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Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good ...
Review: ... if you like your herbs from the herb store, that is. And if you like the TCM view of things.
I prefer books about herbs that I can grow myself, or pick in my back yard. I'm really not all that enthusiastic about books about exotics that I have to buy from far away places.
I also prefer books that focus on herbs used in the western herbal tradition. This book has just a tad too much of an emphasis on Chinese herbs for my tastes.
Finally, I _like_ books with one single, sometimes enormous, index. This one has two. I'm always looking things up in the wrong one, in books like this.
YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary), of course.
Rating: 
Summary: This book will put more herbs than food in your fridge!
Review: As a student of herbal medicine myself, I find this book ismore practical than any on the market. It is written so thateven my cat can understand it, and oh... the information is very up-to-date, something us both future and already herbalists have a hard time finding. I even have caught my boyfriend reading it. So if your looking for a book that will help you discover how to make your fridge fuller than what it really is, this is it!
Rating:
Summary: Best Source there is for medicinal plant information!!
Review: From its detailed descriptions of almost all medicinal plants, to its step by step instructions for different preparations, this book has it all!! It tells you where the plant is from even the history behind todays uses. If your interested in healing with plants... this book is for you!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent but not the most recent version....
Review: THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICINAL PLANTS by Andrew Chevallier is a relatively comprehensive source of information about herbal uses for healing. This is not the most recent volume by this author, however. The 2000 version is more comprehensive and includes the most current information about research associated with herbal medicinal uses. A less expensive and highly useful book on herbs and their uses is available from Rodale, entitled, ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HERBS. The Rodale book includes information missing from this version of Chevallier's book concerning negative effectives of herbs including accidental poisoning owing to misuse or problems with plant identification. Also, Rodale has been the the organic growing business for several decades and offers information about plant horticulture. Chevallier's book is better illustrated, and filled with many colorful photographs but relatively less text (ratio of 1:4 pages for each item). Unlike Ody's book, THE COMPLETE MEDICAL HERBAL, the Chevallier book contains information about native American herbs such as Cimicifuga Racemosa (Squawroot, Black Cohash). THE COMPLETE BOOK OF HERBS by Leslie Bremmness does not contain the comprehensive coverage of medicinal uses, but it does provide much information about medicinal and other uses such as pot pourri and sachet making, paper making, and food preparation.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent but not the most recent version....
Review: THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICINAL PLANTS by Andrew Chevallier is a relatively comprehensive source of information about herbal uses for healing. This is not the most recent volume by this author, however. The 2000 version is more comprehensive and includes the most current information about research associated with herbal medicinal uses. A less expensive and highly useful book on herbs and their uses is available from Rodale, entitled, ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HERBS. The Rodale book includes information missing from this version of Chevallier's book concerning negative effectives of herbs including accidental poisoning owing to misuse or problems with plant identification. Also, Rodale has been the the organic growing business for several decades and offers information about plant horticulture. Chevallier's book is better illustrated, and filled with many colorful photographs but relatively less text (ratio of 1:4 pages for each item). Unlike Ody's book, THE COMPLETE MEDICAL HERBAL, the Chevallier book contains information about native American herbs such as Cimicifuga Racemosa (Squawroot, Black Cohash). THE COMPLETE BOOK OF HERBS by Leslie Bremmness does not contain the comprehensive coverage of medicinal uses, but it does provide much information about medicinal and other uses such as pot pourri and sachet making, paper making, and food preparation.
Rating:
Summary: mechanics about how herbal medicines works
Review: This book is pretty enough for your coffee table. But it won't stay there. This is a dynamic book that summons herb gardeners to use the herbs they grow and herb users to grow the herbs they use. 550 herbs are profiled with photos and details of what they are used for, which part is used and how it is used. But, Mr. Chevallier doesn't stop there. He instructs you with color photographs and hands on instructions how to make the preparations needed. He not only tells you that a lotion of Lemon Balm is used for cold sores but how to make that lotion for yourself. It covers everything from making your own tablets to making your own tonic wine. The emphasis here is on fresh from the garden potency. There is a large chapter on specific ailments that is cross referenced with the plant pages. There is even a section on making an herbal first aid kit. This is the perfect book for those who want to rely on knowing the herb they are using is the correct one, and that it is fresh and organically grown.
Rating:
Summary: The Definitive Where, When and How of Herbal Medicine
Review: This is a big, beautifully illustrated compilation of herbal information.I haven't found an herb yet that wasn't covered here.This book is a joy to have around. From the herbal history of the world to the practical tips for everyday ailments, preparing tinctures, decoctions and infusions, it has everything you could want. I highly recommend this book to the novice herbalist as well as the experienced. Interesting, easy to read, buy this book!
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