Elixirs of Life

Many non-western cultures -- particularly native Americans and the peoples of Asia and India -- have never lost their knowledge of and belief in the efficacy of herbs in prolonging life and improving its quality. Many herbs are believed to rejuvenate the body and repair tissue waste; others are thought to provide essential nutritive supplements, to have aphrodisiac properties, or to aid digestion. In this definitive volume, long out of print, Hilda Leyel explores the global history and use of 171 revitalizing herbs and vegetables from Agar-Agar to Yellow Wort, grouped into three categories: nutritious herbs, bitter herbs, and tonic herbs. The unique feature of the work is the inclusion of oriental herb lore and herbal wisdom from ancient sources, including Rome and Egypt. Food and medicine being identical in herbal wisdom, the recommendations for making herbal infusions are given, along with some simple recipes.Leyel, C. F. is the author of 'Elixirs of Life', published 1987 under ISBN 9780571148493 and ISBN 0571148492.