The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine (Arkana) (Paperback)

~ Simon Y. Mills (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is a reference book which combines modern medical principles and traditional medicine into a modern philosophy of herbalism. Beginning with human pathology, this book shows how plants act on the body, and how research has demonstrated that herbs are viable medicines in today's scientific climate. A pharmacology describes the active constituents of plants, while a "materia medica" describes over 200 plants and shows how to recognize them, prepare them and use them for healing purposes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 704 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (January 4, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014019309X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140193091
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #483,639 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally detailed, for advanced students of Herbalism., June 16, 1998

By A Customer

Details a wide variety of herbs with their common uses, dangers, and benefits. The most useful parts of each herb are described, as well as methods of extraction and application. While not really a Complete reference for the truly advanced practitioner(such a work would be indeed be massive,) it is useful for the novice, adept, or even the herbalist who studies from a very clinical standpoint(there's a good deal of information here on the active chemicals and types found in herbs.) Some of the more scientific information may leave the average reader a little confused, but the basic herbal knowledge in this work is well worth its cover price.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent basic reference book, March 18, 2004

By	N.N. (Albuquerque, NM, USA) - See all my reviews

I agree 100% with the review below. This is a great, basic book for those who want to understand the use of medicinal herbs from a Western scientific perspective. Please be careful to read the warnings carefully, though. Self-medicating with some of these herbs can be extremely dangerous.