The Enchantment of Western Herbal Medicine: Herbalists, Plants, and Nonhuman Agency

A thought-provoking selection of interviews with British herbalist, illuminating the the importance of our relationship with plants, alongside how such 'enchantment' has influenced the narrative of their lives. A thought-provoking selection of interviews with British herbalist, illuminating the the importance of our relationship with plants, alongside how such 'enchantment' has influenced the narrative of their lives. Some herbalists have visible entryways into studying, such as personal experience of taking herbal medicine, a search for a new career or a love of nature. Other entryways are more hidden, with many noting 'crossings' and 'callings' with plants at a young age. The Enchantment of Western Herbal Medicine, addresses tje sensual ability of herbs to raise questions about the agency of living plants and of herbal medicines. It discusses in depth how the relationship between herbalists and plants may be reconceived. Meetings with plants and herbal medicines allow herbalists to draw easily from a diverse range of influences that others may see as incommensurable. "This fascinating, original and challenging book convincingly explores modern-day herbalists understanding of their place in the complementary health world, against the backdrop of encroaching professionalisation, legitimacy and scientism. In his case study interviews with herbalists, Guy Waddell draws our attention to the enchanting power of plants and their agentic qualities.