Daisies and marigolds, flowers of our central star, the sun, are central to our materia medica. Where would we be without Bellis perennis, Calendula, Chamomilla and Arnica? The artist Georgia O’ Keeffe wrote that “nobody really sees a flower, we haven’t time, and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time”. In this book you are invited to get closer to the essential nature of old friends such as Arnica and become better acquainted with others such as Artemisia absinthium and Millefolium.
The Contents pages are now available for download.
Part One: An A-Z synoptic and visual materia medica which includes homeopathic remedy essentials, botanical notes and traditional uses. Thirty five Asteraceae remedies are presented in full colour, with contemporary photographs and lovingly restored drawings from the great botanical illustrators of the past.
Part Two: In-depth portraits of selected remedies in words and images. Includes remedy relationships, cases, and Asteraceae themes. Chapters include Bitter Pills: Cina and the Anthemideae tribe, including Millefolium and cases; Bitter Foods: Carduus marianus and Botanical Relatives; Earthing the Sun: a discussion of the Asteraceae remedies as regards wounds, fevers and infections, and more….
Reprinted with the permission of The Society of Homeopaths, from 'The New Homeopath' Journal, Winter 2020 edition. Reviewed by Philippa Fibert RSHom.
This book is written with a great love of its subject - "our radiant flowers of the sun", and enlightens our homeopathic relationship with the Asteraceae, previously known as the Compositae. It follows Jo Evans' previous, acclaimed book Sea Remedies - evolution of the senses. Jo writes, "Once upon a time humanity respected and even worshipped plants. Now we are distanced from such cultural associated and live in environmentally challenging times." This beautiful book attempts to reconnect us.
This is a botanical and herbal as well as homeopathic book, full of lore and legend and beautiful illustrations. For example, did you know that once upon a time you might have been advised to eat daisy flower heads as a cure for boils? Or that Chaucer described the daisy as "that blissful sight that softens all my sorrow"? This quote leads beautifully into the homeopathic description of this plant's ability to soften "painfully tense, plus filled infections".
This is a book to sit down and wonder, alongside the author, at mysterious associations across time and to deeply resonate with the spirit of the flower. I loved the author's exploration of Achillea millefolium (Yarow) from the Anthemideae family - plants of Artemis, skilled huntress, midwife and healer. The female energy of Artemis is contrasted with the male energy of the warrior Achilles, who employed yarrow's life preserving powers. Thus the polarised aspect of millefolium is revealed: male hardness and readiness for battle, and feminine sensitivity.
Whilst this is a book to sit down and luxuriate in, it is not necessarily a handy materia medica to enhance prescribing. There are few case examples, and the materia medica with which the book opens is perfunctory.
The in-depth portraits of part two are confusingly separate from the materia medica, but far more revealing of the essence of their subjects.
If you want to learn as much as you can about a particular remedy for prescribing purposes, you will find yourself flicking back and forth to do so. Rather turn to the latter more discursive chapters for a wondrously meditative journey alongside glorious illustrations.
