Sudhir Ahluwalia - Holy Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient Plants

First published in 2017 by FINGERPRINT LIFE

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Copyright Text: Sudhir Ahluwalia

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Reviews for
HOLY HERBS

A brilliant account of origin and identification of plants as mentioned in religious texts... A very nice piece of work.
B. K. Singh, Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Karnataka

A unique presentation of history of medicinal herbs, their modern uses, as well as scientific evidence supporting their medical applications. An interesting book with a very special flavour.
Dr. Atanas Atanasov, Head of Microbiology Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Holy herbs describes a number of well-known herbs which have been used since the 3rd millennium bc and are in use even today... A very stimulating and informative read.
D. K. Ved, School of Conservation of Natural Resources, TransDisciplinary University

Role of plants in treating diseases like cancer to malaria is well known. Most of us know that Taxol which inhibits cell division is a plant extract in cancer treatment. Quinine sulfate (Qualaquin) in treatment of malaria is another example of Herbs and plants usage in medicine. However, understanding close linkage of culture, religion, trade with healing practices of modern day and the past is quite interesting and is a good read. Dr Ahluwalia's contribution towards this is praiseworthy.
Ashok Pai, CEO Waqf Board, Government of India

I ordered this book with a lot of curiosity to know about the usage of many of the well known and popular herbs across different countries and regions since the ancient times. I must admit that I have not been disappointed. The book is full of interesting facts about a wide range of herbs which have continued to be in use for culinary, aromatic and healthcare purposes over more than 2000 years of history. Specific quotes from Biblical texts, about their usage, provides a unique historical perspective to the whole subject.
Dr. Madhu

The book covered a lot of great material and really fascinating research on the origin and identification of herbs from biblical times to their modern use today. Many books about herbs list various uses with no scientific explanation but I venture to say that never before have the various aspects been explored in this depth and specificity. Very well written and indeed, a great read. Highly recommended...
Amazon Customer

A great Insightful, gripping read till the end. As a chef, now i look at my herbs, and spices in a completely new light. Enchanting.
Gaurvi

Interesting, informative, well researched, highly recommended and language is very simple.
Amazon Customer

Sudhir Ahluwalia has done a commendable job in Holy Herbs, a compendium of culinary and medicinal herbs used, traded and fought over right from the beginning of recorded History (maybe even earlier) to the present day. The presentation is user friendly and the details most lucidly brought out. It is only natural that for these herbs, shrubs and trees to become holy or sacred, their mention in religious texts is a sine qua non; a sort of divine certification the writer has drawn upon and quite thoroughly highlighted. However, holy herbs like many other things holy, are getting scarce; like Adam and Eve they are being banished from our planetary Garden of Eden. This aspect, though mentioned in the passing, needed perhaps a separate chapter. For students, homemakers, grandmas and herbal healers, a useful, handy reference to have around the house.
Vinay Tandon

DEDICATION

This is for Vibha, my wife,
without whose support this
would not have been possible .

Disclaimer

The purpose of this book is to provide information. None of the information provided in this book is intended as medical advice. Always seek advice from medical professionals before starting any treatment.

1. What is the origin and correct identification of plants mentioned in important religious texts, such as the Bible , and secular literature?
2. What was the value of these herbs in Biblical times?
3. How was trade in herbs conducted over the millennia, and to what extent does this trade survive?
4. What archaeological evidence supports the use of herbal products?
5. What, if any, current research supports the use of herbal products?