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

The Bean family is the second most important economic group in the world after the Grass or Poaceae family.

It is rich in a variety of phytochemicals that help treat all manner of health conditions.

The tale of Jack and the Beanstalk is of certain significance. The idea that a bean can be the portal to a magical world is common in popular culture. No surprise there

Rolling in the clover conjures up for many people, sweet, delightful memories. This family is large and varied, containing various beans and peas, but other delights like licorice, alfalfa, caragana, and vetches.

We're like licorice. Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice. JERRY GARCIA

A writer is like a bean plant-he has his little day and then gets stringy. E. B. WHITE

Nature also forges man,
Now a gold man,
Now a silver man,
Now a fig man,
Now a bean man. PARACELSUS

Creamy bean flowers with black eyes and leaves like bored hearts.
Is it blood clots the tendrils are dragging up that string?
No, no, it is scarlet flowers that will one day be edible. SYLVIA PLATH

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.

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.