Irene J. Taafaki

Marshall Islands.

This is a surprisingly enjoyable and fascinating compendium centered on medicinal plants (though pumice and a couple of animal bits make brief cameos. The main portion of the book presents the plants with a color photo, genus and species, local name, and medicinal uses as described by one to several local practitioners. Other sections provide some focused history and explain how the data were collected. It's interesting to try to determine the mechanism of action of each specimen and preparation. Some can clearly be understood biochemically, some are symbolic, and some seem obscure and driven by the system of taboo rather than what westerners would think of as empirical outcomes. For the right reader, an engrossing volume published, like many, at ISP Publications at University of the South Pacific.… (más)