First Nations and natives of North America classified medicinal plant according to energetics of animals.

Bear medicine, for example, is related to Bear Root ("Hedysarum alpinum"), Osha, Angelica root, and Lomatium ("Lomatium dissectum"). These are brown, furry, oily plants that bears seek out in spring after hiberation. Burdock, an introduced herb, could be included in this group, as the genus name Arcticum is from the Greek, meaning Bear. Bearberry ("Arctostaphylos uva-ursi") literally means grape of the bear.

Bear medicine is useful for building up reserve energy via the adrenal system.

Snake medicines, such as Tarragon, "Polygala seneca," and "Sanicula marylandica" have twisted roots that look like serpents. They are often added to herbal combinations to add wisdom or direction to the medicines.

Rabbit root ("Aralia nudicaulis") gives flexibility, agility and muscular strength.

Elk medicines are associated with luck, in hunting, fishing, gambling and love. These antler-shaped herbs help increase kidney strength and sexual energy. Examples include Cleavers, Staghorn Sumach, and Wild Bergamot ("Monarda fistulosa").

In this volume we will look at plants associated with and named after elk, bears, deer, moose, skunk, muskrat, beaver, snakes, buffalo, turtles, fox and rabbits. Not just the plants, because wild moose, elk and beaver parts are valuable sources of food and medicine as well.

We all know and love members of the rose family.

They are most easily identified by the number 5, present in leaves, petals, and sepals, often with five alternate bractlets.

The fruit comes in different forms called achenes, follicles, drupes or pomes. For purposes of simpilicity in this book, I will use the common term fruit to identify all.

The following chapters are arranged by genus not common names. Recent taxonomic revisions suggest moving some plants out of the family, but this volume contains recent opinion on placements, and reflects my personal bias.

The Rose family contains some of our most healing plants, for uses both internally and externally.

This book is a whimsical look at the relationship between members of the Cat family and medicinal plants and fungi. From cattail to pussytoes, from tiger lily to lion's mane, the book provides in-depth health information on a wide variety of easily identified, collected and prepared plant and mushroom medicines.

The doctor of the future will give no medicine,
but will interest... patients in the care of the human frame,
in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease. THOMAS A. EDISON

This volume focuses on vegetables and health. Everyone knows a diet containing a variety of phyto-nutrients is our best insurance to maintain wellness and prevent dis-ease.

Every day, scientists are discovering a wealth of health supporting nutrients in our vegetables.

It may surprise you the wealth of protection and goodness in your next salad or smoothie. Enjoy

Why a book about herbs named after birds? I'm not really sure, but the idea took flight one evening while watching geese returning to the north in late spring.

It was geese, to gooseberry to goose grass, to duckweed, to bird's foot trefoil and away it went, in my mind. Chicken of the woods, birds's nest and turkey tail next came to mind.

I then began to explore the phrase "birds of a feather," and realized that herbalism is often a lonely profession; colleagues and students are special and rare.

A feather in one's cap signifies a special or distinct accomplishment, and it is true that herbal studies are often associated with inner learning and integration.

The expression "in fine or good feather" means to be in good humor or health, and that is the whole idea of this book. A bird in the hand suggests you are already in possession of something such as this book, while two birds in the bush are something unsure or tentative. So take a gander. If you are a night owl, all the better.

Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That is where the fruit is. UNKNOWN.

This volume explored the health and medicinal benefits of fruits that grow in northern climates. Some are indigenous and others introduced. Fruit is derived from the Latin FRUITUS meaning, "to enjoy." Fruit contains a vast variety of compounds that both prevent disease and maintain health and well-being. Modern research has discovered that many of these nutrients are synergistic and surpass artificial vitamins and minerals in both availability and potency. And they taste better

There is not much else to say, expect to whet your appetite, and bite in. The life you extend may be your own. Enjoy.

The doctrine of signatures is a largely misunderstood concept that looks at shape, color, smell and other expressions in plant leaves and flowers.

Using imagination and intution, herbalists relate these qualities to various expressions of disease, or individual body parts.

This book is part educational, and part whimsical look at plants and their relationship to organ systems of the body.