Encyclopedia “Medicinal plants” offers systematized popular scientific information about plants common in the Bulgarian flora and used in folk medicine for centuries, as well as about foreign species – more than 270 in total. The information in the publication is reliable and scientifically verified, presented in an accessible form. Medicinal plants suitable for home use are described. They are well tolerated, can be used for a longer period of time and are used for the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases.
The first part of the encyclopedia examines the most important biologically active substances in medicinal plants, which are responsible for their specific action, as well as the morphology of their individual parts for easier recognition. It is indicated how they are collected, dried, stored and how to prepare various extracts from them. In the second part, for each plant, a botanical description, biologically active substances, which parts of it are used and in which cases are indicated. Proposed recipes for use at home.
The table “Influence of medicinal plants on the body and the human metabolism” included at the end of the book is also a valuable aid, which makes it easy for the reader to find out which plants can be used for a given disease. The glossary of medical and botanical terms also contains useful information, and the index of Latin names at the end of the encyclopedia supports the search for specific medicinal plants by their Latin name.
It is particularly useful that the names (synonyms) of the same plant in different parts of Bulgaria are also given in this volume. With a warning red mark in the articles, the dangerous and unwanted reactions to the application of specific types of plants are noted. Excluded from the edition are species with a strong action, the use of which is dangerous at home.
The encyclopedia was prepared by a team of leading scientists – authors and consultants, with in-depth scientific knowledge and long-term research experience in the field of pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, botany – from the Medical University – Sofia and from the BAS, and with the assistance of institutions dealing with the preservation of biodiversity and the environment in Bulgaria. The chief scientific editor of the “Medicinal Plants” encyclopedia is Prof. Ilina Krasteva from Sofia University, Doctor of Sciences in Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, with innovative research on medicinal plants with rare biologically active substances.
Encyclopaedia “Medicinal plants”, both in terms of the volume of the species described in it, and with the latest scientific information on the chemical composition and medicinal action included, is a significant contribution to both scientific and popular science literature. It is suitable for every home; will satisfy the interests of various specialists – doctors, pharmacists, biologists, etc., as well as students, as well as a wide range of readers interested in medicinal plants.
The layout and design of the edition are the work of “Knigomania” publishing house.
2023, ISBN 978-619-195-356-1, 978-954-810-444-9
