Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments

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From researching how medicinal plants work, to making your own herbal remedies and nurturing natural skincare, from aloe vera to avocado, this one-stop herbal handbook has it all and will leave you with a wellbeing garden to be proud of.

Combines detailed images with an accessible writing style, making herbal healing and home remedies applicable for all.In this updated, expanded, and fully redesigned edition of his bestselling classic, author Andrew Chevallier – a fellow and former president of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists – combines the latest scientific research with the traditional and folkloric use of the plants to give detailed information about the benefits and constituents of more than 560 herbs, from aloe vera and cardamom through to witch hazel and yarrow. Many people think that using plants to treat illness is safer than taking medicine. People have been using plants in folk medicine for centuries. So, it is easy to see the appeal. Yet "natural" does not mean safe. Unless taken as directed, some herbals can interact with other medicines or be toxic at high doses. Also, some may cause side effects. To his credit, Chevalier is careful to warn about plants' toxicity, allergens, which ones shouldn't be taken during pregnancy, and which should only be taken under professional supervision. And I can certainly understand why some readers would turn to medicines that can be grown cheaply at home. Healthcare should be free, and modern medicine needs to do a MUCH better job at meeting the needs of women and other marginalized groups.

The well thought out format of the book means you can look up information by plant names or by ailments. There are 550 essential herbs with a beautiful photographic plant index discussing their different uses. Learn how to safely and effectively process the correct parts of the plants to encourage holistic and healthy healing. Clear imagery will help you identify and distinguish between the different healing plants, while a detailed self-help section shows you how to treat more than 150 common ailments, including with practical herbal remedies you can make at home: learn how to create delicate tea infusions, strong tinctures, sweet syrups, infused oils, powdered poultices, and more. St. John's Wort may work for mild to moderate depression. However, it can interact with birth control pills, antidepressants, and other drugs. It can also cause side effects such as stomach upset and anxiety.

Comprehensive and well illustrated, just as you would expect from DK. However, the content is largely unconvincing. Time after time, we are told about Medieval practictioners or a trial which demonstrated positive effects. So, if something was enodrsed by a single trial, it would still be listed as effective. For my purposes, I couldn't have asked for a better source. In addition to a compendium of 550 herbs, their medicinal uses, their place in folklore, chemical properties, preferred environments, where to find them, and lots of color photographs, the book also contains an overview of the histories of plant medicine in various cultures, step by step guides on how to make infusions, decoctions, poultices, ointments, etc., and advice on harvesting, cultivating, and processing plants. I focused mainly on the North American herbs, and I can't wait to beat the crap out of my fantasy characters so I can heal them with my new knowledge of herblore. Look closely at the claims made about the product. How is the product described? Is it a "miracle" pill that "melts away" fat? Will it work faster than regular care? Is it a secret your health care provider and drug companies don't want you to know? Such claims are red flags. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is not. If you're in search of natural remedies for common ailments, this comprehensive guide has over 550 healing herbs to promote health and well-being.

Remember "real-life stories" are not scientific proof. Many products are promoted with real-life stories. Even if the quote comes from a provider, there's no proof that other people will get the same results.Buy only from companies that have certification on the label, such as "USP Verified" or "ConsumerLab.com Approved Quality." Companies with these certifications agree to test the purity and quality of their products. Do not give herbal supplements to children or use them if you are older than age 65 years. Talk to your provider first. A treasure trove of information on the history of natural remedies and the many uses of plants. An essential index for any level of herbal expertise and supportive advice for beginners.

Treat yourself with the most natural medicine and become your own herbalist. The helpful instructions are easy to follow so you can start your own medicinal garden with the best know-how. Create the ideal habitat for planting, practise careful cultivation, and know the best time to harvest. Introducing the newly revised Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, a one-stop healing book with everything you need to know about herbs, featuring a detailed layout of over 550 plants and their medicinal properties, with advice on how to sow, grow, and harvest your very own herb garden! Before trying a product, talk with your provider. Ask for their opinion. Is the product safe? What are the chances it will work? Are their risks? Will it interact with other medicines? Will it interfere with your treatment?

Adding to the confusion, the book sometimes uses vague and nonpharmaceutical language. One herb promises that it "stimulates the uterus" (50). Um. What??! A glossary defines some Medical & Botanical words and terms, A General Index and An Index of Herbs by Ailment From ginger to lavender and thyme, and even the little dandelion - This book is a complete encyclopedia of herbs and plants and their healing properties. Learn about the chemistry of the plants and how they act as a medicine. Create alternative treatments for nearly 200 common health concerns in the comfort of your home. Discover how to make and use natural remedies from home-grown herbs to improve your health and wellbeing.