Pharmako/Poeia, Revised and Updated: Plant Powers, Poisons, and Herbcraft

I've read a lot of books on herbalism, but this series of books is a unique and extremely valuable find. Dale Pendell covers a wide variety of herbs and their affects on the human mind, body and spirit. What makes his book different from others is the poetic way in which he conveys his information. It makes reading the books far from dull or dry, and some herbal books read like medical textbooks in that sense. The authors brilliance, wisdom and sheer depth and bredth of knowledge shines through in this series, and I can't think of any other books that cover the "poisonous" herbs and substances in such a way. Read Pharmako/Poeia and you will probably want to buy Pharmako/Dynamis and Pharmako/Gnosis. They are all valuable to the herbalist, folklorist, entheobotanist, or anyone who just wants to know about the uses and side effects of various plants that are often stigmatized in our culture. Subjects range from:OpiumMarjuanaAlcohol (beer, wine, distilled spirits)AbsintheSalviaTobaccoNitrousKava KavaAnd even, fossil fuel.But don't think that he advocates the use (or abuse) of all these plants. He gives you the information, what they do, their history, and side effects. You will find no propaganda or scare tactics, just the truth (and the truth of what some of these plants can do is scary enough without embellishment!)Another plus of these books: They're aesthetically pleasing. I honestly can't think of any problems with this series of books: Informative, accurate and beautiful. Dale Pendell is an asset to the herbalist community.

Poison have been used by seekers of wisdom for thousands of years. Ever since early prehistoric times the poison and the allies of the plant world have been teaching mankind sometimes directly and sometimes through animals. Dale Pendell has written a nice compendium of these poisons. Based on years of research and experimentation Dale describes the chemistry of these allies, how they are used by indigenous societies and how we may prepare them for today's usage. The author also gives us associations connected with these plant allies that would jibe well with anyone who is interested in alchemy.The allies are broken up into five allies and they are inebrienta,phantastica, excitianta,thanatopathia and Eurphorica. More than several allies are discussed many of which we are familiar with. Marijauna,wine, absinthe,mugwort,ether, laughing gas, opium and laudanum just to name a few. Read this book and you will get a glimpse into the history of these allies as well as an insight into their benefits and pitfalls.The author uses poetic insight to inspire your imagination while you are reading. A huge plus and one factor that would encourage me to read the next two volumes of his work. While I am not sure I would wish to indulge in the poison path. As marijuana leaves me rather paranoid and reclusive. I hate being trapped in my own imagination. Ether and laughing gas do not seem a safe bet to abuse or use regularly. Forget about Opium and Laudanum as the poppy is not legal here in the states. Nicotine can be deadly with just one or two drops. It was used to generate a religious high. If I can try without smoking it hey I might be game.Parts of the last section speak about The Greenman whose face it seems is on every cathedral and building in Europe some would call him Osiris or Robin Hood maybe even Dionysus. He is the god of revelry and intoxication. Highly recommended read.

Hands down the most interesting thing I've read this year. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the outer edges of plant medicine or the lore surrounding it. I've never read any book that combines hard science and research so seamlessly with poetry, mythology and human experience in a way that's so enjoyable to read. The author is well-informed and thorough in his writing, with a voice that's humorous and amicable. Useful as a reference for both traditional uses of plants and modern pharmacology, along with so much more. It helped me round out my understanding of a few familiar plants and introduced me to many new ones along the way. I ordered the rest of the series before I'd even finished this one and can't wait to add them to my collection!

I am an herbalist, and I found this book by Pendell and Snyder to be full of information that was presented in a fascinating way. Interestingly, finding information about herbal poisons isn't as easy as it might seem, but is still important. I can honestly say I learned a few things from this book that I did not realize, particularly from a historical standpoint! I can't wait to get my hands on the other two volumes as soon as they become available - however I have been waiting for almost a year for the promised second and third volumes of the book. I am hoping that the publisher or author can give us a firmer lead time for their final release.

Enlightening, eye-opening, and unique. This is a biochemistry textbook written through poetry with quotes. Can it get any better?

This book provides clear and concise descriptions of the pharmacological effects, while incorporating a bizarrely abstract yet informative background on each substance.As a toxicologist, I have found it to be an entertaining and valuable resource!

Finally a book on plant allies that allows the ally to speak for itself. Poetic, funny and dare I say it ... a contact high all on its own.Well done!Highly, highly recommended.For mad men and women only. Sex and Light: How to Google your way to Godhood

I love this book! I have the Pharmako/Gnosis volume as well, and just ordered the Pharmako/Dynamasis volume. This volume is my favorite so far; the illustrations and anecdotes are so fascinating. The recipe for the kava drink is delicious. The author is a true poet and I envy his talent for documenting so creatively.

Product is great!

Livre destiné comme cadeau de NoËL donc pas lu ! semble trés bien

Wow!

Merveilleux ouvrage!

This could have been an interesting book, but unfortunately the author is so self-indulgent that the thing is virtually unreadable. A pity.