“A beautifully crafted exploration of medicinal plants and fungi, blending rigorous research with deep reverence for nature’s healing potential. Wouter’s holistic approach is evident on every page, from the meticulously detailed monographs to the engaging historical and scientific insights. The beautiful illustrations bring these botanical allies to life, while the artful recipes by chef Joris transform the herbs and mushrooms into mouthwatering, therapeutic creations. This book doesn’t just inform—it inspires, offering a bridge between the science of phytochemicals and the sensory delight of herbal preparations. A must-have for herbalists, health food enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about the intersection of tradition and modern plant wisdom.”
Description
“An excellent resource about the natural properties of plants.”—Kirkus Reviews
• Explores the ethnobotany and practical applications of 30 plants, fruits, nuts, bulbs, roots, flowers, and mushrooms that support the immune system, digestion, endurance, vitality, and the brain
• Examines ritual and mind-expanding plants such as fly agaric, blue lotus, cannabis, and peyote cactus
• Offers 60 delicious vegetarian recipes (two for each plant or mushroom) by Michelin star chef Joris Bijdendijk
WHILE KNOWING that spending time in nature and eating healthy is important, we often dismiss the fact that plants have been used as healing medicine for thousands of years.
In this guide, Wouter Bijdendijk highlights thirty mushrooms, herbs, flowers, fruits, nuts, bulbs, and roots that support the immune system, digestion, endurance, vitality, and the brain—from ginseng and turmeric to chaga and reishi to olive and chamomile. He also explores several plants that have played a significant role in rituals and ceremonies, such as fly agaric, blue lotus, cannabis, and peyote cactus, enabling our ancestors to connect with deeper layers of themselves, the spiritual realms, and the Divine. Michelin star chef Joris Bijdendijk provides two delicious vegetarian recipes for each major plant, offering culinary delights to help you easily incorporate the medicinal powers of these plants in your life.
A journey through the deep and ancient roots of plant knowledge, from folk uses to mystical properties to the vital role of plants in human evolution, this book shows you how to harness the natural power of plants to revitalize your body, integrate your spirit, and empower your life.
Reviews
“This unique combination of evidence-based resource for plant and herbal medicines, how-to guide, and cookbook will ill a gap in most personal and library collections. An excellent resource about the natural properties of plants.”
“Plants are the quiet masters behind the scene, providing us with the air we breathe, food, healing, and more. We must listen and look deeply into their nature to understand them. Wouter Bijdendijk does this and shares his insights in this wonderful book.”
“It’s with great pleasure that I celebrate this book on plants and their ancestral link with humans. . . . a precious work of safeguarding living beings. Knowledge and responsible use of this marvelous natural and cultural heritage, and acting in favor of the planet, means getting back in touch with a more fulilling way of life: tasty, pleasant, and even fun! By choosing what we eat, we choose the world in which we wish to live.”