Caduto, a storyteller, accomplished author and Aesop Prize winner, reminds
readers that Eastern and Western medicine grew in large part out of a
relationship to healing properties found in the natural world, and he offers
this book to help us remember this powerful spiritual connection to "a gift
from the Creator." Caduto's passion for the power of herbs is brightly
reflected in his thorough, well-researched, engaging multicultural volume. In
seven chapters exploring healing, aesthetics and virtue, meals and rituals,
the balance of life, the sacred cosmos, meditation, and practical tips, Caduto
explores practically every pistil, stem, blossom and more of the herbal
world. Arcane facts about Egyptian embalming rest comfortably alongside advice
on growing and harvesting herbs. Herbal experts will treasure the extensive
spiritual application contexts, and beginners will find comfort in the
cultivation basics. Especially soothing and bonding are the Islamic
connections summoning the exquisite, sumptuous gardens of the Middle East.
Each chapter has more than a handful of activities, ceremonies and projects.
Some, such as "Bathing Balms" and "Valentine's Day Cards," seem overly
simplistic, but all recall the sweet elemental connection among aspects of the
living world. (Aug.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
