There are plenty of
herb books on the market that describe the benefits of specific herbs.
But few, if any, show how to combine herbs to address all aspects of
specific ailments. A must for all students, and users of medicinal
herbs, this fascinating reference features a "materia medica" on each
herb (updated for this edition), including primary and secondary
applications, various part uses, and contraindications; work pages with
several herb choices to aid the body in healing itself.
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This is a useful little book if you want to do a quick reference, but nothing more. I have to say I was disappointed, as there are no formulas here, and the advice on creating your own formulas is lukewarm. However, Page does state that its best for people to choose their own herbs to create their formulas, and she did have a neat idea with her charts (which are the bulk of this book).
To try and describe it, it would say "Herbs to fight infection", then be followed by very brief listings of what types of herbs should be used for this purpose. Then would come a three column chart, with one saying Primary herbs, second secondary herbs, and third catalysts and transporters. Herb names will be under each column - no information on those herbs there, though, and no details on how much should be used of that herb if chosen, how many herbs should be chosen, etc. Very generic, useful tool for quick reference only if you already know what you're talking about and just need a quick refresher when passing the shelf.
The end of the book has a brief materia medica of sorts, with a sentence or so about each herb. Capsules are pushed as the way to blend the combinations (The author owns Crystal Star, a line of herbal products)
If you're a beginner seeking information - this is NOT where to look. You'll see some useful lining up of herbs in columns, but won't learn enough about any of them, the actions of herbs in general, and even in-depth ways of creating various herbal products. History, lore, or research is not discussed either. It's a good book for the medium herbalist or someone just wanting a fast reference for ideas when blending their own formulas, but not something for someone to learn from for sure. I doubt I'll be opening this book much, but it may come in handy from time to time.
