Medicine from the Mountains: Medicinal Plants of the Sierra Nevada

With over two hundred and thirty pages of valuable clinical information, this book, written by Dr. Kimball Chatfield, respected professor of Botanical Medicine, contains thirty-three chapters covering over one hundred and twenty-five species of plants in intimate detail. Plants include: Arnica, Blueberry, California Poppy, Dandelion, Fennel, Juniper, Milk Thistle, Mullein, Wild Onion, Pine, St. John's Wort, Selfheal, Valerian, Yarrow, etc. Each genus is covered in five sections. The description and habitat section allows the reader to know where to look for these valuable plants in the Sierra as well as their general description. Next is plant chemistry, often missed in other texts, detailing plant constituents giving the reader valuable information about what is responsible for the plant's medicinal actions. Next is a section on historic and modern uses. Included here is rare information gathered from exhaustive research into Native American uses of these plants. Also covered are historic uses of these plants in Europe, the Orient and other parts of the world by physicians and folk healers of the past. The latest scientific studies are brought into play giving both the casual reader and serious clinician up to date objective research information. Toxicities are given next, allowing the reader to understand the cautions needed to know in using these mountain medicines. A chapter on dosage follows giving precise measurements and the ways these plants may be prepared for optimal use. Lastly is a section on cultivation so that the reader may grow their own medicinal plants. An informative glossary, a resource guide to nurseries and horticulture suppliers, and a very extensive bibliography and suggested reading section finish out this unique text.