PLANT POWER

Thirty mushrooms and plants get well-deserved recognition for their healing and sustenance potential in this nonfiction work.

Wouter Bijdendijk has a doctorate in anthropology and specializes in pharmacognosy, a branch of pharmacology focused on the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical, and biological properties of medicines of natural origin; Joris Bijdendijk, his brother, is a Michelin-starred chef. Together, they have collaborated on a unique book about the medicinal and culinary properties of plants and mushrooms. An introduction details factors that affect the immune system and the connections between lifestyle, food, nature, and health. Thirty individual plants are described in chapters covering mushrooms, fruits and nuts, herbs and spices, leaves and flowers, and bulbs and roots. Each chapter begins with a conversation between the brothers about the subject, often including their childhood experiences. Individual plants within each chapter are described in detail, including their uses, appearance, and extraction and dosage guidelines. Historical backgrounds of the plants contextualize their importance to cultures worldwide throughout history. Garlic, for instance, which was considered sacred in ancient Egypt, “was also mentioned in the Edda (the sacred Icelandic and Norwegian poems from the 10th century)” and “was first described as a medicine 2000 years BCE” in China. A highlighted sidebar for each entry emphasizes distinctive properties, sourcing, and warnings about interactions. Full-color photographs and two recipes by Joris accompany each description. Chapters end with “further plant journeys” spotlighting plants that are known to have psychoactive properties. The authors’ passion for the natural properties of plants is evident, as is their respect for knowledge from non-Western cultures worldwide and concern for the world’s biodiversity. The prose, ably translated by Jansen, is accessible to the nonprofessional reader. Extensive footnotes and a section of resources on each subject provide guidance for anyone interested in delving further. This unique combination of evidence-based resource for plant and herbal medicines, how-to guide, and cookbook will fill a gap in most personal and library collections.

An excellent resource about the natural properties of plants.