Steven Foster Books

An updated field guide to the medicinal plants and herbs found in eastern and central North America, including how to identify them and use them.

Echinacea provides both a contemporary and historical view of this important herb and its healing properties. Known as a non-specific stimulant to the immune system, it was highly valued in Native American medicine and was used more frequently than any other plant. Today, research shows clear scientific reasons for its effectiveness.

Provides background information about herbal medicine and remedies; looks at common drugs and their herbal alternatives; features an annotated listing of a range disorders, with discussion of treatment options; and includes profiles of fifty-eight herbs.

This essential guide to safety in the field features 90 venomous animals and more than 250 poisonous plants and fungi. The 340 line drawings make identification fast and simple; 160 species are also illustrated with color photographs.

For millennia, humans have sought remedies in nature for various ailments. Long before formal science emerged, healers utilized plants to alleviate pain and treat a multitude of diseases. Today, many still rely on medicinal plants, whether in traditional practices or as foundations for new research and innovative drugs. This accessible, fact-filled book features 350 full-color photographs, botanical drawings, and maps, presenting beautifully illustrated entries for hundreds of plants celebrated for their healing properties. Each entry includes detailed descriptions of physical appearance, medicinal uses, origins, geographic distribution, and harvesting methods, along with a range map. The text offers a fascinating medical chronicle filled with informative sidebars on topics ranging from ancient folklore to contemporary research. Readers will discover the evolution of aspirin from willow bark to modern tablets, the role of foxglove in creating the heart drug digitalis, and the deep historical and cultural roots of many common treatments. This journey begins centuries ago in remote areas like the Amazon rain forest, where shamans wielded the curative power of plants, and extends to today’s high-tech pharmaceutical labs, where scientists strive to develop new plant-based drugs for a wide array of diseases, from cancer to the common cold.

Movingly rendered and powerfully wrought, The Book of the Vision Quest is for all who long for renewal and personal transformation. It is a celebration of life and a marvelous testament to the ability of all people to take charge of their lives, heal themselves, and grow. In this revised edition--with two new chapters and added tales from vision questers--Steven Foster recounts his experiences guiding contemporary seekers. He recreates an ancient rite of passage--that of "dying," "passing through," and "being reborn"--known as a vision quest. It is a sacred ceremony that culminates in a three-day, three-night fast, alone, in a place of natural power. Blending numerous heritages, wisdoms, and teachings, the vision quest is a mystical, practical, and intensely personal journey of self-knowledge - publisher's description.

The narrative follows Steven Foster as he explores Dubai, a city renowned for its wealth and innovation. He seeks out ambitious and visionary leaders who thrive in this dynamic environment, showcasing the unique entrepreneurial spirit and diverse perspectives that define the city's landscape. Through his journey, Foster highlights the transformative power of leadership and ambition in one of the world's most vibrant urban centers.

With a commitment to providing accurate information on botanical remedies, this guide is a valuable resource for consumers, doctors, and health professionals. Crafted by a team of botanical and medical experts, it presents reliable, practical insights into 72 essential medicinal herbs. This informative reference connects these herbs to the body systems they support, organized into eight chapters: Mental Health & the Nervous System, Respiratory System, Heart & Circulation, Digestive System, Joints, Muscles & Skin, Urinary & Male Health, Female Health, and Wellness & Perception. Each chapter begins with an overview of the health benefits of plants for that body system, sharing traditional herbal remedies and current scientific findings. Highlighting nine plants per chapter, the guide combines botanical and medical information, detailing therapeutic uses, effectiveness, preparations, cautions, and insights into active ingredients. A photo gallery illustrates how each herb is cultivated and processed commercially, revealing the story behind the products available in stores. Special features include practical tips for using herbs in daily life and timelines that showcase the historical wisdom surrounding herbal remedies. An appendix offers an illustrated index of plants, an ailment-by-ailment therapeutic index, a glossary, and a comprehensive index for easy navigation.

Features more than five hundred plants and herbs of North America providing information on their location and medicinal uses.