Michael Wink

Ben-Erik Van Wyk

Written by respected professors of botany and pharmaceutical biology, this is the definitive account of plants and mushrooms used for poison darts, traditional medicine, ceremonial and spiritual purposes, and recreational drugs. Hazardous plants are commonly used as garden ornamentals, potted plants, or florist flowers, yet many people are unaware of the dangers posed by the toxins derived from them. In addition to exploring plants that are ingested, the authors also treat plants that cause irritation and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. A special focus is given to psychoactive plants, which can have stimulant, sedative, hypnotic, narcotic, or hallucinogenic properties. These include coca, opium, cannabis, and scopolamine. Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World is a must for gardeners, farmers, veterinarians, botanists, pharmacists, chemists, doctors, and poison control centers.

Mind-altering and Poisonous Plants of the World

Heather Dugmore

In this book are fifty-two compelling tales that will lead the reader on a journey of discovery of the African continent. It tracks the ancient grail of traditional African medicine or muthi. The journey takes one year, with one story for each of the fifty-two weeks. Many of the stories inherited through Africa s compelling oral tradition are between these covers: committed to paper for the first time ever.The ancient African people were the first aromatherapists who well understood the effect of plants on the human body, mind and soul. Innately spiritual, the thousands of lineages of African people across thousands of years have all used plant medicines for healing, always with the blessing of their ancestors.Knowledge of African plant mythology and its associated healing practices is most certainly a grail because on this great continent we call Africa; knowledge has always been an oral tradition. Because it was never written down, thousands of years of healing wisdom and intelligence have been lost in the transference from one generation to the next.This book endeavors to bring to light the deep history of fifty-two of the thousands of indigenous medicinal plants of Africa before it is too late. The focus is towards Southern Africa because this region is a hotspot of cultural and botanical diversity. Unlike the healing knowledge of other ancient cultures, such as India or China, little of Africa s healing history is recorded.As you read the stories about fifty-two of the continent s prominent indigenous plant cures, the authors hope you, too, will experience some of the magnetism, mystery and wisdom of Africa. They hope it will help you understand a bit more about yourself and about our species: the human being."

From the African Bush

Muthi & Myths

Gideon F. Smith

3rd Edition

Guide to the Aloes of South Africa

Gideon Smith

Provides descriptions of more than four hundred succulent plants and their relatives along with information on such topics as conservation, cultivation, and propagation.

The Garden Succulents Primer

Medicinal Plants of the World is a fully illustrated, comprehensive and scientifically accurate guide to the best-known and most important medicinal plants, and their uses, It includes plants of special commercial as well as historical interest. Features: More than 320 medicinal plants and their close relatives are described. Each entry gives a short description of the plant, the geographical origin, therapeutic category, uses and properties, preparation and dosage, active ingredients and pharmacological effects. More than 800 excellent full-colour photographs assist in the identification of the plants and related or similar plants. Introductory chapters explain the various healing cultures of the world, general concepts, common ailments and their treatment with modern phytomedicines and with traditional remedies and the study of active compounds and their pharmacological effects. A checklist of 900 of the most important and well-known medicinal plants of the world acts as a quick reference to each plant, listed alphabetically according to scientific name with the common names, family name, region of origin, therapeutic category and plant parts used. Also included is a glossary of medical and related terms.

An Illustrated Scientific Guide to Important Medicinal Plants and Their Uses

Medicinal Plants of the World

Designed primarily for professional people treating cases of misuse. More than 200 of the major plants are treated in depth. Accompanied by 550 excellent photos for ID.

Ben-Erik Van Wyk

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