A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants: Herbal Medicine Past and Present [Paperback]

John K. Crellin (Author), Jane Philpott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 13, 1997

Reissued as a companion edition to Trying to Give Ease: Tommie Bass and the Story of Herbal Medicine, this illustrated reference guide covers over 700 medicinal plants, of which more than 150 are readily obtainable in health food stores and other outlets. Based on the Appalachian herbal practice of the late A. L. "Tommie" Bass, each account of a plant includes the herbalist’s comment, an assessment of the plant’s efficacy, and current information on its chemical constituents and pharmacological effects. Unlike most herbal guides, this is a comprehensive, fully documented reference work that interweaves scientific evaluation with folkloric use.

Editorial Reviews

Review

OThe historical comments that follow BassOs opinions are truly excellent. Detailed nad well referenced, they are essential reading for all persons interested in the history of herbs and their use.ONVarro E. Tyler, Pharmacy in History OEasily the most important historical commentary on American medicinal plants in two decades.ONFosterOs Botanical and Herb Reviews OA veritable treasure-house of information that could be a baseline for future research on little-known herbals.ONB. Subramanian, Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research

About the Author

John K. Crellin, Clinch Professor of the History of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, is a physician, pharmacist, and historian. His books include Medical Ceramics in the Wellcome Institute and Home Medicine: The Newfoundland Experience.

Before her death in 1997, Jane Philpott was Professor Emerita in the Department of Botany and the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Duke University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Duke University Press Books (November 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822310198
• ISBN-13: 978-0822310198
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #555,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Regional Resource, May 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Herbal Medicine Past and Present: A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants: Vol II (Hardcover)

As Tommie Bass practiced his herbal medicine in the southern Appalachan range of North America, one could expect that most of the plants discussed would be native to the region. This is indeed the case, although there are some mentions of non-native plants that Tommie had himself heard about in later years as herbalism became mainstreamed by the new age movement. This in response to the only other review of the book.

What I found particularly useful about the book is the manner in which the material is presented. Each plant is described in two sections. The first consisting of what Tommie Bass had to say about it, and the second being what other herbalist sources had to say about it, what modern medical studies have been done concerning the plant, and if known, the active chemicals the plant contains.

Overpriced in the extreme, but on the other hand, it's one of my most valued herb books.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Medicinal Plants:, January 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants: Herbal Medicine Past and Present (Paperback)

Instead of being really comprehensive, quite a number of species which are currently in use as medicinal plants cannot be found in this Guide. We are not happy with this book/guide.