Nature's Medicine: Plants That Heal: A Chronicle of Mankind's Search for Healing Plants Through the Ages

by Joel L. Swerdlow

For thousands of years -- indeed, for all of human history except for the past 50 to 70 years in Western societies -- plants have been our chief source of medicine. The fascinating story that unfolds... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0792275861
• ISBN13: 9780792275862
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: National Geographic Society
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 4.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 9.1" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

More than I expected.

From the title of this book, I expected just a list of plants that could be used medicinally. However, this book offers much more, as suggested by the subtitle of this book: "A chronicle of mankind's search for healing plants through the ages." The plant list is really only an appendix with the bulk of the book focussing on the historical development of naturopathy. This book serves three functions: with the glorious photos, it could be simply a coffee-table book. The historical content is sufficient to stand alone. And the plant uses list (with 102 plants profiled) is detailed and informative. The art work accompanying the plants is simple, yet effective, coloured artists' sketches.

Historical and Current Uses for Herbs by World Cultures

I found this book to be extremely interesting. First, it contains the wonderful photos you would expect from National Geographic. Second, it portrays cultures from around the world who rely solely on herbal remedies and some that combine the whole person with many types of healing, not just prescription drugs that healthcare providers rely on so heavily here in America. The natives of these countries have extensive knowledge regarding solutions to health problems. The book gives not only information but hope that there are many natural solutions yet to be discovered. The book explores the many successful applications by native people worldwide who have taken control of their healthcare for centuries. I found this book extremely interesting and hard to put down. We have much to learn about herbal remedies and this book is the best place to start in my opinion.