Llewellyn's 2003 Herbal Almanac (Llewellyn's Herbal Almanac)

Rating:
Summary: A taste of herbal....
Review: Whether you are just beginning to learn something about herbs and their uses and lore, or are an experienced herbalist, you will enjoy Llewellyn's 2003 HERBAL ALMANAC. The Almanac consists of a collection of essays covering topics as diverse as Chinese herbal medicine to the origins of Pansies. The book is divided into several broad categories covering the growing and gathering of herbs, culinary herbs, herbs for health, herbs for beauty, herb crafts, and herb history, mystery (myths) and magic.

Lest you think you are "too old" to believe in herbal myths and magic, remember no one really knows why aspirin, cloves, or capsicum work, and while all three ingredients are found in modern medicines, they were first discovered and used by traditional healers. Unfortunately, the synthetic versions of the original herbs (brought to you by the modern petro-chemical pharmaceutical companies) are not as effective as the natural version.

Several excellent essays on traditional medicine appear in the ALMANAC. 1) "Native American Herbal Healing Ways" by Marguerite Elsbeth takes a thought from Chief Joseph, who said, "The Earth is our Mother..." Elsbeth notes that American Indians believe all life is interrelated. Because of this, poor health comes from spiritual or energy imbalances. American Indian medicine is holistic. The entire body must be considered when illness intervenes. 2) "Ashwagandha: India's Superb Tonic" by Kevin Spelman, discusses the clinical applications of Ayurvedic herbs as well as Indian (from India) folk medicine used to address ailments ranging from inflamation to bi-polar disorder. 3) "Good Health the Chinese Way" and "Treating Cardiovascular Disease with Traditional Medicine" by Xingwu Liu, investigates the wisdom of combining Eastern and Western methods. Whereas the West has progressed technologically, the East has retained the wisdom of the ages. Perhaps the time has come to link MRI equipment with a holistic approach. Although Liu is not so bold, I might add, perhaps if one practices a holistic approach, the equipment will never be needed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an open mind and heart who is ready to accept great wisdom.

Rating:
Summary: A taste of herbal....
Review: Whether you are just beginning to learn something about herbs and their uses and lore, or are an experienced herbalist, you will enjoy Llewellyn's 2003 HERBAL ALMANAC. The Almanac consists of a collection of essays covering topics as diverse as Chinese herbal medicine to the origins of Pansies. The book is divided into several broad categories covering the growing and gathering of herbs, culinary herbs, herbs for health, herbs for beauty, herb crafts, and herb history, mystery (myths) and magic.

Lest you think you are "too old" to believe in herbal myths and magic, remember no one really knows why aspirin, cloves, or capsicum work, and while all three ingredients are found in modern medicines, they were first discovered and used by traditional healers. Unfortunately, the synthetic versions of the original herbs (brought to you by the modern petro-chemical pharmaceutical companies) are not as effective as the natural version.

Several excellent essays on traditional medicine appear in the ALMANAC. 1) "Native American Herbal Healing Ways" by Marguerite Elsbeth takes a thought from Chief Joseph, who said, "The Earth is our Mother..." Elsbeth notes that American Indians believe all life is interrelated. Because of this, poor health comes from spiritual or energy imbalances. American Indian medicine is holistic. The entire body must be considered when illness intervenes. 2) "Ashwagandha: India's Superb Tonic" by Kevin Spelman, discusses the clinical applications of Ayurvedic herbs as well as Indian (from India) folk medicine used to address ailments ranging from inflamation to bi-polar disorder. 3) "Good Health the Chinese Way" and "Treating Cardiovascular Disease with Traditional Medicine" by Xingwu Liu, investigates the wisdom of combining Eastern and Western methods. Whereas the West has progressed technologically, the East has retained the wisdom of the ages. Perhaps the time has come to link MRI equipment with a holistic approach. Although Liu is not so bold, I might add, perhaps if one practices a holistic approach, the equipment will never be needed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an open mind and heart who is ready to accept great wisdom.

Rating:
Summary: Nice Herbal Lore...Not A Traditional Almanac
Review: While not an almanac in the traditional sense, Llewellyn's 2003 Herbal Almanac contains an admirable collection of articles relating to the cultivation, culinary, medicinal, mythical and ritual use of herbs.

Several different cultures are represented with articles such as "Good Health the Chinese Way", "Ashwagandha: India's Superb Tonic" and "Mexican Herb Lore". There are also Moon Tables for each day of the year showing the relevant astrological signs, elements, natures (barren, semi-fruitful, fruitful) and moon phases; helpful knowledge for spell working, planting and divination.

There are well over 30 different recipes for teas, potpourris and food items in the almanac. Most are easy to prepare and contain common ingredients, some contain exotic ingredients like nettles or pineapple sage. If I may make a suggestion to the authors, I would like to see more vegetarian recipes in future additions!

Overall, Llewellyn's 2003 Herbal Almanac is a respectable read in its collection of articles. However, for a more traditional almanac with a wider breadth of information, I would recommend Llewellyn's Magical Almanac.