Aquatic Dicotyledons of North America: Ecology, Life History, and Systematics by Donald H. Les. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2017. Hardcover, 1,334 pages. ISBN: 9781482225020. $249.95. This text provides an overview of the biology of major aquatic plant species. The plant genera descriptions are based on recent phylogenetic analyses, and the individual species entries include information such as distribution, morphology, preferred habitat, and food and medicinal uses. The practical information is suitable for academic researchers and students, and for the purposes of wetland management.
Homemade Perfume: Create Exquisite, Naturally Scented Products to Fill Your Life with Botanical Aromas by Anya McCoy. Salem, MA: Page Street Publishing Co.; 2018. Softcover, 192 pages. ISBN: 978-1-62414-585-8. $21.99. Homemade Perfume is a comprehensive resource for the creation of artisanal perfume. The text includes step-by-step instructions for a variety of techniques for making scented body sprays, body butters, massage oils, and more, using local plants and common household ingredients. McCoy also explores the nuances of scent blending to create unusual, delightful fragrances. The book includes a glossary of fragrance terminology, instructions on how to home-distill essential oils, and recipes for numerous scented products that can be made with common household tools and ingredients.
Hops, Herb of the Year 2018: Brewing and Beyond compiled and edited by Gert Coleman, ed. Jacksonville, FL: International Herb Association; 2018. Softcover, 293 pages. ISBN: 978-1-5323-4413-8. $15.95. The International Herb Association designated hops (Humulus lupulus, Cannabaceae) as the Herb of the Year for 2018 and produced this text that celebrates all aspects of the bitter botanical. This compilation of more than 40 essays covers various topics: botany and cultivation, history and harvest, lore, recipes, and medicinal uses. The text also includes illustrations, photos, and poetry that take hops beyond beer and explore the plant’s lengthy history of use in cultures around the world.
Moodtopia by Sara-Chana Silverstein. New York, NY: Hachette Book Group; 2018. Softcover, 256 pages. ISBN: 9780738220055. $11.99. Herbalist Sara-Chana Silverstein, RH (AHG), introduces readers to natural remedies for stress, anxiety, and general health. This text explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of mental health and how strategies that include aromatherapy and adaptogenic herbs can help maintain well-being with minimal side effects. Silverstein primarily addresses women in this book and offers insights from her own experiences or those of her clients. The final part of this book includes a 90-day program that incorporates the previously mentioned strategies to achieve emotional and mental wellness.
50+ Natural Health Secrets: Proven to Change Your Life by Terry Lemerond. Green Bay, WI: Terry Talks Nutrition; 2018. Softcover, 184 pages. ISBN: 978-1732195905. $12.99. Natural products industry pioneer Terry Lemerond brings more than 40 years of experience to this easy-to-understand guide to natural medicine. Full-color profiles explore the benefits of botanicals and ingredients such as coenzyme Q10 and astaxanthin. The topics range from popular ingredients, such as curcumin (from turmeric [Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae]), to less well-known plants like copalchi (Hintonia latiflora, Rubiaceae). Each profile also mentions dosing suggestions and contraindications associated with the botanical or ingredient, if applicable. Lemerond also briefly discusses other holistic aspects of health and wellness with recommendations for diet and exercise.