Robyn Landis

(also posted on my site The Paperback Stash)

While not as popular as some (for whatever reason), and certainly not as pricey, Herbal Defense is filled with useful information. The authors certainly believe firmly in natural healing, with years of experience between them, concentrating more on preventive medicine over curing. Reading works such as this loans you confidence and reassurance in natural remedies - thank God - instead of scaring you off or subtly hinting herbs may be good for you like some watered-down books out there.

Focused more on Ayurveda but incorporating just as much with Western medicine, so that all parties can learn and enjoy, various herbs are discussed with folklore, personal usage, and studies/research. Several formula combinations are given, as well as details on different body conditions, such as depression and the immune system. In fact, the main emphasis of Herbal Defense seems to BE the immune system, all about increasing your stamina and making yourself healthy enough to combat just about anything. Special chapters are also devoted to children, men, women, cleansing, skin, energy, and other body systems.

The authors devotion to herbs is shown even clearer in one of my favorite segments, "Urban Myths and Sidewalk Talk", where Landis discusses the current comfrey controversy, the issues with licorice root and high blood pressure, ephedra made to look bad because of incorrect use, and more. Supplements and exercise are mentioned as complimentary therapy to herbal aide, in a straight forward, concise, reliable manner.

Herbal Defense enjoys sharing their views on the flaws of scientific studies, the dangers of relying too much on objective science and supposably objective scientists, using your own head to decipher through the garbage and see what's real, and of course on the history of herbalism and Ayurvedic medicine itself. There are charts to help show you where you fall and various eating recommendations for your body type.

Not short and sweet in any way, this book is more than enough for a beginner or advanced herbalist looking to relax with an informative companion. Witty, smart, strong, and intelligent, it's a great book that shouldn't be as overlooked as it is. If there are flaws, it's that in my opinion Landis isn't right on using pills over other herbal preparations because of their convenience, but hey, we all make our own paths.… (más)