The herb book

by John B. Lust

Paperback, 2014

Status

Available

Call number

581.6/34

Collection

Publication

Garden City, New York : Dover Publications, Inc., 2014. (First Edition 1974, reprinted 2009)

Description

"I have an old copy of this book that I've had for years and would never let go of, no matter how many times I moved and thinned out my books. This is a re-release and I'm really happy to see it back in print. Part two of the book is the real treasure. It is an alphabetical list of herbs that gives detailed information about their properties, including any cautions required." -- Lora's Rants & Reviews Also known as "The Natural Remedy Bible," The Herb Book provides a comprehensive resource for building a livelier, healthier, happier life. More than 2,000 listings offer remedies for ragged nerves, nightmares, and coughing fits as well as suggestions for adding spice to recipes, coloring fabrics, freshening breath, and a host of other benefits. Complete and concise descriptions of herbs, illustrated by more than 275 line drawings, offer the most comprehensive catalog of "miracle plants" ever published. Written by an expert and pioneer in the field, this easy-to-use reference features three parts. The first presents introductory historical information and background for using the rest of the book. The second part features individual numbered listings of medicinal plants with their botanical descriptions and uses. The third part emphasizes the variety of uses for the plants listed in Part 2, including mixtures for medicinal treatments, nutritious and culinary plants, cosmetic and aromatic purposes, plant dyes, and other applications. The book concludes with a captivating look at plant-related astrology, lore, and legends.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member bilbette
This is the book I go to when I want to find out about the traditional medicinal properties of an herb. It's especially helpful for warning about toxicity and contraindications.

It includes the latin name for the herb, many of the common names and a description of the plant parts. The medicinal
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properties require a bit of cross referencing to the section that tells you what "febrifuge" and all the other "technical terms" means ("an agent that reduces or eliminates fever").

I'm always amazed by the people that start using an herb (even in a tea or "food" form) extensively without checking in such a book. For instance, Rosemary can raise blood pressure. Before falling madly in love with everything Rosemary, I'd probably want to find out a little more about the herb if I had a problem with high blood pressure.

There are not a whole lot of citations given for "proof" about most of the claims, but the author is a widely recognized expert with an extensive education on the topic. His point is not to prove but to get his knowledge across.

There's even a nice section on non-medicinal purposes of herbs, like for dyes, cosmetics, beverages, etc.
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LibraryThing member dragonasbreath
not an easy read. This is an encyclopedia of herbs, their uses and preparations.
As always - be careful following the instructions!
LibraryThing member bfgar
This is my favorite book on herbalism (neurobiology for my Canadian and British friends). It lists almost every herb which has had any use anywhere -- for example -- pennyroyal was used by some Native American women as a contraceptive (of course, I would not recommend that use now).

Unfortunately,
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as far as I can determine, the book was only published between 1975 and 1979, and has languished in book purgatory ever since. So, if you wish had a copy, you're going to have to contact Bantam Books and ask them to republish.
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Language

Original language

Finnish

Original publication date

1974

Physical description

xiv, 623 p.; 23 cm

ISBN

9780486781440

Local notes

a classic back in print.
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