Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of few books to list nutrients and minerals in herbs., Sep 3 1999
This review is from: Nutritional Herbology: A Reference Guide to Herbs (Paperback)
This book is one of very few that list the nutrients found in common western and Chinese herbs, allowing one to find which herbs are good sources of, say selenium or beta carotene. As such it is an important addition to any herbalist's library. However like most food science analyses, the book lists nutrients found in the plant, not nutrients which can or will be absorbed by the human body. For example, aluminium intake is closely regulated by the gut flora and excess aluminum is normally excreted unless that flora has been decimated by antibiotics or unhealthy diets. Its presence in an herb does not automatically mean that an herb like echinacea, which rates moderately high in aluminum, should be avoided. The actions of herbs often go far beyond their constituents. Yellow dock, for example is not especially high in iron, yet yellow dock tincture (which contains very little iron at all) can in low doses allow the body to overcome anemia far faster than iron supplements. However with those caveats, the book is highly recommended. It also lists actions of herbs, the body systems affected, folk history and use of the plants, medicinal properties, chemical constituents, nutrients of note and typical dialy doses in various forms. Of particular note are traditional combination formulas which are analyzed like the single herbs for their nutritional profiles. A worthwhile reference for those seriously interested in herbal medicine and nutrition.
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80 of 81 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of few books to list nutrients and minerals in herbs., Sep 3 1999
By Karen Vaughan "Herblady" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Nutritional Herbology: A Reference Guide to Herbs (Paperback)
This book is one of very few that list the nutrients found in common western and Chinese herbs, allowing one to find which herbs are good sources of, say selenium or beta carotene. As such it is an important addition to any herbalist's library. However like most food science analyses, the book lists nutrients found in the plant, not nutrients which can or will be absorbed by the human body. For example, aluminium intake is closely regulated by the gut flora and excess aluminum is normally excreted unless that flora has been decimated by antibiotics or unhealthy diets. Its presence in an herb does not automatically mean that an herb like echinacea, which rates moderately high in aluminum, should be avoided. The actions of herbs often go far beyond their constituents. Yellow dock, for example is not especially high in iron, yet yellow dock tincture (which contains very little iron at all) can in low doses allow the body to overcome anemia far faster than iron supplements. However with those caveats, the book is highly recommended. It also lists actions of herbs, the body systems affected, folk history and use of the plants, medicinal properties, chemical constituents, nutrients of note and typical dialy doses in various forms. Of particular note are traditional combination formulas which are analyzed like the single herbs for their nutritional profiles. A worthwhile reference for those seriously interested in herbal medicine and nutrition.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Herbal book for the advanced herbalist, Nov 1 2005
By Stonewall - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Nutritional Herbology: A Reference Guide to Herbs (Paperback)
In the area of herbs,this book is more scientifical, than practical. It gives a list of herbs in alphabetical order and gives many other facts(nutritional content, origination, uses, and herbal classification) which most people who are just getting into herbs may have a difficult time understanding. I own this book and it has done its job as a main reference on herbs. I do not, however use this book on a daily basis as I do others. If you are a nerd who loves to read and research like a crazy person such as myself, then this is the book for you. If that idea scares you, then look for more simple reading.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Work, Mar 2 2011
By Herbman - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Nutritional Herbology: A Reference Guide to Herbs (Paperback)
This book does exactly what the title says. If you want to know the nutritional value of herbs rather than just the medicinal value, this is the place to go. The author wastes no time getting to the point. The charts and graphs make great visuals and are easy to understand. Plus, the book is well referenced. I have been a student and teacher of herbal medicine for twenty years. I have reached for this book many times over the years and recommend it to all my students. Remember, this is not the book to get if you are a beginner and want to know what to use for your daughter's ear infection. Look to Rosemary Gladstar for that. This book is a reference on nutrition and is numbers oriented. For what it tries to do, it succeeds very well.
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