The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide To The Curative Power Of Nature's Medicines (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The healing properties of plants have not changed..." (more)
Key Phrases: The Safety Factor, United States, Nicholas Culpeper (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Except for vague references to folk practices, many books on herbs gloss over their medicinal uses. Not so here. After chapters discussing the history of herbal therapy, the controversies waged over the safety of herbal remedies, and strategies for herb storage and preparation, Castleman offers encyclopedic entries on 100 of the most common healing herbs. Unlike some herbalists, he makes no extravagant claims about the plants; subheadings entitled "Dead-End File" and "The Safety Factor" detail, respectively, what specific herbs won't cure and the herbs' side effects. The author wisely stresses that self-treatment with herbs should never take the place of professional medical care. His informative entries are highly readable and packed with anecdotal lore. A final chapter contains an invaluable table of common ailments, with herbal preventives and treatments included. A list of references and a bibliography finish this very useful volume. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Profiles one hundred of the most frequently used medicinal plants, tracing their history, folklore, and healing properties and offering an accessible A-to-Z encyclopedia that lists remedies for common ailments. Reprint. PW.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Bantam; 1 edition (July 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553569880
• ISBN-13: 978-0553569889
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #340,187 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the $$....., May 13, 1999

By	[e-mail] (South Central Lousiana) - See all my reviews

I have been learning about herbs for a few years now, once in a while you run across a book that seems to give you information that others do not, Michael has done just that. It is in terms that I understand, and want to try to grow these plants and learn how to use them. If you are looking for a book that helps you understand, and helps make you feel like you really could accomplish herb growing, please invest in this book. It was orginally found at our local library. Hey, a no risk sneak preview !

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction Herbs, January 18, 2008

By	J. FERRARA "Jay" (Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book is a great introduction to the effects of herbs on the body and to the your overall health. Mr. Castleman explains the ins and outs of herbs from thier history to their interations with medications. He even explains the use of herbs through out history stating that the Frankensence and Mur used by the wise men we to help with the prvention of desease in early age.

He goes over the major concerns when dealing with some herbs. The first is are they safe? He mentions that most herbs have been used for centuries with out harm to the body or with major side effects. In modern day, there is concern when herbs are mixed with drugs.

The other concern is how and where to get them. Remember that herbs come from all over the world, one needs to know how to get them and store them.

The final sections describes the 100 healing herbs where Mr. Castelman explains each herb, their side effects, drug interations and more. Definately helpful when you need to know about a particular herb.

As always, consult your health care professional when you decide to take an herb because of the drug interations with them.

I recomend this book for your library along with Dr. Whitaker's Guide to natural Healing (see my review), 8 Weeks to Optimal Health by Dr. Weil, The Doctors Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals, Earl Mandrell's Vitamin Bible (see my Review) as part of your health regimine.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST, June 8, 2006

By	Adele M. Crouch (Elfrida, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I refer to this book as my "Bible of Herbal help". It is the greatest herbal reference book I have found. I bought it when it first came out and have used it on a regular basis ever since.