Sharma, B.D.: Himalayan Edible Medicinal Plants: Science and Traditional Wisdom : 2014, Pages : xiv, 631 (162 coloured photographs),

by B.D. Sharma

The main focus of this book is on establishing scientific validation of traditional wisdom on the plants, which people living in the Himalayas had inherited since the immemorial past, The book have four chapters giving introduction to the traditional knowledge followed by description on about 150 plants with colored photographs One of the most interesting aspects of this traditional knowledge had been that wherever needed, there was development of wisdom for applying some kind of processing method in order to avoid any adverse effects of the Plants on being consumed as raw. Almost all the traditionally consumed plants have a distinct effect on health particularly acting as antidote to poisons, as antioxidants scavenging free radicals from the body, removing constipation, overcoming nutritional deficiencies and preventing malnutrition by their higher contents of macro and micro mineral constituents and vitamins, which usually may be present in low amounts in our common food articles. They also add to taste in certain cases. In accordance to Ayurveda, six tastes (sweet, bitter, pungent, salt, sour and astringent) must be involved in our daily diet for the maintenance of proper health and this is also achieved with their consumption. The book also highlights the related aspects involving traditional ways of nutrition to changing consumerism in the world in future. It is hoped that the book will be of great worth for knowing the useful plants around us, Providing information with regard to nutritional, medicinal and pharmacological benefits before consumption of these traditionally collected plants and would be of interest to the medicine men, researchers, nutritionists, vaidyas (traditional practitioner of Ayurveda), disaster managers, and pharmacy industry people as well as all those engaged in conservation of plants would find the book of great interest.

629 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2014