The New Age Herbalist: How to Use Herbs for Healing, Nutrition, Body Care, and Relaxation

This was the first book I ever got on herbs almost ten years ago. It's definatly time worn. I still use it has a helpful reference, and recommend it. As others have mentioned, it has color photos and illustrations, as well as accurate information on the uses of plants and possible side effects. It also has information on how to use the plants, and general information on the human body and what plants are useful in specific instances. It's not a handy pocket size field guide, for that, I suggest a Petersons.

Why is this my favorite?* Full-color illustrations of all herbs listed (200+)* Actual scientific information, including chemical constituents & the results of scientific research to back/refute claims made for herbs* Excellent information on various potential dangers* Information on many uses: Medicinal, culinary, dyeing, etc.* Information on cultivation and growing of various herbs* Advice on companion planting

When a friend of mine handed this book to me, I looked at the title and groaned. It looked like another flaky little herb book. However, when I flipped through the pages I found full-color photos, detailed write-ups, and Latin names. This book gives the chemical constituents of each herb, lists its uses (medical, culinary, etc.), and even warns of any sort of interaction with others. The quick reference section in the back makes it fast and easy to find a treatment for many common ailments.From novice to well-learned, every herbalist should have a copy of this book in their personal library.