Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine (National Geographic)
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By: National Geographic Society
Format: Hardcover
From: National Geographic
Pub. Date: March 2006
From: National Geographic
Pub. Date: March 2006
Product Details:
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2006-04-18
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Pages: 416
Ean: 9780792236665
Isbn: 0792236661
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2006-04-18
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Pages: 416
Ean: 9780792236665
Isbn: 0792236661
ABOUT THE BOOK
EDITORIAL REVIEW
For millennia, humans have looked to nature for remedies to ailments great and small. Long before formal science enabled us to take a systematic approach to medicine, healers used plants to alleviate pain, ease the symptoms of dozens of diseases, and treat complaints of every kind. And today, countless people still use medicinal plants, whether in traditional roles or as building blocks for new research and innovative drugs.
Featuring 350 full-color photographs, botanical drawings, and maps, this accessible, fact-filled book is based on the work of renowned botanical experts and presents alphabetically arranged, beautifully illustrated entries for hundreds of plants touted for millennia to soothe, even heal. Each is clearly described, with full details of its physical appearance and medicinal uses; its origins and geographic distribution, how it's harvested and used in conventional and alternative medicine, a range map; and more.
It's also a fascinating medical chronicle filled with informative sidebars on everything from ancient folklore to the latest research. Readers learn how aspirin evolved from a concoction of willow bark to the familiar white pill of today, how the foxglove's flowery beauty contributes to the potent heart drug digitalis, and how many other now common treatments have deep historical and cultural roots. It's a journey that starts many centuries ago in remote places like the Amazon rain forest, where shamans practiced their powerful curative magic of plants, and leads to the high-tech pharmaceutical labs of today's scientists working to discover new plant-based drugs that can be used effectively to treat diseases major and minor alike, from cancer to the common cold.
Featuring 350 full-color photographs, botanical drawings, and maps, this accessible, fact-filled book is based on the work of renowned botanical experts and presents alphabetically arranged, beautifully illustrated entries for hundreds of plants touted for millennia to soothe, even heal. Each is clearly described, with full details of its physical appearance and medicinal uses; its origins and geographic distribution, how it's harvested and used in conventional and alternative medicine, a range map; and more.
It's also a fascinating medical chronicle filled with informative sidebars on everything from ancient folklore to the latest research. Readers learn how aspirin evolved from a concoction of willow bark to the familiar white pill of today, how the foxglove's flowery beauty contributes to the potent heart drug digitalis, and how many other now common treatments have deep historical and cultural roots. It's a journey that starts many centuries ago in remote places like the Amazon rain forest, where shamans practiced their powerful curative magic of plants, and leads to the high-tech pharmaceutical labs of today's scientists working to discover new plant-based drugs that can be used effectively to treat diseases major and minor alike, from cancer to the common cold.
USER REVIEWS
"Very detailed information about most herbs, I wish there were more in there, but the ones they do list are very detailed in their descriptions."
~ Written on 2008-06-27
~ Written on 2008-06-27
"This book is beautiful It has full color pictures. It also has lots of information. Maps and locations on where the plants are usally found. It is a thick hard cover book. A great addtion to anyones library. Great for gardening, medicine or science."
~ Written on 2006-08-18
~ Written on 2006-08-18
"I wholeheartedly agree with the other reviewers that this is a 5-star book and an important volume to include in your herbal library - or if you are looking for ONE herbal book, this is it.
Each entry has information on the history and lore of not only the herb, but even its name; where and how it grows, how to cultivate (that information is often left out of other books, which just tell you what part of the plant to use, now HOW to use them), and any supporting scientific evidence (or lack thereof).
The sections on geographic locations worldwide and their indiginous plants and cultural contributions to herbalism are unlike anything in any other herbal book I've seen. I could not put this one down, I turned each page with the same enthusiasm I'd have had for a suspense thriller, and this is a reference book, not something that would normally garner excited responses like that. Don't pass this one up!
"
~ Written on 2006-06-21
Each entry has information on the history and lore of not only the herb, but even its name; where and how it grows, how to cultivate (that information is often left out of other books, which just tell you what part of the plant to use, now HOW to use them), and any supporting scientific evidence (or lack thereof).
The sections on geographic locations worldwide and their indiginous plants and cultural contributions to herbalism are unlike anything in any other herbal book I've seen. I could not put this one down, I turned each page with the same enthusiasm I'd have had for a suspense thriller, and this is a reference book, not something that would normally garner excited responses like that. Don't pass this one up!
"
~ Written on 2006-06-21
"There are so many herbal books on the market today that one could wonder about the need for yet another, even with the National Geographic branding attached to it promising quality - but DESK REFERENCE TO NATURE'S MEDICINE offers something different. It's put together not by a single person but by leading experts in the herbal medicine field, it packs in over 200 color photos, 150 botanical drawings and over 150 maps, and its alphabetical arrangement of therapeutical plants covers not just physical appearance and medicinal properties but geographic distribution, how it's harvested in used, and more. Nine essays provide an overview to world healing traditions while handy sidebars of detail pack in the history and cultural insights, making for a practical manual which is also a superb history.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
"
~ Written on 2006-06-20
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
"
~ Written on 2006-06-20
"The National Geographic Society is known for producing high quality books and this is a fine example of one of their best works. The book is being promoted using their brand name rather then the names of the authors. I would like to acknowledge the authors Steven Foster and Rebecca Johnson; with Botanical paintings by Jane Watkins and Mary Eaton; and color photographs by Steven Foster.
I am familiar with the writings and beautiful plant photographs of Steven Foster and believe that he is one of the finest authors on medicinal plants.
This book contains in-depth and up-to-date profiles of 150 medicinal plants including herbal and pharmaceutical uses, cultural and scientific information and a botanical painting, map and color photograph for each plant.
The book has been well researched and provides a significant amount of information that is both succinct and clear, not lacking in any way. A reader would have to consult dozens of books to find the same information presented in this one volume.
The book is highly recommended for the general reader, herbalist, health professional and certainly every library.
"
~ Written on 2006-04-28
I am familiar with the writings and beautiful plant photographs of Steven Foster and believe that he is one of the finest authors on medicinal plants.
This book contains in-depth and up-to-date profiles of 150 medicinal plants including herbal and pharmaceutical uses, cultural and scientific information and a botanical painting, map and color photograph for each plant.
The book has been well researched and provides a significant amount of information that is both succinct and clear, not lacking in any way. A reader would have to consult dozens of books to find the same information presented in this one volume.
The book is highly recommended for the general reader, herbalist, health professional and certainly every library.
"
~ Written on 2006-04-28