Book Reviews of
Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth
By Dr. Sharol Tilgner
Review #1
HERBAL MEDICINE: From the Heart of the Earth
by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. 360p. ,1999, Wise Acres Press
by Kahlee Keane, Wholelife Magazine
Sharol Tilgner's new book Herbal Medicines: From the Heart of the Earth is a must for any serious student of herbology. This book is much more than just another volume for your expanding reference library. In fact, at 340 plus pages this book is three, no four, rolled into one.
In the first section Tilgner introduces us to the properties and actions of herbs, then a short dictionary of herbal preparations. Next comes an eclectic Materia Medica of over 170 herbs from all over the globe, including some that my readers will have learned about from the grandmothers. Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) is on of these plants, she explains that this plant's root "...lends a sense of invigoration and strength on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level." Something that the west coast peoples have long known and used the root bark and sap of this plant for.
Each plant in this section has a short monograph listing the parts used; taste/smell; tendencies; dosage; mental picture and specific indications and uses. At the end of each plant monograph Tilgner lists and contraindications that the herb may possess, something that sets this book (dare I say text) apart.
The individual body systems are highlighted in the next section, formulas are given with an explanation of each ingredient in the formula and the way in which the specific herb works on the system and synergistically in the formula. After this section you will find an in depth section on dosages which is so important and often left out of herbal texts.
Everything from teas to elixirs are explained step by step along with a good description of the how's and why's of making each preparation, including harvesting and storing. For those interested in growing or wildcrafting medicines for personal use a chart is included which lists the Latin and common name, part of the plant used, time to harvest, whether to use it fresh or dry for liquid extracts, the ratio used and solvency range.
There is a lot of good usable information in this book, succinctly and thoroughly presented in a very readable manner. What delighted me most was the extensive list of references at the back of the book, which assists the serious researcher in finding more information out about those herbs that you want to include as your personal medicine.
Whether you are a practitioner or a student of herbology Tilgner's book will take special place in your library.
Review #2
Paul Bergner, "Medical Herbalism"
Herbal Medicine From The Heart of the Earth is broad enough in scope that it contains within it material enough for three books; One is an introduction to herbal medicine making and materia medica, a second on the art of herbal formulation and dosing, and finally a review of adverse effects and drug-herb interactions. The book contains the standard fare for introductory herbal texts: A glossary of herbal terminology, a dictionary of herbal preparations, herbal actions with examples, a materia medica section, tables for pharmacy, tincture making , dosing, and treatment by disease condition. But it also contains some very useful tables that Iíve hardly seen in print in modern books. A dose-and-duration chart shows how many days your tincture prescription will last, combining in the table drops per dose, times per day, and the number of ounces given to the patient. Another shows how many teaspoons are present, on average, in an ounce of roots, barks, seeds, leaves, and flowers. Charts and tables are also offered for harvesting time, best forms to tincture, and the best percentage of alcohol to extract the medicinal properties of the herbs.
A significant offering in this book is found in the discussions of herbal side effects and potential drug-herb interactions. The past year has seen a flurry of books on these topics, but unfortunately not one of them has been written by a traditional herbalist with knowledge of the clinical traditions of herbalism. In Herbal Medicine, we find the best review of this topic in print, superior to other current texts in that it contains a thorough review of the scientific literature on side effects and drug-herb interactions, while also reviewing traditional indications, contraindications, and side effects.
Another unique offering is the extensive section on herbal formulas. Most books published by herbal company owners donít give much away , the books or booklets describe the company formula, but donít usually give the percentages of the herbs or a clear rationale for the formulation. Sharol has been more generous with her section on formulas, giving us a lesson in formulation. Rather than giving a hard-and-fast formula, she lists potential herbs for a formula, giving percentage ranges that might be used for each, and a rationale for each herb, often with footnotes. In other words, she invites the reader to make and modify the formulas according to their own needs or those of their patients. Dosage charts accompanying the formulas also offer ranges, and are a welcome relief from the common simple listing of ìthe doseî in most books. This rich storehouse of suggestions for formulas stand in contrast to the practice of most herbal authors to talk exclusively about single herbs.
Dr. Tilgner is one of a small group of individuals in North America who combines in her experience the training of both the traditional herbalist and the natural physician. Thus, this book offers a combination of herbal and medical information unique in contemporary herbal literature. I hope it also serves to preserve the traditional knowledge presented in this new era when the foundations of traditional herbalism are being eroded by the dominant paradigm in medicine.
Review #3
Vickie Shufer, "The Wild Foods Forum"
Herbal Medicine is a reference guide that has combined several subjects into one book. The Materia Medica section contains 170 herbs that includes the part used, dosage, indications and contraindications. A section on Herbal Formulas is very informative. Grouped by body sytems, potential herbs are listed with a percentage range to use for each. A dosage chart accompanies each formula followed by a listing of suggested "adjuct therapy." There is also a section on dosages with information on measurements and duration. Charts and tables are provided for dosages, harvesting and the time of the year to harvest. And finally comes the section on how to make herbal preparations with step-by-step instructions, complete with photographs on making herbal oils, liquid extracts, salves, and more. A useful resource for anyone interested in herbal medicine.
Reviews from the back of the book:
"Dr. Tilgner has written an impressive well-researched guide on the use of herbs that professionals and lay people alike will find very practical and informative."
Christiane Northrup, M.D.
"This is an important text for the budding herbalist, and a handy reference for the experienced clinician. Dr. Tilgner has done an excellent job of pulling together a large amount of information and making it easy to access. A most valuable and useful addition to anyoneís herbal library."
Jill Stansbury, N.D.
"Sharolís new book is an interesting and useful contribution, with surprising new information, conveniently packaged."
Jim Duke PhD., author of ìThe Green Pharmacy
"A wonderful guide for those new to herbs as well as an excellent formulary for those already skilled in herbalism. Sharol Tilgner has combined her triple skills of healing, farming and medicine making in her unique work with the plants."
Rosemary Gladstar, author, herbalist, founder of United Plant Savers
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