The book starts off with some general information on herbal medicine and its preparation. Then it gives exact details on about 140 plants, each accompanied by full colored pictures and details of their therapeutic properties. At the end of the book there is a long chapter on common health problems, and the suggested herbs to use for treatment.

Even though some of the herb listings are a little brief, it’s a great starter book and gives you a good overview of the most common herbs.

Eyewitness Companions has a long list of publications. And this is one that will probably interest many readers. The focus? The title says it all: “Herbal Remedies.” I am somewhat skeptical about all the claims made for herbal medicine. On the other hand, I also know that there are some research findings suggestive of real value for some herbs.

Use of herbs to address ills of one sort or another goes way back in time. And such natural medicine is widespread in many parts of the world. The purpose of the book: “. . .’Herbal Remedies’ aims to provide you with the essential information to answer [a series of basic questions], to choose safe and appropriate herbal remedies, and to put them to good use.”

The book is divided into several chapters–Chapter 1 addresses what herbal medicine is; Chapter two focuses on how to use herbal remedies; the third chapter explores safety and quality; Chapter 4 may be the heart of the book, an A–Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) to Z–Zingiber officinalis (Ginger). The final chapter outlines which herbs go with what maladies (e.g., for a migraine, try Feverfew, Butterbur, or Lavender).

For me, the heart of the book is the enumeration of herbal palliatives. A few examples to illustrate. . . . The miracle of garlic! For medicinal use, the clove is the part used. The clove has several medicinal effects–antibiotic, blood-thinner, antifungal, counters cough and respiratory ailments, decreased blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and nurtures useful intestinal flora. Dosage? One clove a day. Caution: if already taking blood thinners, take garlic only on the advice of an herbal or medical practitioner. The book also notes that there is a fair amount of research testifying to the utility of garlic treatments.

Lavender. Parts used include essential oil, flower, and leaves. It acts as an analgesic, an antidepressant, antiseptic, and sedative, among others. It appears to have some value against headaches. Key information: it is quite safe, it has long been traditionally used as a medicine, and there is some evidence that it might have positive medical benefits.

Sarsaparilla. The root is used. It may serve as an anti-inflammatory agent. Other possible impacts? Anti-rheumatic, detoxicant, diuretic, and tonic. It is fairly safe (4 of 5 stars), used pretty widely traditionally (4 of 5 stars), and open to question as far as efficacy (only 2 of 5 stars).

All in all, an enjoyable volume, and one that suggests how herbal remedies might address a variety of ailments that we all suffer from at one point or another. Especially nice is that the book provides some assessment as to how well research supports the claims for each herb.

James Green is the most transparent of human beings, an admiral characteristic in someone who is a healer. Green lives what he writes about, and has for a number of years. He is witty, wise, and compassionate. His methods are clearly described and discussed. You too can make many of his products using standard kitchen equipment in your own home.What you make will have your own imprimatur as you will have control over the process and can modify the steps as need be.

Green makes medicine. Some herbalists disagree with the idea of focusing on herbal products as part of a medical model, preferring instead to practice only the holistic healing which concentrates on prevention by focusing on the context within which the individual lives. Sometimes, however, no matter what you do, you get sick. Green not only shows you how to create products to deal with these lapses, he suggests ways to address them. Recipes as well as clear instructions for making tinctures, syrups, and other concoctions are included. You will probably get well just because they generally smell so good.

The recipes are classified by illness/symptom, and there is a short section which discusses a holistic approach to not only treating illness/infection/problems, but also preventing future problems. There is also a brief section which overviews the characteristics of commonly used herbs (for children). I use this book with my children almost every week. Without a doubt, Gladstar is one of the best, and this is a must-have for anyone hoping to use herbal remedies with children. It is a serious book about herbal medicine, but easy enough for the beginner to use.