Neil Kingham

‘The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs’ by Ron Teeguarden

Ron Teeguarden is an American herbalist who overcame serious ill health at an early age by using Chinese herbs, and has since specialised in the ‘tonic’ herbs, which is what this book is all about. The tonic herbs are those considered most safe and useful for the general population, and Teeguarden here describes his 22 favourites in detail. Some, such as ginseng, are well known, others you may have come across (goji berries, dang gui, cordyceps) and still others are more unusual (morinda root, deer antler, gynostemma.) Each herb has a number of pages devoted to its effects and uses, how to take it, and what to look for when purchasing.

Another couple of dozen herbs are given brief mentions – these are the ‘supporting cast of herbs’ and then a number of herbal formulations are described along with specific advice for different goals – ‘mental energy’, ‘fertility’, ‘athlete’s programs’ etc. Teeguarden sells a number of his own formulas in the USA, but to his credit, also mentions plenty of traditional formulas which are easily available outside the states.

Teeguarden is certainly enthusiastic about these herbs, you’d be forgiven for thinking they can cure all disease and bestow immortality! Still, the book is an excellent introduction to the topic with enough info to start trying some herbs yourself if you choose to. It is written for the layperson in an easy to read style, and although a little Chinese medicine knowledge would help, it is not necessary.

It is available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to hear Miles Irving speak on his favourite topic – foraging. As a professional forager providing wild foods to the restaurant trade, Miles is a leading expert on the gathering and use of wild food and ‘The Forager Handbook’ is an essential guide for anyone interested in the subject.

The majority of the book’s 408 pages are devoted to descriptions of hundreds of native British wild plants. Their distribution and habitat are described, along with a detailed description. Notes and anecdotes from Miles follow, along with uses, recipes, harvesting notes and hazards if necessary. Similar looking plants are also described, with tips for correct identification. Brief descriptions of medical benefits are also given, where known.

The book has lovely photos throughout – Miles has gone for black and white in order to emphasise the plant’s form, a real benefit to identification. The early chapters cover how, where and why to forage, uses of different plant parts, cooking and preparation methods and hazards along with plant guides by time of year and local environment.

One of the problems faced by the modern-day forager is knowing how to harvest and prepare wild foods. Miles is at the forefront of rediscovering this ancient knowledge, and with the help of the chefs that he works with, suggests numerous recipes and cooking ideas for these ‘lost’ foods.

I have already spent many hours studying and enjoying this book, and putting into practice some of Miles’ advice, and I look forward to a great deal more foraging to come!

‘The Forager Handbook’ is available from Amazon, and more information is also available on Miles’ website, Forager