Kirjahaku

A comprehensive guide detailing the story of healing with herbs from pre-history to modern times. Drawing on her decades of experience as an established herbalist and historian, Christina Stapley presents an encyclopaedic and accessible guide to the theory and practice of Western herbal medicine throughout history. Spanning an impressive timeline of two thousand years, A History of Plant Medicine is a fundamental textbook for students and practitioners of herbal medicine to enhance their study and practice, as well as an enjoyable narrative for anyone interested in this bountiful and fascinating subject. Using a wealth of historical research, Stapley invites readers on a journey from the beginnings of botany, through to the development of Greek and Celtic medicine, including Roman medicine and the Roman settlement of Britain. It moves on to explore Anglo-Saxon leechbooks, Arabic Medicine, Norman influenced physicians and surgeons and pharmacy in the Medieval Period. It also examines the physic garden in Britain, Culpeper and Astrology, concluding with changes and developments to herbal medicine in the modern day. As well as offering a detailed chronology of herbalism in the Western world, A History of Plant Medicine provides practical advice and recipes which can be implemented in the daily practice of the modern herbalist. Stapley creates tangible threads through time, focusing on the most used herbs at different periods, and following them over the centuries. Special emphasis is put upon seeking out effective recipes and practices abandoned in favour of new ideas and foreign herbs, and each is presented clearly and accessibly throughout. A History of Plant Medicine also illuminates the work of women physicians across the ages, whose work has often been obscured or forgotten. Ultimately, A History of Plant Medicine invites herbalists (both new and old), historians, or interested lay people, to re-evaluate their relationship with herbal medicine, in understanding how different herbs are perceived in the light of knowledge and beliefs at particular times, in order to aid a greater understanding of the Western herbal tradition.

An exploration of the history, folklore and medicinal uses of thirty Native European trees. In this beautifully illustrated book, which uses the author's own photographs, Christina Stapley provides a thorough and deep appreciation of trees as she has experienced them through everyday life, as a herb historian and practising herbalist. Categorised into seasons, each of the thirty tree chapters covers cultivation, cookery, foraging, crafts, history, botany, medicinal use and mythology. Original herbals are used as source material for the historical section, allowing voices from the past to speak for themselves. A 'Herbalists Reference' for each tree includes medicinal uses, dosage and constituents and reflects the author's own extensive experience of using these wonderful tree remedies. Never again will a tincture or dried herb of tree origin be simply a name on a label and a list of constituents, actions and indications. This books encourages herbalists to expand their horizons from what grows around their feet, to the bounty that grows above as well. As you read this book, you will also feel a stronger connection to the trees and wish to explore, plant and care for them yourself. Volume 2 of The Tree Dispensary covering exotic trees is out now and can be purchased here.

An exploration of the history, folklore and medicinal uses of thirty exotic trees, beautifully illustrated with the author's own photographs. From Cacao to Eucalyptus, and Almond through to Frankincense, Christina Stapley takes us on a journey through North America, Oman, the Mediterranean, China and the Caribbean. The Tree Dispensary reflects a deep and thorough appreciation for trees - the author has studied them for many years as a herb historian and practising herbalist. Of the trees mentioned in the book, she has experience of growing around a third of them herself, including several from China, and has travelled around the world to study the rest. The book is categorised into geographical areas and looks at the trees which grow in each location. Each of the thirty chapters looks at a different and unique tree, along with its cultivation, cookery, foraging, history, botany, medicinal use and mythology. While she was travelling, Christina encountered connections between the trees and cultures in which they grew, and this provides a rich and moving historical thread throughout the book. The Tree Dispensary: Exotic Trees is the companion volume to Stapley's previous work which explored the history, herbalism and uses of native European trees.