Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions (2009)

Booklist
This newest publication by the author of Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest (2006) is an expanded and comprehensive sourcebook—a scholarly study of folk and natural medicines as well as a guide to the preparation and use of wild plants as alternative remedies for what ails you. Following a table of contents, the reader finds a preface, an introduction, and a thorough format explanation. An additional introductory section is dedicated to standard preparations for such remedies as cough syrup, eyewash, liniment, essential and herb oil, and tincture.

More than 100 plants are profiled, ranging from the most commonly known and widely used natural herbs (Aloe, Black cohash, Echinacea) to the lesser known (Grindelia, Nettle, Thuja). Presented alphabetically in the same easy-to-follow format, the profiles include Latin name followed by the current scientific name and other secondary names, a description of the plant, its distribution in the world, its chemical composition, a synopsis of its medicinal uses, collection suggestions, preparations to maximize benefit, recommended dosage, cautions, and, if applicable, other uses. Profiles vary in length from one to several pages.

Fifty-eight color plates of various plants, the only illustrations, are placed in the center of the book. Appended are an index that groups herbs under subject headings such as “Cardio/Vascular” and “Nervous System,” a quick resource listing all herbal dosages, plant family groupings, percolation and fluid extract worksheets for those making herbal preparations, and weights and measures. The well-documented bibliography is impressive in scope. A glossary of terms and an index complete this informative resource, which would appeal to “wildcrafting” enthusiasts. Consider for public and academic libraries where interest is high.

Foreword Magazine
"Teaching Herbs. Most natural remedy seekers know of echinacea, aloe, andeucalyptus. Their sothing and healing powers have kept practitioners and at-homers alike coming back and growing more. But few know the potential of alfalfa, and capability of dandelions, or the possibilities of garlic. Even fewer know how to correctly prepare these for optimal results.

Charles W. Kane's Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions clearly answers questions of "when" and "how" to use herbal medicines, outlining over twenty ways to prepare medicines and use them correctly.

The book is written for practitioners who may have steered away from herbal remedies by faulty research. Herbal enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge of chemistry, preparations, uses, and variations will find their questions answered.

Mostly though, Herbal Medicine is written to teach. Strong terminology could steer non medical professionals away, but Kane defines this difficulty as an opportunity to stretch the mind beyond the confines of prescribed medicine. Still, the book is complete with an index, a photo section, and even a glossary that defines the jargon.

This resource is so much more than Grandma's stash of cranberry juice, warm milk, and lavender oils. Though the "plants help people" approach is as old as the family tree, this deeper look into alternative treatment is attention-grabbing and inspiring."

Midwest Book Review
"The use of plants for health problems arising from injuries and illnesses is as old as the human race. The modern pharmaceutical industry continues to send its researchers out into the jungles and forests of the world in search of plants that can be applied to our medical benefit. Now Charles W. Kane has written "Herbal Medicine: Trends And Traditions", a 327 page compendium detailing essential and core information with respect to herbal medicine, including one hundred of the most popular herbal medicines utilized today. With each entry organized alphabetically, the featured plants include their preparation technique, including tinctures, fluid extracts, ointments, salves, syrups, and more. Nicely illustrated with the inclusion of more than fifty photographs in full color, "Herbal Medicine" is enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of four informative appendices, an extensive bibliography, a glossary, and a comprehensive index. Also available in a hard cover edition, "Herbal Medicine" is a core addition to any personal, professional, community, and academic library Health & Medicine reference collection."