Sacred Plant Medicine (the Wisdom In Native American Herbalism)

By (author) Stephen Harrod Buhner; By (author) Buhner Stephen Harrod
Short description/annotation
The first in-depth examination of the sacred underpinnings of the world of Native American medicinal herbalism.
Description
As humans evolved on Earth they used plants for everything imaginable--food, weapons, baskets, clothes, shelter, and medicine. Indigenous peoples the world over have been able to gather knowledge of plant uses by communicating directly with plants and honoring the sacred relationship between themselves and the plant world. In Sacred Plant MedicineStephen Harrod Buhner looks at the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and plants and examines the techniques and states of mind these cultures use to communicate with the plant world. He explores the sacred dimension of plant and human interactions and the territory where plants are an expression of Spirit. For each healing plant described in the book, Buhner presents medicinal uses, preparatory guidelines, and ceremonial elements such as prayers and medicine songs associated with its use.
Table of contents
Acknowledgments

Foreword by Brooke Medicine Eagle

Preface to the New Edition

Preface to the First Edition

1 The Sacred and the Earth

2 To Be Healed by the Earth

3 Visions of Sacred Plant Medicine

4 The Sacred Song of a Plant

5 Making Sacred Relationship with Plants

6 Healing in a Sacred Manner

7 Digging for Medicine: The Wildcrafting of Medicinal Plants

8 Making Plants into Medicine: The Technology of Herbalism

9 Ceremony: Making Deeper Relationship with Plants

10 Four Sacred Plants of the Rocky Mountain Region:
Their Sacred Qualities and Uses as Medicine

11 A Short Compendium of Plants and Their Sacred Uses

12 The Birth of Gaia

Appendix: Wildcrafting Ethics and Guidelines
by the Rocky Mountain Herbalists’ Coalition

Notes

Suggested Readings and Herbal Apprenticeship Programs

Index
Review quote
“The first in-depth analysis of the processes used by Native Americans to communicate with the plant world for the purposes of healing human illness. It is a work long overdue by an author who himself ‘talks’ with plants as Native Americans have always done.”
Review quote
“Buhner articulates the sacred underpinnings of the herbal world and deep ecology as only a real ‘green man’ can.”
Review quote
"This is an excellent reference book, as well as a wonderful book for beginners who want a true understanding of how to begin working with plants."
Review quote
". . . offers not just another herbal, but the first in-depth analysis of how the Native Americans communicated with the plant world to heal human ailments."
Review quote
". . . guides the reader through the practical technology of herbalism--which parts of the plant to use, and how to prepare tinctures, salves, and infusions, never letting us forget the underlying precious and holy exchange that is happening."
Review quote
"Sacred Plant Medicine will guide you into the territory where plants are an expression of the spirit. Through prayer and sacred medicinal songs, Buhner shows how plants reveal their medicinal properties."
Review quote
"A delightful read in all ways and highly recommended."
Review quote
". . . the first in-depth study that examines the world of Native American medicinal herbalism."
Review quote
"Buhner''s examination and research brings forth how indigenous peoples are able to communicate with Mother Earth and her pr