The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines Paperback – September 15, 1997

This is a wonderful herbal compendium and one of the few that I have actually read cover to cover for pleasure, as opposed to just looking up specific herbs or topics. The author is very candid in sharing what has worked for him AND what has not. He also generously shared what he has learned from other herbalists. This is the kind of book that will lead you to actually retain what you learn, versus just a how-to book. It's as close to learning personally from a master as a book can get.I do have one issue, though. Matthew Wood has a very soft spot for homeopathy, and sometimes intermingles homeopathic plant-based remedies in with herbal treatments which becomes confusing at times. They really are (I believe) separate systems of medicine and I believe it really makes a difference whether you are using a homeopathic preparation or an herbal preparation, and this should be made clearer in the text. He also believes in using very low doses, even of regular herbal tinctures-- sometimes as low as a drop or two. I studied at Dr. Christopher's School of Natural Healing, and also trained in Chinese herbalism, and in my studies of these 2 traditions, my experience as well as that of my teachers informs me that one of the biggest problems with clients who say herbs don't work is that they take too little. I'll just leave that there, but I'm not sure why this aspect of treatment would be so different among competent herbalists.So with that one point of confusion aside, this is one of my top favorite herb books and I'll definitely be exploring more of Wood's work.

Great book ,lots of information

I'm so impressed by this book. It's not anything like I expected but I love it. I love that each section is short but informative enough to give you a new perspective on the herbs. Im so glad I bought this, it's a great addition to my collection of herbal books.

this the very best herbal book I have or have EVER read. believe me I have quite the library and I love all my herbal books and value them to the max but this one stands out, even in all Matthew's books, this one has so much and on so many levels. he's a really bright guy with as good of an education as you can get in herbal medicine so you have the foundation covered there.but the magic he brings to this book is his knowledge of the sacred, spiritual, metaphysical and magical knowledge of the herbs he has learned from his Native American & earth based teachers & friends and allows to come out in this book. Hey, Matt if you read this; please, please write a book based on your 'other level ' of knowledge that you let shine thru here but leaves me hungry for more of your herbal spiritual & deeply metaphysical knowledge you possess and allow us only a shy look into in THE BOOK OF WISDOM.you have whetted my desire for this knowledge and if you will bring more of it forth I will put it to good use in the real world. it really is a well named book! ps/ I have never met matt in person. just so you know i 'am not smoozing.

I am very excited to dive into this book and know for a fact that the knowledge it holds will be tremendous. I am disappointed though that this “brand new” book came with stains already on it. I am very meticulous about my books, so it being stained upon opening the package did not leave me very pleased. I will of course still read, love and fully utilize it. Just wanted to make you aware in case more got damaged somehow in the process.

Buy this book! If you're like me and you are having a tough time deciding on an herbal book to purchase, because there are so many wonderful ones, then this should be at the top of your list!Matthew Wood does such an amazing job at making this book feel more than just a book. It is a whole experience as you tag along with him reading into different cultures and histories. This book has everything, it is informative while providing a spiritual and magical aspect to herbalism as well. This is for the people who want to look at herbs and plants, as more than just a mere plant, but a consciousness.Wood provides many case histories, either his own personal experiences or those recorded by other herbalists. Each herb is provided with a history of the herb, case histories, the many uses, influences and their personalities! It has been a journey and such a joy to read.

This book is not for someone who just wants a "here, take this herb for your headache" approach, so at first I was quite disappointed by it, and I put it on a shelf and left it. A few years later, when my attitude about medicine had changed considerably, I picked it up again and found it to be utterly engrossing and very rewarding. Its function is to give one a deeper understanding of how plants interact with our bodies and lives to heal us holistically. It inspires one to look at and thoroughly understand the plant before using it.For example: I am a novice and a mild cynic, but thanks to the clear writing I immediately caught on to the important concept of "the doctrine of signatures," in which plants are said to resemble the organs they treat. The book points directly to real life, and soon I was using my limited understandings of plants to arrive at ideas of how they would work based on their form. Before I read the entire description of the Iris, I guessed that it would be useful for blood sugar problems because I have noticed that Irises smell like grape Kool-Aid. Later I came across some Jimsonweed in my yard and immediately guessed at its poisonous, nerve-affecting and heart-affecting properties based on the four-chambered spiky, head-like seed pod. When I looked up later, there was also a reference to the extreme laxity of its users, just like the laxity of the plant. It is hilariously cartoonish.I gained a deeper understanding of herbs from this book; but I also gained the understanding that herbalism is a lifetime study just like conventional medicine. You will not become an accomplished herbalist just by reading the book; but you can use it as a map for your journey.

So far so good. You have to understand what your getting here, its not a list of plants with some simple line art, it's more to do with traditional historal plant information from the natives, shamans, and a lot of underlining metaphysical witchy aspects. It's what I was looking for but I can understand the confusion for some people looking for a direct list of medicinal herbs and physical uses.

Muy completo

I have studied herbs and their uses for many years. This book is easy to read and gives an interesting and unusual overview of 41 very useful herbs. I am enjoying it and learning new things from it. I recommend the book; it is well worth the money. "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine your food" - Hippocrates.

Excellent reference book!!

This has quickly become my go to herbal. It doesn't tell you how to make herbal remedies - that info is easily available elsewhere. What it does give you is Matthew's depth of personal knowledge of the herbs as remedies from a lifetime's professional use plus his extensive researched knowledge. He shares all of this from a profound communication with the plants through knowing them as a herb grower and user while honouring their true gifts.It will change your prespective profoundly.If I could it would get 10 stars