by Stephen Harrod Buhner

Ancient and indigenous peoples have insisted their knowledge of plant medicines came from the plants themselves, perceived through a heart-centered mode of perception, not trial-and-error experimentation. Author Stephen Harrod Buhner explores this heart-centered mode of perception, helping readers to learn about the medicinal uses of plants, and how to gather information directly from the heart of Nature.

Throughout the world there is a tradition of direct perception of nature through the "intelligence of the heart." All ancient and indigenous peoples insist their knowledge of plant medicines comes from the plants themselves and not through trial-and-error experimentation. Less well known is how these plant teachings are at the root of many of the modern discoveries in both medicine and in plant foods. Recent discoveries in neuroscience have proven that over 50 percent of the heart is comprised of neural cells. The heart is, in fact, a brain in its own right. Heart-centered perception can be exceptionally accurate and detailed in its information gathering capacities, as indiginous and ancient peoples assert.

Review
Buhner's writings are a powerful call for people to work together to restore the sacredness of Earth. -- Brooke Medicine Eagle, author of Buffalo Woman Comes Singing