Favorite Recipes with Herbs ... Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good, Good Books, PO Box 419, Intercourse, PA 17534; 1997; softcover; 284 pages; $14.95; ISBN: 1-56148-225-0. I’m always looking for new herbal recipes and this book will give you more than a good share of them. From herbalists around the country you’ll get ideas to use everything from bay to tarragon with lots of others thrown in. Most of these are very easy to pull together at the last minute and cover everything from soup to nuts. A good inexpensive addition to your book shelf.

Feasting on Herbs ... Sue Lawrence, Kyle Cathie Ltd., 20 Vauxhall Bridge Rd., London SW1V 2SA, UK; 1995; hardcover; 182 pages; ISBN: 1-85626-176-X Here's another I found in Canada with the recipes sectioned off by herb. And you get into the gourmet here with Tuna Carpaccio with Lovage Salsa, Salmon with Sorrel Sauce and Dill Pasta with Crab and Mascarpone (yummy). Oh, and how can I forget Caramelized Peaches with Bay Ice Cream. If you're looking for something different to regale guests with, you'll find it here.

Feng Shui in the Garden ... Nancilee Wydra, Contemporary Books, 4255 W Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60646; 1997; softcover; 175 pages; ISBN 0-8092-3055-0. I'm already into Feng Shui so this book jumped out at me when I found it at a wonderful gardening bookstore near the Richter's conference. Great resource for landscape design (or your own yard) in creating healing gardens, children's gardens, meditation gardens and more. Shapes of plants, colors, and plant selection are all included. I enjoy it. But then I've scheduled a feng shui class for the SA conference too.

Field Grown Cut Flowers: A Practical Guide and Sourcebook ... Alan Stevens, Avatar's World (106 E. Hurd Rd., Dept ABI, Edgerton, WI 53534) hardcover, 1997; 404 pages; $69.95. Here it is: the only commercial book on field production of flowers both fresh and dried (at least the only one I've seen). How to propagate, harvest, dye, dry and where to buy—seeds, preservatives, ag supplies, insurance. There is nothing that's not covered here including getting rid of rodents in your barn. The only question is why did it take so long to get this information. So don't gripe about the cost. It will save you mucho denaro in the long run.

The Flamboyant Garden ... Elisabeth Sheldon with photographs by Dency Kane, Henry Holt and Co (115 West 18th St., New York, NY 10011); 1997; hardcover; 159 pages; $29.95. How many of you have always wanted to make a real statement with their garden? I mean you want people to walk by and gawk. This book will get you started on your fantasy. The pictures are breathtaking….and if you want to make a flamboyant herb garden check out Dency's upcoming article in Herb Companion. I think there's even hope for my little yard when I flipped through the section on shade gardens.

Flora's Dictionary ... Kathleen Gips, TM Publications, 152 South Main St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022; 1995 revised edition, softcover; 187 pages; $16.95. If you loved Kathleen's earlier version of this book, you'll be really excited about this revised edition with even more folklore on the meanings associated with plants. And if you haven't seen her earlier book, where have you been? Whether you're making tussie-mussies for weddings or just a junkie for herbal trivia you need this book.

   Flowerkeeping by Georgeanne Brennan and Kathryn Kleinman (Ten Speed Press, 1999, softcover) covers the time-honored art of preserving flowers. From silica drying, to pressed flowers, lavender wants to waxing, you’ll pick up more than enough ideas for classes as well as for your own work.  

Folk Remedies from Around the World :...  by John Heinerman (Prentice Hall Press, 2000, softcover, 370 pages; $15.00; ISBN: 0-7352-0170-6) gives you everything from a Voodoo Priestess recommendation for fluid retention to a Hungarian grandmother’s treatment for measles.  Traditional cures for 300 common ailments may be just the thing for that problem that never seems to go away.  Pretty interesting.

Four Paws Five Directions ... Cheryl Schwartz; Celestial Arts Publishing, PO Box 7123, Berkeley, CA 94707; 1996; softcover; 406 pages; $24.95; ISBN: 0-89087-790-4. This is another book on pet care you can’t be without. Excellent book written by a veterinarian that uses TMC and acupressure in her practice. In addition to herbs you’ll find dietary recommendations for various conditions as well as suggested nutritional supplements. As the pet of several cats I’m recommending this one to my vet.

14-Day Herbal Cleansing ... Laurel Vukovic, Prentice Hall, 240 Frisch Court, Paramus, NJ 07652; 1998; softcover; 300 pages; $14.95; ISBN: 0-13-602574-9 I don’t know about you, but I’ve become interested in cleansing programs lately. Maybe it was Chanchal Cabrera’s talk at the AHG conference this fall….or maybe that great article in September’s "Natural Health" magazine. And I’ve talked to many others that are interested in detoxifying their bodies as well. So if you’re feeling like the holidays are still laying in your body somewhere this is a great book to get you inspired to follow those New Year’s resolutions. Here are dozens of ideas to help you rev up your liver, intestines, kidneys, skin, you name it. There’s also diets, exercises to increase detoxification and other ideas to create a new you….or at least dig through the layers and find the old you.

Frankincense & Myrrh: Through the Ages and a Complete Guide to Their Use in Herbalism and Aromatherapy Today ... Martin Watt & Wanda Sellar, C.W. Daniel Company Ltd (1 Church Path, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1JP, England); 1996; 112 pages; $15.95US This is a fascinating book on the resins of two plants that we most often associate with the Christmas story. Here's lore, history, aromatherapy, medicine and perfumery put together in one little book. A wonderful reference book.

From Earth to Herbalist ... is Gregory L. Tilford’s latest effort (Mountain Press Publishing, PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806; 1998; softcover; 264 pages; ISBN: 0-87842-372-9) on medicinal herbs and their uses. Filled with photographs to help with identification, you’ll find propagation, applications, post-harvest treatment and unique information on plant/animal interdependence. Another excellent reference guide from Greg.

From Kitchen to Market ... (Stephen F. Hall, Dearborn Trade, 155 No Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606-1719; softcover; 1992; 190 pages; $24.95; ISBN: 0-936894-34-2). A good basic manual on selling those gourmet products you make/grow. With marketing tips, ideas of potential customers and an excellent resource section including contacts for trade shows, co-packers, brokers, sample forms and lots more. If you’re new to manufacturing food products this will definitely be worth purchasing

Garden Crafts for Kids ... Diane Rhoades, Sterling Publishing387 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10016; 1995; hardcover; 144 pages; $19.95. With children's gardening growing by leaps and bounds, one needs a constant supply of ideas to use and you'll find dozens of them in this book. Whether it's ideas in designing a children's garden or what to do with the harvest, these are simple, easy to follow instructions (even adults can handle them).

A Garden of Woman's Wisdom ... Raylene Veltri, Halo Books (PO Box 2528, San Francisco, CA 94126); softcover; 160 pages; $12.95; 1-879904-14-4. This is one of those little inspirational books that makes a lovely gift for a garden loving friend. Lots of folklore about 22 flowers along with a few recipes, a few remedies, the occasional ritual and warm conversation.

Gardening with Herbs ... Emelie Tolley and Chris Mead, Clarkson Potter, 201 E 50th St., NY, NY 10022; hardcover; 1995; 262 pages; $45.00. Wishing you could come up with some new landscaping ideas for your own display gardens or your clients? If you can't afford to travel the country visiting herb gardens, get a copy of this book and check out what herbalists elsewhere are doing around their own homes. An inspirational coffee table book.

Gardens of the Spirit ... Roni Jay, Sterling (387 Park Ave South, New York, NY 10016); 1998; hardcover; 144 pages; $19.95; ISBN: 0-8069-0725-8. I have to admit that my garden is a sacred space for me so books of this type are always appealing. Along with photographs of some of the great gardens of the world, you’ll get ideas and plans on creating your own versions. How about starting that Japanese Zen garden you’ve wanted. Or maybe an Islamic garden or a Medieval one. This is a lovely addition to your library and full of suggestions for your herbal landscaping business.

The Green Methods Manual ... This is sort of a mixed review because it’s not really a book book….but a manual for selling Green Spot’s products but it has a lot of really good information on pest and disease control as well, so this is where it got stuck. We all know that bugs and such are probably the biggest hurdle most commercial growers face. Your entire stock can be devastated within a relatively short amount of time if you aren’t able to keep control and, if you’re trying to maintain an organic status it’s an even more important concern because you’re limited as to what you can use to help the situation. The Green Methods Manual by Michael S. Cherim (The Green Spot, 93 Priest Rd., Nottingham, NH 03290-6204; softcover; 238 pages; ISBN: 0-9648682-0-2; $9.95) has lots of coverage to help you identify plant pathogens and suggestions on using integrated pest management and organic products available through Green Spot. I have to admit it’s a great sales tool and it may be of help to you in trying to figure out what to do with the creepy crawlers.

The Green Pharmacy ... James A. Duke, Rodale Press, 1997; hardcover; 507 pages; $29.95; ISBN 0-87596-316-1 What can you say about a book written by someone that not only is a leading authority on medicinal plants but usually tries everything he talks about….sometimes with some interesting results. Just take a walk sometime around his property sipping some herbal concoction he pulls out of the refrigerator….I try not to ask what's in it J. This must-have reference book is broken down into ailments with suggested herbal remedies….along with ones that are reported to have some effects and Jim's opinions on them. And he covers ailments that all of us can respond to: pain, PMS, weight loss, inhibited sexual desire in women (I guess he doesn't know about all the men that need this), diabetes, and more. This book will be one your customers will love and you'll use often. Highly recommended.

Green Witchcraft ... OK, I admit to being a devotee of "esoteric" reading material and the title appealed to me (maybe because of Susun Weed) so perhaps some of you will enjoy it as well. Green Witchcraft (Ann Moura; Llewellyn, 1997; softcover; $12.95; 274 pages; ISBN: 1-56718-690-4) has a lot: history, green rituals; and enough ideas to keep you playing with herbs in a perhaps different way for quite a while. So get ready for Imbolc and pick up the book.

There’s always room for a good cookbook and The Greenmarket Cookbook : Recipes,... (Joel Patraker & Joan Schwartz, Viking, hardcover, 2000, 228 pages) is certainly that.  Not an herb cookbook, per se, but one that’s filled with produce (and herbs) for each season with some wonderful, not usually seen recipes.  Other than the fact I still have problems with hardbound expensive cookbooks (I make a mess when I cook), it’s very good)  

Growing & Selling Fresh-Cut Herbs ... Why should you go to herb conferences? Because you may pick up a book deal with a major publisher and that’s what happened to Sandie Shores and her new book Growing & Selling Fresh-Cut Herbs from Storey Books (1999; hardcover; 453 pages; $27.95; ISBN: 1-58017-128-1) I can guarantee there is no more complete book on the market than Sandie’s which covers absolutely everything you need to know to grow (and sell) culinary herbs. Greenhouse and field production, insect and pest control, in depth profiles about specific herbs, finding markets, handling sales. There’s nothing she hasn’t covered here and if you don’t invest in this book, you aren’t serious about growing herbs commercially. Highly recommended.

Growing & Using Herbs in the Midwest: A Regional Guide for Home Gardeners ... Rosemary Divock, Amherst Press, 318 N Main, Amherst, WI 54406; 1996; softcover; 240 pages. Dedicated to the specific growing conditions in the Midwest, this book is broken down into a month-by-month guide for growers. There's also lots of general tidbits of information on recipes, folklore, gardening tips, container gardening and more. It's a very good reference guide. If you've got a shop in the Midwest you should be carrying this book. If you're in Florida, we discussed your book last issue.

Growing Herbs ... Deni Bown, Dorling Kindersley; 1995; 80 pages; $19.95. The kind of book I like because it has clear color photographs of the 60 herbs that are described. And another nice feature is a pull chart attached to the cover that gives all the cultivation details for each herb at a glance (hardiness, soil type, propagation method, etc.) A good introductory book.

Growing Herbs from Seed, Cutting & Root: An Adventure in Small Miracles ... There are few commercial herb growers that know so much and are so willing to share their information (Sal Gilbertie is the other one that comes to mind). Whether you're growing for home use or are trying to go commercial you need this as your bible. "This" is Growing Herbs from Seed, Cutting & Root by Thomas DeBaggio, Interweave Press, 1995; softcover; 72 pages; $9.95. To see his greenhouse setup is an education in itself, especially for those who say they don't have enough room to sell plants on a large scale. The book covers everything from basics to problems you may encounter. And the color photographs make it look so easy…..which it never is for me. I won't say more because I'll embarrass Tom J…..just buy the book!!

Another “must have” book is Growing 101 Herbs that Heal: Gardening... (Tammi Hartung, Storey, 2000, 250 pages, softcover)  There are great color identification photos, and not just the usual ones but ones like grindelia and brickellia.  There are also details on production, usage and some interesting recipes using the medicinal herbs.  How about a cottage cheese salad with gotu kola leaves? Excellent book..

Growing Profits ... Michael and Linda Harlan, Moneta Publications, Citrus Heights, CA; softcover; 1997; 207 pages; $17.95. Backyard nursery? Why not…..and if you've ever visited Tom DeBaggio's setup in Arlington you know that it's indeed possible. Here's a step by step book on how to turn 1,000 sq. ft of yard into a homebased nursery business. Not strictly herbal but change a few of the plants and voila!! You're an herbal nursery. Discussion on licensing, equipment needs; plant selection and production and, the most important part, marketing.

The Healing Bath ... Water therapy is an ancient healing method and if you incorporate essential oils you get the benefit of aromatherapy as well. So the book The Healing Bath will give you the justification you've long wanted on locking the door to the bathroom and telling the kids that you're working on healing what ails you. There are some wonderful formulas for anything from insect bites to trauma to getting back your enthusiasm toward life. And these formulas work with your chakras as well as your physical body. Think I'm going downstairs now….there's this one formula for "completing or following through" that I need to work on. J (Milli D. Austin, 1997; $12.95; softcover; 152 pages; ISN 0-89281-632-5)

The Healing Herbs Cookbook ... by Pat Crocker (Firefly Books, 1999, softcover, 192 pages; $17.95; ISBN: 0-7788-0004-0).  Here are 115 vegetarian herbal recipes that are not only great tasting but great for you. When was the last time you had “Ginseng Mueseli”? or Sweet Potato Crisps with Lavender Aioli?  Improve your palate.  Buy this one!

The Healing Kitchen: An Indoor Herb-Garden Pharmacy for Cooks ... Patricia Stapley, Macmillan, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019-6785, hardcover, 1996, 86 pages; $17.95. A good introductory book to get those who have been reluctant to investigate herbal medicine to incorporate healing with their cooking. And from the kitchen it's easy to move them to the pharmacy. Chanchal Cabrera's subject at this year's Herb Business Conference deals with this same topic so if you want more, get the tape. This would be a good introductory talk to garden clubs or as a community college adult education topic.

Healing Plants: A Medicinal Guide to Native North American Plants and Herbs ... (Ana Nez Heatherley, Harper Collins, 1998; softcover; 252 pages; $19.95; ISBN: 1-5582150932) This is a good guide that covers many plants that normally don’t get explored in most herb books, things like Desert Willow, Chaparral, gayflower, catalpa and bloodweed. You’ll get the basic medicinal usage and information on what is the current research interest. Good color photographs of many of the plants described. Recommended reference book.

The Healing Power of Aromatherapy: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Benefits of Essential Oils ... Hasnain Walji, PhD, Prima Publishing, PO Box 1260BK, Rocklin, CA 95677; 1996; softcover, 193 pages; $14.95 This is a pretty decent book for those just getting interested in aromatherapy. There's detailed information on specific oils as well as essential oil remedies for a variety of ailments. Other information includes general material on aromatherapy and why it works as well as how to use oils with water, in massage and in skin care. I did like the material in the index of popular oils…..while not as extensive as Julia Lawless' book, it does give contraindications, principal constituents and volatility (top, middle, base notes) of the oils. Worth the price and beginners will like it.

The Healing Power of Echinacea & Goldenseal ... Paul Bergner, Prima Publishing (PO Box 1260BK, Rocklin, CA 95677); 1997; softcover; 322 pages. 0-7615-0809-0 There are a limited number of herbalists that I'd put total faith in when it comes to writing a book and Paul Bergner is one of them. The editor of the Medical Herbalism newsletter is now the clinic director at the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies in Boulder and brings a wealth of experience to writing this book. Both of these herbs are so well known and often misused that this is a necessary book with all the latest on research as well as the best protocol with these plants. Recommended.

The Healing Power of Garlic ... Paul Bergner, Prima Publishing, PO Box 1260, Rocklin, CA 95677; 1996; softcover; 290 pages; $14.95. Now you all know garlic is a "wonder drug" as far as regulating blood pressure and lowering cholesterol (if you didn't know that you may want to ask yourself how you can be in the business of herbs). But did you know everything else it's good for? Boosting your immune system, resisting colds, ear drops, etc. The editor of Medical Herbalism has put together a very comprehensive handbook on how to use garlic to optimize its health benefits in your life. A necessity for yourself even if you're not selling medicinal herbs.

The Healing Power of Ginseng and the Tonic Herbs ... Paul Bergner, Prima Publishing, 1996; softcover; $14.95; 274 pages. As with his garlic book we had in the last issue, this book is excellent. Being the editor of Medical Herbalism gives the author an excellent position to review all the literature on the subject and he's condensed it into an easy to read book with all the latest research. A necessity for your medicinal library.

               While we’re on using herbs for healing, another new one Healing Tonics: 101 Herbal Drinks to... (Jenaine Pollack, Storey Press, softcover, 155 pages) has over a hundred interesting and tasty recipes for incorporating herbs into your diet. Gathered from leading herbalists you’ll find tonics for energy, the circulatory system, enhancing performance, insomnia and more.  Good book.  

Hemp for Health ... Another plant that has a long history of interest is Marijuana and Hemp for Health will give you all the facts on its medicinal and nutritional uses. Whether you inhaled in college or not, this is a plant that cannot be ignored for its beneficial uses in nonpsychoactive ways. This is an excellent book with a wealth of scientific studies listed as well as a number of resources for further information. (Chris Conrad; 1997; $14.95; softcover; 264 pages; ISBN 0-89281-539-6)

The Herb Garden ... Malcolm Hillier, Dorling Kindersley, 95 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, 1996; hardcover; $24.95, 119 pages. Gorgeous pictures…..limited text. I'm the kind of person that needs pictures to get ideas and you'll get many with this book….especially unique combinations of plants. There is even a section on creating winter outlines by leaving the plants intact at season end. A "pretty" book.

The Herb Garden
  The Patio Garden
The Romantic Garden
The Salad Garden
The Water Garden
The Wild Garden ... Penguin Books has recently reissued some wonderful books from the late 80s on theme gardens: The Romantic Garden by Graham Rose, The Herb Garden by Sarah Garland, The Water Garden by Anthony Paul & Yvonne Rees, The Patio Garden by Hazel Evans, The Salad Garden by Joy Larkcom and The Wild Garden by Violet Stevenson. I'm not going to go into depth on them here because I reviewed them years ago but for those that haven't seen the originals check them out. The color photographs are stunning and the layout suggestions will have you tearing up your yards in short order. All softcover; all $19.95; all about 170 pages. All good reference books for landscaping ideas.

The Herb Garden Cookbook ... One of my all time favorite cookbooks is Lucinda Hutson;s The Herb Garden Cookbook and this revised edition of her classic will become your choice too. (Gulf Publishing Co, PO Box 2608, Houston, TX 77252-2608; 1998; hardcover; 242 pages; $24.95; ISBN: 0-88415-379-7). Now if you’ve ever met Lucinda you know you’ll never meet a more vibrant personality, and the recipes here reflect her love of spicy southwestern cuisine along with her charm. Not quite sure what to do with Epazote or Mexican Mint Marigold? You’ll find exciting things like Crab Cushions with Epazote and Spicy Apple Crisp with Mint Marigold and Brandied Crème. My old copy is pretty well covered with cooking "accidents" so I’m happy to start clean again with this edition. And one final note, there’s plenty of cultivation information (especially for the southwest) and ideas for further uses. And if you find you like this one, check out her book on cooking with Tequila :-)

The Herb Gardener: A Guide for All Seasons ... Susan McClure, Storey; 1996; 236 pages; $29.95; hardcover. This is another good general herb book…..a little garden design, a little crafting, specifics and pictures of some of the basic herbs.….just a handy reference book for those just starting out.

Herb Gardening From the Ground Up.....If there is anyone I would want an herb growing book from, it’s Sal Gilbertie.  First, he’s had over 40 years to test his methods.  He was the third generation of herb growers.  Second, he can write and is both funny and factual.  Third, he’s tried every way to grow and after experimenting and testing, he uses what works.  If I have a question about growing herbs, he’s the one I go to.

So I was thrilled when I received a review copy of Herb Gardening from the Ground Up: Everything You Need to Know about Growing Your Favorite Herbs .  This is an updated version of what I thought was the best growing book, Herb Gardening at its Best.  This book is filled with detailed information on growing 15 of the top culinary herbs, including problems you may encounter from starting the seed or cutting through year 3.  Most books sort of cover a general growing but few go into each year. One reason this is so great is the plants change from year 1 to 3. 

The second part of the book are garden plans.  This was always my favorite part.  The plans range from a Fish and Game Garden so that you’ll have the best herbs for seasoning that fish you caught to a Tex-Mex plan to a Home Bar Garden.  This is one book you won’t want a Kindle version of.  My old version was so beaten up for using, I started going through this one right away.   If you’re trying to decide what book to get, this is one you’ll keep forever.  Highly recommended.

Herb Gardening With Derek Fell : Practical Advice and Personal Favorites from the Best-Selling Author and Television Show Host
Bulb Gardening With Derek Fell : Practical Advice and Personal Favorites from the Best-Selling Author and Television Show Host ... Never have I seen a more prolific author (well, Maggie Oster also comes to mind) than Derek Fell. The herb book is pretty basic (at least for me and most of us that have been playing for a while) but has practical information that beginners will find useful. On the other hand, I'm a total novice with perennial bulbs so I found it more interesting.

Herb Mixtures & Spicy Blends ... edited by Deborah L. Balmuth, Storey Communications; softcover; 1996; 156 pages; $12.95. At first I thought this book was by Maggie Oster because the fact that she does the introduction is so prominent on the cover. But this is a compilation of seasonings from herb shops and farms across the country including many from network members. A necessity for every herbal cook…..no exceptions!

Herbal Almanac For The Year 2000 ... It’s the year 2000 and Llewellyn Books has Herbal Almanac for the Year 2000, a guide to herb magic & lore, growing & gathering; health & beauty and lots more (Llewellyn Publications, 1999, softcover; 320 pages; $6.95; ISBN: 1-56718-961-X).  One of those great “reading room” books that will keep you entertained during the millenium with my favorite authors like Susun Weed, Susan Wittig Albert and Judy Griffin.

Herbal Bonsai: Practicing the Art With Fast-Growing Herbs ... Richard W. Bender, Stackpole Books, 1996; softcover; 100 pages; $16.95. Did you stroll through the flower shows in the last month drooling over the bonsai exhibits? But you're already obsessed with herbs and don't have time for another obsession? Here's the way to combine the two. Take that rosemary or lavender bush you love (and there are several other interesting choices) and create a piece of art. The author makes it look simple enough that even I might be able to do it J A very interesting book and one that could become the basis for a great class.

Herbal Breads
Herbal Salads
Herbal Soups
Herbal Sweets
Beans Love Herbs
Mushrooms Love Herbs
Onions Love Herbs
Peppers Love Herbs
Tomatoes Love Herbs ... Little books on herbs sell and cookbooks sell, so why not little herbal cookbooks? Storey Publishing (Pownal, VT 05261) has a series of 8 (and growing). Each is $9.95, hardcover, and around 65 pages. You aren't going to find anything too exotic here but there's some good basic ideas on getting the novice enthused about cooking with herbs….you remember how it was when you hadn't a clue what went with what, don't you? Oh, you still don't.

Herbal Cookery ... Dixie L. Stephen, Quixote Press (3544 Blakeslee St., Wever, IA 52658); spiral bound; 121 pages; $9.94; 1-57166-094-1. Dixie's been working with herbs for years both as the former owner of Busha Brae Herb Farm and as one of the long time members of the Michigan Herb Business Association. So pulling her favorite recipes together for this book was easy…..sort of (I honestly don't know when she had time to do it). But there are some great ones here and some interesting ways to use herbs that I certainly wouldn't have thought of like herb waffles. And ones I can't wait to try like Cream of Brie and Leed Soup. This one will do well in your shop.

Herbal Defense ... Robyn Landis with Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Warner Books, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020; 1997; softcover; 562 pages; $14.99; ISBN: 0-446-67242-4. This is an excellent, well-written and easy to use book on using Ayurvedic medicine to not only cure but prevent many of life's illnesses. Diet, specific ailments, specific treatments for men, women, and children are all covered. And for those of us on the far side of 40 are a number of herbs to bypass some of the conditions encountered by the aging baby boomers. Highly recommended for your medical library.

Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals ... Norman Grainger Bisset, Editor; CRC Press (2000 Corporate Blvd, N.W., Boca Raton, FL 33431); hardcover; 566 pages; 1994; 0-8493-7192-9. Now this is definitely not the book for someone just getting interested in herbs, but if you're involved with medicinal herbs and/or practicing herbal medicine you can't afford not to invest in this one. Each plant is discussed with its constituents, indications, side effects, phytomedicines, extracts from German monographs (if applicable) and more. It's really an excellent reference book. Highly recommended for serious practitioners and students.

The Herbal Epicure : Growing,... by Carole Ottesen (Ballantine Books, 2001, softcover, $16.00) is another herbal cookbook but this time we’re cooking with medicinal herbs.  Basic information on the individual herb with a recipe or two using it.  How about an Elecampane Cordial when you need a “good-for-what-ails-you” tonic?  

An Herbal Feast ... by Risa Morris (Contemporary Publishing Group, 4255 W Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60646-1975; softcover; 1998, 262 pages; $16.95; ISBN: 0-87983-801-9) Risa was the past editor of The Village Herbalist and I remember when she was soliciting recipes on a couple of the herb discussion groups on the net. Well, she collected some rather unique ones from 70 different herbalists including Susun Weed, Mary Bove, Peter Gail, Greg & Mary Tilford, Rosemary Gladstar and many other network members. Profiles are included on each of the submitting herbalists. These are recipes to heal and nourish your body while experimenting with new ways to use weeds….when was the last time you tried a dandelion pizza? Or nettle pie? Add some fun to your next herbal luncheon.

Herbal Gold : Healing Alternatives : The...   by Madonna Sophia Compton (Llewellyn, 2000, softcover, $12.95; 347 pages; ISBN: 1-56718-172-4) contains basic information on 90 medicinal herbs which includes recent research, combinations, dosage and gathering.  Chapters on free radicals and anti-oxidants round out the book.  

Herbal Healing Secrets for Women: Safe, Natural Remedies for 40+ Women ... When I received the review copy of Herbal Healing Secrets for Women: Safe, Natural Remedies for 40+ Women I had to look. (Prentice Hall, softcover, 320 pages, $15; Jan, 2000; ISBN: 0-7352-0102-1)  Not only covering menopausal symptoms, you’ll find herbal and dietary help for everything from urinary tract infections to cancer prevention.  This one is not only a good reference book but should sell well in the shop (since there are so many of us in that over 40 category J)

The Herbal Home Companion ... Theresa Loe, Kensington Publishing (also available from Country Thyme Productions, PO Box 3090, El Segundo, CA 90245); 1996, softcover, 224 pages; $14. This is one book I'd like to see in color because I've seen Theresa's slides and her videos and this little book, though packed with information in her unique style, doesn't do justice to her talents. But it's a good start if you're just learning about herbs or a good starter book for your shop because there's a little of everything: recipes, cosmetics, gardening, decorating.…then have her videos on hand to really get the juices flowing. No one can incorporate herbs in entertaining as well as Theresa.

The Herbal Kitchen: A Guide to Growing & Using Herbs ... by Dan and Myrl Moran (Adventure Publications, PO box 269, Cambridge, MN 55008; softcover; 1997; 200 pages; ISBN: 1-885061-12-9) is a decent herbal on growing and using basic herbs. Nine herbs are covered in detail with specific cultivation info and an assortment of recipes for each herb. A nice basic book your customers will find useful.