|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 7:20 am
Does anyone recommend any books on herbal medicines? I have not checked out the local library yet so I guess that is a good start. Any websites as well? (that list the basics too since I am pretty much a newbie that wants to learn)
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 6:15 am
I'm not quite experienced enough to recommend anything specific, but as someone who knows how to research, I do have some general suggestions.
Steer clear of anything in the New Age section at the start and be careful in the alternative health section. Not that all of this is badly researched, but it is generally better to go to sources that have more expertise in the field. The botanical science section seems to be the most reliable in terms of not exaggerating claims or presenting false information. Since much of herbal medicine isn't verified scientifically, you can also look into folklore on various plants or into ethnobotany for their historical uses. Just remember that much of this isn't scientific so it may or may not really work.
I'd also generally recommend knowing something about botany if you're going to do anything with herbal medicines. One reason this is really important is for your own safety. If you know some major plant families at the very least, you can know to avoid families with poisonous members until you're more experienced or are sure you know what plant material you have.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:57 am
Look for books that aren't .... egotistical. Good herb books will have a CONSIDERABLE section, and by considerable I mean at least a half a book's worth, of plant identification. My personal Bible of plant medicine is the New Age Herbalist, and the first half of the book has some beautiful, beautiful photographs, detailed information on what it's called, where it's from, how it grows, what's in it (active constituents) and what those things are, and what it's been used for, including references to medical studies in which it has been used.
I recommend (at first) avoiding books that mix herbalism with religion or faith, like the Wise Woman or shamanistic paths- not because those paths are bad, but because you tend to get a little... overwhelmed? by all the information and the technique. It's always better to learn the simplest method first, and then add other technique later.
Herbs for Dummies is another good one, alongside, and I cannot stress this enough- alongside a book of plant identification for your area.
That's really, really important. A good herbal will give you a general spectrum of information on plants from all over, but you cannot beat a good local plant ID book. Even if it isn't medicinal, if it's just informational, get one. (Of course, an herbal, or "medicinal and edible plants of the _______" is best).
...... aand that was a lot of information. I'm sorry. I've been doing this for twelve years, so for me this is something that's a way of live, the constant research and study and picking and tasting and trying and looking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
