127 Wild Medicinal Plants of Southwestern US: A complete guide for plant identification, sustainable foraging,preparation methods,and uses

by Gina Hoffman

Are you tired of medicines sold at sky-high prices? Are you looking for more affordable medicinal alternatives that don’t wreck your body? Do you want to try something more natural and soothing? Since ancient times, humans have been looking at nature as a potent answer to all their ailments, crafting remedies through wild plants and herbs growing nearby. And while it may seem like people have lost their touch with nature, this is far from the truth… From Native Americans to African tribes, Chinese traditional medicines, and even the Indian Ayurveda , the plant world still reigns supreme when it comes to finding natural remedies for various ailments. In fact, the trend of relying on herbal medicinal plants is back in full swing. According to IUCN and WWF , between 50,000 to 80,000 species of flowering plant species are used for medicinal purposes all around the globe. Given the skyrocketing costs of healthcare in the United States, it is no surprise that you too would like to try your hand at these medicinal plants to maintain your well-being. And if you happen to live in the Southwest region, you’re in for a treat. In Wild Medicinal Plants Guide of the American Southwest , you will And much more. The American Southwest is brimming with wild plants – not only in the wilderness but also in your backyard! And knowing how to use these marvels of nature might just keep the doctor and his bills away.

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2023

About the author

Gina Hoffman lives in the heart of the country in Oklahoma City. With her two sons now off to college, she is fully engaged in creating stories with the central theme that even when life is harsh and unpleasant, beauty and love can still happen.

Reviews

[Michael Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago, when I was a graduate student at the University of Arizona, my advisor, Richard Shelton, recommended that I enroll in a biology course entitled “Flora and Fauna of the Southwest.” It involved, among other things, a five-day trek with overnight camping at several locations as we moved through five life zones from the Sonoran Desert to the peaks of Mount Lemon. Along the way we identified, sampled, and sketched dozens of plants and wild herbs. Gina Hoffman’s book on harvesting plants and herbs provides a valuable refresher for that course.

As I browsed through the book, I not only discovered plants that I remembered from my long-ago course, but I also learned how to produce infused oils and teas from several leaves and roots. This has proved to be especially useful, not only to me but also to my wife who is an herbalist and involved with homeopathy. She has developed some skills in using distilled oils and effusions to treat everything from skin abrasions to lung congestion with notable success.
Also valuable are the wonderful botanical sketches that enable one to identify various plants. Included with descriptions of those plants that have healing qualities, the author points out those that must be approached with caution. She give warnings in bold print after each description: Can be toxic if ingested. Careful of thorns when harvesting. May cause skin rash if sensitive. Do not ingest!

Finally, she includes laws and regulations that the various southwestern states have enacted regarding harvesting of protected plants. This is particularly important since some states have laws that are quite draconian. Arizona for example, not only imposes large fines but also imprisonment for removing certain cacti from the Sonoran Desert area. Knowing when not to forage in these areas is invaluable.

Overall, this is a valuable resource. As a practical guide for a hiker, a companion for an herbalist, and a guide for the person interested in natural healing, it is ideal.

[Liam Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nanny states.

You know a book is going to be interesting when you see things like bears digging up the ground to search for skunk cabbage roots because the nutrients are good for them following their long sleep throughout the winter months.
The rule of thirds makes sense when foraging in the wild; one third for yourself, a second third for the environment, and lastly another third for the plant itself so that birds and bees may continue to use it.
Interesting too, the notion to leave the environment better than when you arrived, to report Japanese knotweed and picking up rubbish. The advice is to leave snails and slugs alone as they are all doing their bit for the environment.
It’s funny the little things you learn on a daily basis. I always knew some plants were poisonous by ingesting but by touch? Didn’t know that?
Of all the states looked at by the author they all seem to have good foraging tracts but the foraging itself can be frowned upon - nanny states, I call them. Fines for this, fines for that. They do allow some Native Americans to forage so that traditions can be carried out. Nice of them.
All in all, this type of book will appeal to those interested in botany, biology, health professionals interested in herbal remedies, foragers, environmentalists, and chefs. I have no hesitation in recommending it.

[Rodrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herbal remedies easy

This book is easy, has great and useful information for anyone interested in natural remedies. It cover a lot, from identifying plants, to using them safely. The sections on poisonous plants and ethical foraging were especially helpful. It also inspired me to pay more attention to nature when I go hiking. It’s a great resource for beginners who want to explore herbal medicine and sustainable living in an organized and friendly way.

[R. Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great info

I have always been fascinated by all things natural. I do wish there were pictures of all the plants to help with identification, but this is a treasure trove of information. Maybe one for the southeast next? Hopefully she will do one for each part of the us before she finishes

[Dasneves · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative and useful guide

127 Wild Medicinal plants have a lot of good tips . The most I love in this book is the part about poison plants. Very clear, and well written. My favorite garlic is good and never stopped using it. I really appreciate and recommended this book for anyone who want a healthy lifestyle.

[Elizabeth E James · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous information

What a great informative book this has been. Learning about the 127 medicinal plant profiles of the American Southwest and what plants to collect and what to avoid. Brilliant!!

[Jessica Dawn Birks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

This is a beautifully written and fascinating guide for foraging plants! I cannot wait to use some of the things I have learned in this. Wonderful!

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish it had more pictures, but lots of great info on habitat/constituents/key actions of a plant