
Nearly three decades ago, I began tending a culinary herb garden that slowly took over the area I had set aside for growing vegetables. Curiosity about using those herbs for purposes other than cooking soon sent me searching for information on practical uses for herbs—and eventually led me to a career as an herbalist.
Herbs were not as "in" then as they are now. Today, more and more people are rediscovering the art of healing with herbs. Some are undoubtedly attracted by herbalism's wholesome yet somewhat mysterious image. Others are simply looking for a more efficient, less dangerous alternative to conventional drugs.
Herbs can effectively treat many medical problems, but there is also a great deal herbs cannot do. We cannot always look to herbs as an alternative to medical science—especially in life-threatening situations. I do think, though, that we would all benefit if we filled our home medicine cabinets with herbal remedies. This book will teach you how to do just that. It will help if we lay down a few ground rules.