South American Medicinal Plants

Finalist for 2009 The Council on Botanical & Horticultural Libraries Literature Award!A Comprehensive Guide Addressing Safety, Efficacy, and Suitability About a quarter of all the medicines we use come from rainforest plants and more than 1,400 varieties of tropical plants are being investigated as potential cures for cancer. Curare comes from

This volume, as the seventh of the series Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the World, deals with the medicinal and aromatic plant (MAPs) treasures of the so-called Southern Cone, the three southernmost countries (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) of South America. Similarly to the previous volumes of the series, the main focus is to collect and provide information on major aspects of botany, traditional usage, chemistry, production / collection practices, trade and utilization of this specific group of plants. The contributors, who are recognized professionals and specialist of the domain, have collected and present state of the art information on 41 species. Most of these are not only of interest from the scientific point of view, but hold also a potential for the prospective utilization of the decreasing, occasionally overexploited / endangered medicinal plant resources of this huge continent. The book is expected to serve as a source of information also on some less known or less studied species. As such the volume is expected to support future research and public health professionals.

This unique reference book meticulously lists a vast variety of the extensive South American flora, in particular the one of Venezuela. Pharmacists, pharmacologists, toxicologists and botanists will find that this encyclopaedia unprecedented in depth and detail. In an A-Z format, more than 80 plant families are covered. Botanical information of the individual species is given together with their specific use in traditional South American medicine. More than 250 detailed figures allow easy identification.

This unique reference book meticulously lists a vast variety of the extensive South American flora, in particular the one of Venezuela. Pharmacists, pharmacologists, toxicologists and botanists will find that this encyclopaedia unprecedented in depth and detail. In an A-Z format, more than 80 plant families are covered. Botanical information of the individual species is given together with their specific use in traditional South American medicine. More than 250 detailed figures allow easy identification.

Camphor for asthma . . . Guajava for skin care . . . Eucalyptus for bronchitis . . . Dragon's Blood for wounds . . . Cat's Claw for arthritis. . . . The Latino folk pharmacopoeia is one of the largest and richest on earth. Drawing on a centuries-old culture of healing tradition, informed by a deep reverence for history, this marvelous resource gives a vivid, balanced look at Latino folk medicine as practiced across America. Inside you will meet the lay healers, curanderes, who prescribe for the sick, visit the botanicas that sell hundreds of medicinal plant products, and learn all about the folk remedy tradition, including how , GINGER can soothe an upset stomach , ANISE keeps colic under control , KALALLO BUSH treats the common cold , EMBAUBA works as an astringent on dry skin Each botanical profile lists the scientific and common name, where the plant is grown and its physical characteristics, traditional uses, availability and dosage, and contraindications and special precautions. It is important to note that herbs should only be taken with the consultation of your physician. Welcome to the world of the yerba buena ("good herb"), where scientists are finding new hope for chronic disease and ordinary folk are discovering new possibilities for better health and well-being!