"In our quest for a holistic herbal medicine is safer to look at the plants not only as a reservoir of molecular compounds, but as living things that are shrouded by psychic and spiritual." (P. 71)
This quote, taken from the book reviewed here herbs and magic plants between front door and garden gate , is programmatic for the long-standing work of the author. Wolf-Dieter Storl, ethnobotanist and anthropologist mediated culture, his knowledge of the plants not only in books but also in seminars and lectures.
addition to our own experiences in the practical use of the green people are Storl moved in the best tradition, which is read in his books again and again. Many of the old, often-forgotten writings he brings to mind and composes old and new perspectives to the understanding of plant in fun-to-read form.
Even in ancient times was the knowledge about the healing power of herbs outside the front door widely distributed and used, as the works by the elder Pliny, or has been, however, from the Greek Pedanios Dioscorides, the physician of the Caesars, Claudius and Nero, occupy today. In medieval times, then stabbed in particular the work of Hildegard von Bingen out, although it is reduced in comparison with the ancient authors. Among the particular sources of the book Storl is one of the "Complete Herbal" (1653) of the English botanist, physician and astrologer Nicholas Culpeper, because it certainly one of the lesser known, though highly interesting works too. Other authors complete the historically grounded round blow by the herbal medicine: The herbs and Johann Sebastian Kneipp Künzle are represented, as Paracelsus, Maria Treben, or references to the biodynamic agriculture by Rudolf Steiner. The teachers Storl, the mountain farmer Arthur Hermes and the plant shaman and Sun Dance priest Bill Tallbull be appreciated.
That this book, despite a myriad considers historical writings not to an academic concoction is difficult to read, is certainly understandable to all who know already writings of Wolf-Dieter Storl. In usual brilliant form, the author maintains his readers, is that without the depth and seriousness of his concern by the wayside.
are the center of his attention this time nine single, common herbs, which are often called "weed" overlooked. The heroes of the book are the nettle, mugwort, Gundermann, goutweed, plantain, horsetail, daisies, chickweed and dandelion. Their properties are described in detail, their healing power, its importance in folk medicine, its role in legend, fairy tales and superstitions, their planetary covers and much more. Old names, like Power Root "for the mugwort still remember a time when knowledge was about the power of the proposed plant is still alive.
The "green Nine" are Storl arbitrarily chosen because the composition of the herb in the regional traditions vary. But most are there, as here, Neunerlei herbs as magic and medicinal plants were used in our region and in some cases also be. Was and is the herbalists believe that a handful of herbs is sufficient, provided detailed knowledge of the personalities plants to heal all suffering. Storl account while the molecular-biological and chemical knowledge to the plants, but without reducing their healing effect on them.
And for general constitution strengthening, for not suffering, you might use the herbs: a spring soup ("Nine Herbs Soup") from the plants mentioned will work wonders on the immune system and expel the spring fatigue. For the purpose of practical application of the text is always accompanied by interspersed recipes that teach the preparation of teas, soups, salads, and liniments. In addition, instructions related to gout and purifying treatments or natural dyeing, fertilizer and insect control agents.
The book is now available in the sixth edition, which will have been certainly not the last. The books by Wolf-Dieter Storl are the best that is currently being written about plants and especially with the work of each can / r is close to the front door when leaving nine new friendships. A book that enriches each of the everyday ways and extremely easy to herbalists and soup kitchen will be addressed.
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