First published over 350 years ago during the reign of Elizabeth I, "Culpeper's Herbal" remains one of the most complete listings of herbs and their uses in existence. From Adder's Tongue to Yarrow, each of the 411 herbs is described in detail, along with its "government and virtues," remedies, and cautions. Although much of the medical advice must be taken with a pinch of salt, the engaging tone, enthusiasm, and expertise of the author are irresistible and highly entertaining. Also included is Culpeper's advice on gathering, drying, conserving, and using herbs to get the most out of them. This collector's edition is a must-have for anyone interested in herbs and their uses. Each entry is illustrated with a finely detailed image and there are thirty beautiful full-page plates throughout the book.

By the time Europeans arrived in the Americas, they possessed a long list of medicinal plants. They also began looking for new plants to use in medicine. The "Badinus" was the first manuscript to bring New World botanical medicine back to Europe in the 1550s. It was based on the work of an Aztec physician. However, Flannery pointed out, the "Badinus" disappeared, moving from one library to another, until it surfaced in the Vatican in 1929, so it had no effect on the way botanical medicines were used in Europe.

By the time Europeans arrived in the Americas, they possessed a long list of medicinal plants. They also began looking for new plants to use in medicine. The "Badinus" was the first manuscript to bring New World botanical medicine back to Europe in the 1550s. It was based on the work of an Aztec physician. However, Flannery pointed out, the "Badinus" disappeared, moving from one library to another, until it surfaced in the Vatican in 1929, so it had no effect on the way botanical medicines were used in Europe.