Main description:

The Western Herbal Tradition is a comprehensive exploration of 27 plants that are central to the herbalist's repertoire. This fully illustrated colour guide offers analysis of these herbs through the examination of historical texts and discussion of current applications and research. Your practice of phythotherapy will be transformed as the herbal knowledge from these sources is illuminated and assessed.

Each chapter offers clear information on identification, uses and recipes, as well as recommendations on safety, prescribing, dosage and full academic references. The Western Herbal Tradition reveals a deep understanding of the true essence of what each plant can offer, as well as a fascinating insight into the unique history of contemporary herbal practice. This book is a valuable resource for everyone interested in herbal medicine and its history.

Contents:

Foreword. Preface. 1. The historical sources. 2. Some observations on the Western herbal tradition. 3. Origins and proponents of the revival of herbal medicine in 19th century Britain. 4. A note on Goethe. 5. Notes on nomenclature, plant descriptions, quality, constituents, safety and dosages. 6. Agrimonia eupatoria, agrimony. 7. Alchemilla vulgaris, lady's mantle. 8. Althaea officinalis, marshmallow; Malva sylvestris, common mallow; Alcea rosea, hollyhock. 9. Apium graveolens, wild celery. 10. Arctium lappa, burdock. 11. Artemisia absinthium, wormwood. 12. Artemisia vulgaris, mugwort. 13. Centaurium erythraea, centaury. 14. Daucus carota, wild carrot. 15. Drimia maritima, squill. 16. Fumaria officinalis, fumitory. 17. Galium aparine, goosegrass. 18. Glechoma hederacea, ground ivy. 19. Hyssopus officinalis, hyssop. 20. Inula helenium, elecampane. 21. Lamium album, white deadnettle. 22. Ocimum basilicum, basil. 23. Paeonia officinalis, paeony. 24. Potentilla erecta, tormentil. 25. Rosa damascena, damask rose. 26. Rubus idaeus, raspberry. 27. Ruta graveolens, rue. 28. Scrophularia nodosa, figwort. 29. Stachys officinalis, wood betony. 30. Tussilago farfara, coltsfoot. 31. Verbena officinalis, vervain. 32. Viola odorata, sweet violet; Viola tricolor, heartsease. Index.