Technically, herbaceous plants are usually annuals, as they lack woody stems, or (alternatively) they are plants which have a leafy structure or appearance. As the term is generally applied, however, there is little to distinguish the herbs as a class, other than common usage. Herbs generally fall into two types -- culinary herbs which are used to add flavor and interest to foods, and medicinal herbs which promote health and healing. Many common herbs find a place in both categories.
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Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs Probably the best all-around herbal on the market. Authoritative and concise yet with enough depth and breadth to contain useful information on the propogation, cultivation, havesting, uses, and lore of over 140 common herbs, both culinary and medicinal. The Complete Book of Herbs Another omnibus herbal, The Complete Book of Herbs delves deeper into the actual uses of herbs, and is a good companion to Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia. You can use Rodale to locate herbs in this volume, which is somewhat inconveniently organized by botanical (Latin) names. Your Backyard Herb Garden A detailed how-to (suitable for beginners) on growing mainly culinary herbs in the back yard or in containers. Whether you live in the city or simply prefer the convenience of fresh herbs growing right in your kitchen, this book has the low-down on raising and using over 50 popular herbs in small spaces. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine The FDA considers herbs to be "dietary supplements" and prohibits claims about their medicinal value. In this regulatory vacuum, many conflicting and often ridiculous statements can be found about the "traditional uses" of herbs. This book is a welcome exception with reliable scientific information about these valuable plants in addition to the usual interesting lore. Plants of the Gods : Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers Ethnobotany, anyone? | ||||||