The Magic: Herbs act in almost magical and astonishing ways — spasms may relax, pains vanish, constipation overcome, nervousness recede, headaches disappear, colds be banished, allergies counteracted, fevers controlled, blood flow arrested... the magic is endless.

The Heritage: Since early Neanderthal man, plants and herbs have been used for healing and restoring good health. Even as medical science has progressed, methods and ideas based on herbal healing have sustained and grown in different countries, across different cultures, often being used in exactly the same way. Bitter chamomile, for instance, is used as digestive aid throughout the world.

The Proof: Traditional herbal remedies have led to the development of numerous ‘modern' drugs; from aspirin, tranquilizers and chywanprash to heart saving digitalis, establishing beyond doubt the efficacy of 'herbal medicine'.

The Book: This revised 2nd edition covers more than one hundred herbs, most of which are readily available (some even in your kitchen) and easily obtainable, and describes their specific healing properties, how the herb is useful in alleviating or preventing specific ailments; in most cases, the method of making and using herbal preparations is also explained. Index of ailments which can be effectively treated by herbs makes the book especially useful.