, Mark has been active in herb research, putting an emphasis on "What Works" since he battles a chronic digestive disorder.

He is the author of Nutritional Herbology (1987) and Nutritional Herbology Vol. II (1990). Both are cornerstones of the modern herbalist's reference library. These two works have been revised and condensed into Nutirional Herbology, A Reference Guide to Herbs.

Mark is married to Kellie Ann Magnum. They live with their three children in Utah.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Whitman Pubns; Rev Exp edition (May 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885653077
• ISBN-13: 978-1885653079
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of few books to list nutrients and minerals in herbs., September 3, 1999

By 

Karen Vaughan "Herblady" (Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nutritional Herbology : A Reference Guide to Herbs (Paperback)

This book is one of very few that list the nutrients found in common western and Chinese herbs, allowing one to find which herbs are good sources of, say selenium or beta carotene. As such it is an important addition to any herbalist's library.

However like most food science analyses, the book lists nutrients found in the plant, not nutrients which can or will be absorbed by the human body. For example, aluminium intake is closely regulated by the gut flora and excess aluminum is normally excreted unless that flora has been decimated by antibiotics or unhealthy diets. Its presence in an herb does not automatically mean that an herb like echinacea, which rates moderately high in aluminum, should be avoided.

The actions of herbs often go far beyond their constituents. Yellow dock, for example is not especially high in iron, yet yellow dock tincture (which contains very little iron at all) can in low doses allow the body to overcome anemia far faster than iron supplements.

However with those caveats, the book is highly recommended. It also lists actions of herbs, the body systems affected, folk history and use of the plants, medicinal properties, chemical constituents, nutrients of note and typical dialy doses in various forms. Of particular note are traditional combination formulas which are analyzed like the single herbs for their nutritional profiles.

A worthwhile reference for those seriously interested in herbal medicine and nutrition.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Herbal book for the advanced herbalist, November 1, 2005

By 

Stonewall (Northeast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nutritional Herbology : A Reference Guide to Herbs (Paperback)

In the area of herbs,this book is more scientifical, than practical. It gives a list of herbs in alphabetical order and gives many other facts(nutritional content, origination, uses, and herbal classification) which most people who are just getting into herbs may have a difficult time understanding. I own this book and it has done its job as a main reference on herbs. I do not, however use this book on a daily basis as I do others. If you are a nerd who loves to read and research like a crazy person such as myself, then this is the book for you. If that idea scares you, then look for more simple reading.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Work, March 2, 2011

By 

Herbman (SW United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nutritional Herbology : A Reference Guide to Herbs (Paperback)

This book does exactly what the title says. If you want to know the nutritional value of herbs rather than just the medicinal value, this is the place to go.

The author wastes no time getting to the point. The charts and graphs make great visuals and are easy to understand. Plus, the book is well referenced.

I have been a student and teacher of herbal medicine for twenty years. I have reached for this book many times over the years and recommend it to all my students.

Remember, this is not the book to get if you are a beginner and want to know what to use for your daughter's ear infection. Look to Rosemary Gladstar for that. This book is a reference on nutrition and is numbers oriented.

For what it tries to do, it succeeds very well.