The Complete Language of Herbs

An exquisitely illustrated A-Z, exploring the symbolic meanings and powers ascribed to hundreds of medicinal and culinary herbs from around the world. From Abelmoschus moschatus, or ambrette; to zingiber officinale, or ginger: expert profiles note popular meanings, uses, and purported powers and properties; plus fascinating facts, from toxicity and folklore, to Latin and common names, all set beside dainty botanical illustrations. Echoing Victorian floriographies, the fact-packed compendium draws upon a wide-range of historical sources, from medieval charms to modern herbals. Whether reading cover-to-cover or dipping in and out, the informative entries will enhance and inspire your understanding of common – and uncommon - herbs. Learn that planting hollyhocks near a house brings wealth to the residents; hanging erigeron wards off evil; two people eating leeks together will fall in love; or that carrying a sprig of witch hazel heals a broken heart and a sachet of ginger brings good luck. With useful indexes of common names, meanings and powers, the compact compendium will be sure to delight gardeners and cooks alike.

Hardback
19 x 15.5cm
256 pages
Illustrated throughout with colour and black-and-white botanical illustrations
American English spelling