Valuable reference source

The Herb Bible is ideal for those who are interested in getting to know about herbal remedies and their benefits. It is not a detailed botanical work but intended for the average reader. Most of these herbs are available in pharmacies and health shops and are easy to use. The author explains what herbs are, their healing properties and how they work in the body.

He provides information on how to buy herbs, the shelf life of herbs, the correct amounts, plus a brief history of herbal medicine. Then follows the Hot 100 of the most popular herbs today, from Alfalfa to Witch Hazel. Every entry contains the popular name, the botanical name, facts, possible benefits, how to use it orally and/or externally, and cautions.

The familiar time-tested herbal remedies still in use today are discussed, and there is a chapter on herbs from around the world including remedies from India, China and the Americas. Other chapters deal with herbs that are specifically aimed at men and women.The preventive use of herbs, especially against heart disease and cancer, is discussed, plus those that promote blood circulation, boost the immune system, counteract the effects of aging, help liver function and improve vision.

A chapter is devoted to herbal grooming products. The author also deals with aromatherapy - the use of essential oils for healing. In the Resources section, details of professional and trade associations, mail order companies and suppliers of fresh herbs and plants are provided. The book concludes with an extensive bibliography and index. The Herb Bible is a valuable reference source for those who wish to take responsibility for their own health.

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Doesn't touch all the bases

Good place to start,but even a novice like myself knows the dangers of using MAO inhibitors(like passionflower,yohimbe and St.John's Wort which are "covered" in this book)with fermented cheese,meat and beer and wine-Mindell doesn't even mention this-He also recommends a starting point for dosage as a tablespoon per cup(it's actually 1 1/2 teaspoons to be safe)-But,really,if you know nothing at all about herbalism,this is a good enough book.

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A good book but in no way a definite source


Earl Mindell's New Herb bible was one of the first books I bought on herbs. While this book is useful as a reference, it is in no way a definitive source that should be called a 'bible.' The writing is well done and simple, and the text and information aimed more toward a beginner in every sense of the word.

Mindell is more of a supplement expert, and it does show from time to time here. Some of his comments gave me pause though. For instance, he says "Homeopathic extracts used by homepathic practitioners are much stronger than conventional herbal tinctures and are strictly regulated by the FDA. They should only be used in conjunction with treatment by a homeopath practitioner." This threw me a bit, I'll admit it.

He goes on to say that herbal powders are common, yet does not mention that powdered herbs lose potency amazingly fast. When he said bitters can be nasty tasting and that some may prefer them in capsules, it's also left out that when you don't taste a bitter on the tongue, you don't get the effect, which is the point of taking a bitter. He also discusses Hippocrates as the father of modern medicine, a slight peeve of mine but no fault of the authors.

Chapter 2 is the point of the book - the 'hot hundred' Here Mindell discusses briefly 100 herbs. Some have one paragraph, others have six, with a listing of possible benefits, then how to use it, then cautions if applicable. As a quick reference for the beginner this is useful; however, it's also quite vague. Many can sit and say what an herb has been historically used for, what evidence may or may not show (using these words), but I never got the feel he put much faith into the herbs themselves.

Some of the cautions are a bit overdone as well, such as not to use blue cohosh because it could be toxic in high doses. Well....lots of things are toxic if overdosed on, does this mean we shouldn't use them in the right amount? On Cayenne pepper he states that people with gastrointestinal problems should not take cayenne and that you should be careful on the dose. Actually cayenne has shown much benefit in treating several gastrointestinal disorders and even if it feels hot going down, does not do damage or harm (or heat impact) internally. As to it causing kidney damage in high dosages? Never heard of this either.

However, this is not to say he is overly cautious about all, for he is not. He provides much of the information in a non-biased, fair way. He states the facts or studies on some herbs as they are, and then may put in his personal recommendation, such as on the comfrey controversy. His inclusion of "how to use it" for each herb came in handy as well.

From the hot hundred we go on to a listing of traditional favorites, broken down in the same way as above, then herbs from around the world (nice touch). Finally the herbal medicine cabinet has some basic and helpful remedies for a variety of complaints, from indigestion to colds and flu prevention. It ends with a chapter dedicated to women, then men, looking good, and aromatherapy.

In short it is a good book but because the scope was so large everything was kept short, basic, and simple...too much so. You learned a small bit about every herb, but not enough to really know the herb well enough. I would rather have a book that covered them in depth than barely brushing across them. All of it is generic, and cautious.

While good for a beginner, there are others out there that educate more and allow one to see the bigger picture of things. Sometimes people who are past the beginners stages take great joy and still learn from basic herbals, I know I do, but this isn't the case here. I'm afraid if you've passed Herbalism 101 you'll be bored soon with this. Stick to it if you only want to know the basics a small bit at a time.





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