Customer Reviews

Practical Folk Medicine of Hawaii

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This is not a plant picture book - it's meant to be used. So much so that it comes with a chapter named "Words of Warning." The first part of the book covers tools and techniques for gathering, transporting and preparing Hawaiian plants, including using the modern version of the Hawaiian O`O (digging stick). Following that is a chart of what plants grow at what elevations (I've never seen one like it anywhere else). The next (and largest) section is an alphabetical listing of 54 major medicinal plants (one page each) with descriptions, comments and drawings. The only negative is that the plant drawings aren't in color - readers will probably want a supplemental plant guidebook to help with plant identifications. The final section is an alphabetical listing of ailments that the plants can be used to cure, AND complete instructions on how to prepare and use them.

I wouldn't hesitate to use this book at all for my personal health. I didn't know that awa would stop a headache cold (it does) until I read it here. The author has been interested in medicinal plants since childhood and obviously believes in them. At the same time he is realistic and doesn't hesitate to point out when modern medicine works better (like aspirin for fever reduction, for example). If you live in the islands, you need this book near your medicine cabinet! It's great.