Book Review in PLTree Line June 2008

By Summer Solomon, Garden Specialist, Learning Gate Community School

Holly Phaneuf Ph.D. "Herbs Demystified" ISBN 1569244081

Dr. Phaneuf explores the fifty most common herbs used for herbal remedies. This is a great reference book to help both the novice and expert herbalist understand the biochemistry that makes these herbs work to benefit our health. The guide is set up to be very readable; you do not have to be a biologist, botanist, or chemist to understand her description of how and why aloe works to soothe skin irritations. For each herb Phaneuf describes the folklore and history associated with its use, any warnings or little-known dangers of the herbs, usage and common dosage of the herb, and a list of ailments the herb can be used for. It is a very comprehensive and useful guide.

This guide would be useful for middle and high school teachers to use with their students as they go through the Places We Live exercises. I have found that when a teacher helps their students understand their connection to the environment; their respect and stewardship of the environment increases. This book takes comprehension about the importance of healthy food and soil to the next level, it helps one understand how our body uses the herbs and roots necessary for a balanced and healthy life. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in natural remedies, herbal gardening, and as a reference material in any classroom from fourth grade through twelfth grade.