Fascinating ethnobotany 
This fascinating book considers the role of cannabis or hemp as medicine in a multitude of cultures from around the world. The author looks at the historical role and medicinal and cultural uses of hemp in these societies.The introduction deals with botany, taxonomy, chemistry and pharmacology and also looks at the literature and research, providing an impressive bibliography. Some of the interesting chapters include information on shamanism in Nepal, hemp in the Chinese herbal arts, Vijaya in Ayurvedic medicine, Bhanga in Indian and Nepalese folk medicine and the use of the plant in Africa and the Americas. Each chapter includes recipes and remedies that contain hemp from these traditions for various disease conditions. The plant has a long history as herbal medicine with a multitude of applications. The author discusses the German saint, seeress and musician Hildegard von Bingen and German medieval medicine, and provides one of her hemp containing remedies for stomachache. The role of hemp in Alchemy, Rastafarianism and Homeopathy is also investigated. A list of diseases which hemp is used to treat is provided, from abdominal pains to wounds, whilst the bibliography includes books, articles, periodicals, multimedia and website addresses. The text is enhanced by black and white illustrations whilst the beautiful full colour plates include botanical illustrations, photographs, paintings, album covers, T-shirts and buttons. There is also an impressive painting by Alex Grey of the hemp goddess. The book includes a glossary of terms and concludes with an index. Every chapter has its own bibliography. This is a valuable reference and source book and provides a spellbinding read.
February 07, 2004 | 
