Reviews for Making Plant Medicine

The average rating for Making Plant Medicine based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2009-12-17 00:00:00 Tom Smith (also posted on my site The Paperback Stash) Cech writes a book I've been waiting for - something truly in depth that talks about tinctures in more than just a paragraph or so. While saying it's perfectly fine to make tinctures in the 'simplers manner' - and he explains how to do this - his reasons for making consistent batches with measurements for continued accuracy and control makes perfect sense. He brings up the merits many herbalists do regarding the benefits of alcohol as a medium - besides preserving the herbal properties better than other products in nature, besides working better to extract from most herbs over glycerine and ACV, and besides bringing up how alcohol is such a wonderful carrier of herbs or other substances through the bloodstream into the body, he brings up the important points on how little of alcohol is consumed when taking the standard tincture dose, and eases some common misconceptions. Several chapters are devoted to tinctures alone, through various ways of extracting, detailed information on straining, pressing, and sifting. Things I've never read anywhere else were in here, quite a treat considering all the herbals I've read out there. But of course that's not all. Full chapters are devoted to glycerites and which herbs are best suited for them, Vinegar extracts, Teas and Decoctions, Herbal Syrups and Succi, Oils, Salves, Creams, Poultices, Soaks, and Compresses. The best herbs for each are given, with examples, and it's hard to walk away without being more confident than if you read other standard herbals briefly brushing over this important aspect of herbalism. A true gem of Making Plant Medicine is the Herbal Formulary, which showcases over 500 herbs with each having it's exact best method of preparation discussed, as well as ratio. Before reading this, for example, I hadn't known Astraglus was best extracted in water with just a bit of alcohol to preserve as an unusual type of tincture/tea, rather than just a tincture alone. Tidbits about my favorite herbs makes this book priceless. It's backed with contradictions and use of each herb, and even packs more punch by delivering personal testimonials, dosages, and - of course - a full chapter devoted exclusively to the mathematics of tincturing. Marvelous! Written in a straight forward, down to earth, and enthusiastic manner, it's hard not to get excited about herbs all over again when you read the stories of Richo and his family, their adventures with the herbs, and how complex our plants and bodies really are. A book that does not merely skim the surface in any stretch of the imagination.

Review # 2 was written on 2008-12-21 00:00:00 David Roger My study of herbs was put on the side since I received my Master Herbalist certification and started to study nutrition in depth. Making Plant Medicine caught my eye when I was placing an order at Horizonherbs.com. What a valuable book! When studying to become a Master Herbalist at the School of Natural Healing, I never felt that I had mastered measurements in making tinctures etc.. and definitely not the mathematics of figuring percentages of the solutions. The book contains specific ratios of solutions for many herbs and the generally accepted ratios to use for herbs not listed. Part one of the book is a pleasure to read. In his stories he describes some of his formulas. Part two is the list of herbs and what ratios and solutions are best for the particular herb. Making Plant Medicine brought some herbs to my attention for a current condition in at least one of my children, of which I am grateful. I am going to order them tomorrow and make the preparation/formula described in the book. It also re-fired up my desire to get really familiar with a handful of herbs instead of knowing a little about a lot of herbs and relying on books for the detail. I was inspired all over again to study deeper into chemistry and to really know herbal constitutes and their actions. An inspiring book! Now I really want the tincture press Horizon Herbs makes!