American Indian Healing Arts is a magical blend of plant lore, history, and living tradition that draws on a lifetime of study with native healers by herbalist and ethnobotanist E. Barrie Kavasch. Here are the time-honored tribal rituals performed to promote good health, heal illness, and bring mind and spirit into harmony with nature. Here also are dozens of safe, effective earth remedies--many of which are now being confirmed by modern research. Each chapter introduces a new stage in the life cycle, from the delightful Navajo First Smile Ceremony (welcoming a new baby) to the Apache Sunrise Ceremony (celebrating puberty) to the Seminole Old People's Dance. At the heart of the book are more than sixty easy-to-use herbal remedies--including soothing rubs for baby, a yucca face mask for troubled skin, relaxing teas, massage oils, natural insect repellents, and fragrant smudge sticks. There are also guidelines for assembling a basic American Indian medicine chest. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Increased interest in complementary healing methods has provoked a flurry of books on Asian traditions, especially those of China and India. America has its own healing traditions, though--the herbal medicines and rituals of the Indian nations. This comprehensive volume includes the traditions of many peoples, such as the spidery dream catcher of the Algonquin and the Cree, the Cheyenne's sacred arrow blessing, and the Iroquois' winter solstice dances. That in itself would make this accessible, engaging book a good choice for libraries where interest in the healing arts is high, and its impressive collection of herbal remedies, all employing American wild plants, only increases its appeal. Digestive tea made from bergamot (bee balm), insect repellent from sassafras, hair conditioner from the soap plant, deodorant from calendula and marigold--recipes for these and many more useful substances distinguish this well-conceived and executed book. (Reviewed May 1, 1999)0553378813Patricia Monaghan From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.