How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: 2nd Edition

Contrary to a few other reviews I found this book to be very useful. The first reviewer is correct in stating that the bulk of this book is charts of herbs that are useful for different symptoms of the ailment referanced. It was the one thing in this book that seperated it from all the other herb books I have ever read, something I have never seen in other herb books. I loved it because it gave you the leeway to custom make herbal formulations according the the person you are treating and it simplifies the do it yourself idea. With all the options given chances are you can make most of the herbal formulations with herbs you have around the house already. When using other herb books It was always frustrating that when I needed an immediate herbal formula, I didnt have all the neccessary herbs on hand because there were no substitutions given. I dont have this problem with "How to be Your Own Herbal Pharmcist" because there are so many options. I do not believe that this is the best book, on its own for those just starting to play with herbs because there really is very limited information about each herb. Also Linda Page only gave a few warnings about different herbs and didnt give warnings on some herbs that I understood to be toxic in quantity which concerned me a bit. I would recommend having an herbal reference encyclopedia in conjunction with this book so that you have more background on each herb. And remember to cross check whatever herbs you are using to the medications you are currently taking. In summary, I believe this is an excellent book for intermediate home-herbalists and that is has a great deal of value, as long as you have some basic knowledge of herbs and a small herbal library. But it's not for the beginner on its own.

This book changed my life. I borrowed it from my library and went out and bought it the next day. I had hormonal problems and wanted to use natural remidies to help get me balanced again. I had done tons of research into herbs and herbal remidies, but it wasn't untill I got this book that I finaly took some action. This book is the most user-friendly, comprehenive, and info filled book I have run across. It has everything from lists of herbs for specific things(like hormone imbalance) to how to make your own toothpaste.It also has a deatiled list on all the herbs used in the book. With info on herbs, remidies, herbal cosmetics, aromatherapy, even herbal gardening I belive this book to the best start for anyone intersted in using herbs, and I would recomend it to anyone, even those with lots of experience using herbs. Wonderful find.

The reference shelf at our store is full of books on herbs, herbal remedies, properties of herbs, and uses of herbs. This is simply the best one to own if you could have Only one. It covers sources, preparation, conditions that may be addressed by use of herbs, descriptions of herb properties, and other book titles for more-in-depth studies. No glossy photos, no analysis of their constituent components. Just a great reference for someone interested in safer alternatives to prescription medications or preventative self-care.