HERBS AND HEALING PLANTS OF BRITAIN AND EUROPE:

315 colour photos of plants in their natural habitats provide a basis for identifying the plants you find in the wild, divided into five different colour coded groups for ease of identification. Colour is an obvious distinguishing feature, with the shape and structure of the flower and fruit in support, and flowering season, habitat and distribution are also factors. Each plant has a photo opposite the text on a double spread page. Medicinal properties are listed for both conventional and homoeopathic medicine. These notes are intended as guidelines, not instructions for home use, and if there is a danger of confusion between species, there is an alert. Where a plant may be used safely at home, this is indicated, but otherwise commercial preparations are indicated. The yellow spikes of Great Mullein, flowering in early autumn, are used for bronchial complaints and in homoeopathy for neuralgia and migraine. A home infusion can be made for coughs. The pink florets of Common Centaury can be found in meadows from July to September and is a constituent of digestive bitters. An infusion can be made at home, but because it is a protected species, collection is forbidden. The wild strawberry can also be used for digestive problems. An invaluable pocket guide, with a final section on collection and preparation. 256pp, softback, colour photos on every double spread, line drawings.