Herbal Materia Medica

Herbal Materia Medica of the Northwest is a comprehensive, well-researched volume of medicinal plants found in the Northwest, covering all of British Columbia, southern Alaska and the Yukon as well as Washington and into Oregon. Going beyond identification, this volume covers not only the herbal and ethnobotanical uses of each species but extends that information to aromatherapy, flower essences and homeopathy as well as other uses which may include food, cosmetics, natural forage, ritual and technological. The author has traveled through most of the Northwest, personally investigating the habitats, micro-climates, and species found in each of the biogeoclimatic zones. Full descriptions of the physical features and general climates of each of these different biogeoclimatic zones enable the reader to extend this book into other areas of North America that may have similar habitats. Beautiful color photographs accompany most species, aiding in the identification process. A few of the more common poisonous plants have also been listed to prevent readers from mistaking plants that may closely resemble some of the medicinal species. A section on general preparation methods and a list of equipment required, accompany the herbal information, allowing individuals to start making a wide variety of their own herbal medicines including teas, syrups, oils, salves, etc. from plants harvested in their local areas.