Plants, People, and Culture: The Science of Ethnobotany
- ISBN-10
- 036750183X
- ISBN-13
- 9780367501839
- Series
- Plants, People, and Culture
- Category
- Ethnobotany
- Pages
- 218
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2020
- Publisher
- Garland Science
- Authors
- Paul Alan Cox, Michael J. Balick
Description
Botanical wisdom of indigenous peoples has led to discoveries of new pharmaceuticals, chemical compounds, and a myriad of other products. Using riveting stories of fieldwork in remote villages, two of the world's leading ethnobotanists argue that the very roots of human culture are deeply intertwined with plants. One out of four prescription drugs, for example, was discovered from plants used by indigenous peoples for healing. Today ethnobotanical searches for new remedies for Alzheimer's, ALS, and other neurodegenerative illnesses are proceeding at a rapid pace. However, rapid changes in diets of indigenous peoples are linked to increasing levels of diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Yet this understanding of indigenous diets can possibly lead to new strategies for preventing and treating disease. The wisdom of indigenous shipwrights and weavers provides further evidence of the botanical sophistication of indigenous peoples, as does the shaman's use of plants as a doorway into the other world--a realm populated by both angelic and demonic beings. Indigenous claims that plants themselves are sacred leads to a startling reconsideration of biological conservation. The authors, who have spent decades in remote villages argue that rain forest conservation can best be accomplished by learning from, rather than opposing, indigenous peoples. * A highly readable narrative that encourages the user to personally engage with the relationship between plants, people, and culture * Full-color illustrations throughout--including many original photographs captured by the authors during field work * New to this edition--Plants that Harm, a chapter that examines the toxicology of plant poisons, but also the remarkable modification and re-appropriation of these compounds for use in treating disease and addiction * A wealth of useful references and further reading at the end of each chapter * Boxed features on selected topics that offer further insight * Study questions for students to facilitate classroom discussions Designed for the college classroom as well as for the general lay reader, Plants, People, and Culture, Second Edition, entices the reader with first-hand stories of fieldwork, spectacular illustrations, and a deep respect for both indigenous peoples and the earth's natural heritage.
Get the book
Other editions
-
- 2020-08-19
- 228 pages
- Paperback
- Garland Science
Similar books
-
Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants
By Susan A. McCarthyCeschin , C . 44 Chadwick , A. 453 Chadwick , A.F. 454 Chaichantipyuth , C. 70 Chairul 299 Chakrabarty , T. 362 Champagne , D.E. 308 Chan , K.L. 448 Chang , C.J. 41 , 298 Chang , H.M. 427 Chang , I.S. 473 Chang , S.H. 192 Chawla ...
-
Wild Plants and Native Peoples of the Four Corners
By William W. Dunmire, Gail D. TierneyThis book emphasizes prehistoric uses of plants in the Four Corners area, focusing on Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Aztec Ruins, Hovenweep, and other major sites of the region once occupied by the Navajo, Ute, ...
-
神聖.具療效和致幻力量的植物
By Christian Rätsch, 瑞奇, 赫夫曼神聖.具療效和致幻力量的植物
-
Plant Spirit Medicine
By Eliot CowanExplores an old way of healing through the spirit of plants.
-
Plant Spirit Medicine: The Healing Power of Plants
By Eliot Cowan, Null NullElliot Cowan reveals these ancient practices and guides the reader in the effective use of the wild herb plants in the area in which he or she lives. the result is a wonderful psychic and spiritual approach to holistic healing
-
Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants
By Pawan Kumar Bharti, Avnish Chauhan, PrabhatEthnobotany and Medicinal Plants
-
Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants of India and Nepal
Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants of India and Nepal
-
Uno in Aelon in Majol
By Randolph R. Thaman, Irene J. Taafaki, Maria Kabua Fowler"This book is an attempt to ensure that traditional knowledge is not lost and that ecosystems are protected for future generations.
-
Maori Healing Remedies: Rongoa Maori
By Murdoch RileyHeadings for over 30 ailments. The book has beautiful photography by Phil Bendle that identifies many of the indigenous plants used by the Maori.
-
Ethnobotany: From the Traditional to Ethnopharmacology
By José Luis Martínez, Alfred Maroyi, Marcelo L. Wagner"The proposed book will present the large-scale synthesis of traditional botanical knowledge of useful plants.