Healing Teas: A Practical Guide to the Medicinal Teas of the World -- from Chamomile to Garlic, from Essiac to Kombucha

The author of this simple yet effective book on herbal teas wins your respect because she picks out her favorite teas and does her homework on them. I only wish there were an updated version of this book as research information has changed somewhat and new information is available. Noteworthy and also respectable is the inclusion of important cautions about any herbal teas that might not be safe for persons with various medical conditions. This is not a scientific book as we think of it. It's written for the lay person and based on some research the author did, absent scientific writing standards. All in all, it's one of the few good books out there on teas.

This book not only gives a description of the different types of teas, it tells how they are processed from the same plant to make the different teas and the history of tea from China to India, to Japan, to Europe, to America. There is a whole section on terminology used for herbal teas, how to grow, cultivate, harvest, dry and store them. One section talks about the utensils used to brew a cup of tea, while another section talks about what herbs are used for what medical condition. What sets this book apart from other herbal tea books is how the individual herbs have subtitled sections for description & parts used, historical notes, scientific findings, traditional use, and considerations. It even has the pronunciation listed.

"Healing Teas" is perfect for the beginner interested in the benefits and uses of herbal teas. For the most part the book is laid out in an easy to read formatt. My only complaint is that the book does not have an in-depth list of ailments and their herbal remedies. Instead the book offers a four page table with some common ailments worded quite generally and then lists up to ten different plants that can potentially help. This generalization bothers me because shaking due to neverous tension is quite different than having a nerve block. Likewise, both conditions should be diagnosed and treated differently. However, the book describes these problems simply as: Nervous related problems. So, beware that "Healing Teas" is not intended to serve as a manual for curing your specific illnesses rather the book offers more generall information. Despite this small discrepancy, "Healing Teas" offers excellent information, especially if you are a first time brewer of herbal teas. I have learned a significant ammount of herbal tea history through this book, as well as helpful information on interesting herbs that I now incorporate into my diet.Overall, you won't go wrong with buying "Healing Teas". This book will make a fine addition to your health library.

Marie Antol's book on herbs is a very informative "encyclopedia" of many of the herbs that we might have grown up with and many that surround us everyday, most of them in our own backyard! She very carefully explains everything from their history to their present day uses. The book is easy to follow and shows how herbs affect our health in a most positive way and aid in the prevention of many ailments from the common cold to cancer and insomnia to weightloss. I recommend this book very highly. This book is wonderful for the beginner who is curious about herbs or the novice who wishes to have a pocket guide on hand. My book is overly dog eared and falling apart on account that I constantly am looking something up or researching an herb. If you want an herb book that covers historical facts, reference and even where to get certain herbs or are just curious. This is the book for you. Herbs are the most natural and gentlest way to heal yourself.

This is a great book. It follows the principle of Keep It Simple Stupid (KKK.) I like the fact that it explains how to brew teas and use them. I like the simple explainations. I keep this book well within reach if I need to reference any herbal tea blend.