Herbal Remedies Handbook

Andrew Chevallier teaches herbal medicine at Middlesex University in the UK. With that background, you might expect this book to be technical and arcane. Instead, it is very simple, direct, and easy to follow. The book contains all of the information that most people will ever need in order to use herbal remedies. The auhor simply explains why herbs work (they often contain combinations of ingredients that medicine cannot match), how to choose which herbs to take, how to prepare the herbs, and a complete description of the therapeutic effects of 66 herbs. I found the book very helpful, and it seems like I am destined to eat the dandelions that I pick from my yard. Having gallstones, I have been told there is nothing that can be done for them except have surgery. I don't think I want to do that, so I would like to try eating dandelion leaves instead. I doubt if it will hurt me, and if it helps with the gallstones that would be great!I was also struck that in many other cases, recovery from the complex complaints of people I know seemed to be summarized in consumption of just one herb. It does make one wonder if dietary deficiencies are more important than we realize. Another benefit from this book is that when someone tells you about the miraculous results they got from taking a certain herb, you will have an easy way to check out what they have said before trying it yourself. The book has many good warnings about the potential for herbs and medicines to be harmful in combination.After you read this book, I suggest that you also think about how you could improve the mineral content of your body. Without all the minerals, you cannot use vitamins. Most mineral supplements are not well absorbed by the body. Look into getting some chelated minerals (these are better absorbed by the body) that you can take as a supplement.Be open to all the ways to make your body healthier by considering what our ancestors have learned about the benefits of eating a broader range of plants.