The Village Herbalist: Sharing Plant Medicines With Your Family and Community (Paperback)

~ (Author), Michael Phillips (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

At one time the only option for treating illness, herbal medicine has been superseded by modern "conventional" medicine, even though many Americans regularly use herbal preparations as part of their health regimen. Longterm practitioners of alternative farming methods (see, e.g., Michael Phillips's The Apple Grower: A Guide for the Organic Orchardist), the Phillipses believe that while medical doctors are sometimes needed, herbalists still have much to offer. Writing in a style that is sometimes feisty and frequently spiritual, the authors provide a broad overview of herbal medical practice, offering their philosophy of earth-based healing and wellness, brief information on specific plants, and instructions on preparing some herbal products (such as decoctions, salves, and oils). Given the New Age tone, some readers may view this book with suspicion but they are not the intended audience. This title does not present in-depth information on specific herbs and their culture and use what most public library users want but it instead introduces a philosophy as old as humankind. Recommended for comprehensive collections. Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing Company; illustrated edition edition (December 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890132543
• ISBN-13: 978-1890132545
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,033,899 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Refreshing Point of View, April 19, 2002

By	Roxann Phillips, Herbalist and Naturalist (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This book is so in line with my own philosophy regarding herbalism! Very interesting, appealing to both experienced and newcomers alike. I've decided to use this book as the main text for the herbal course that I teach. It was hard not to rush through it in one night, and I, too, had to force myself to savor every page :)

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete Guide to Practicing Community Herbalism, February 28, 2002

By	Tina Finneyfrock, Master Herbalist (Earlville, NY) - See all my reviews

The Village Herbalist is a long overdue love letter to all of us who serve our communities as herbalists.
Covering every aspect of herbal practice, from setting up a business, practical tips, information on making preparations, to questions of ethical practices and some of the internal/political struggles concerning the herbal community, this book will give those interested in herbalism as a livlihood a good sense of what to expect.
My favorite aspect of "The Village Herbalist" is the many profiles of practicing herbalists scattered throughout the book, along with quotes from other herbalists concerning their opinions on the various topics covered.
My initial reaction was to sit down and devour this attractive and well illustrated book, but my instincts told me to read slowly and savor it instead.

3.0 out of 5 stars Just purchase "The Herbalist's Way" instead, April 14, 2008

By	Tonks Plum - See all my reviews

If you own or are looking to purchase "The Herbalist's Way" by the same authors then this book is as good as redundant. The Herbalist's Way can be considered the new revised addition to "The Village Herbalist" & is packed with "more" information. The distinct difference I have found (I just received this book after ordering) are the 8 full color photos of people tending & picking herbs (cover & title have been changed).

It's still nice to get if you just "have" to have it but not really necessary so I am a bit disappointed that this was not mentioned anywhere before I paid money for this book. Still, no complaints on content but 3 stars because there is a better version out there.

Well now I know why it's no longer in print lol!!