Reviews

Book Review-Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence : The Development of Herbal Medicine in Florence by Angela Paine

Book Review

Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence: The Development of Herbal Medicine in Florence

By Angela Paine

Publisher: Moon Books

296 Page E-Book

Release Date: January 1st, 2025

Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence by Angela Paine is a fascinating exploration of the foundations and history of herbalism in renaissance Florence, as well as its applications that are known to be accurate. The information within is not only interesting for those with an interest in medicinal herbalism, and its history and development, but also those seeking to find potential homeopathic and natural remedies to everyday things like flatulence, stomach ache, cold & cough, fever and other issues. The herbs contained within this herbal tome are well-known, easy to find and generally inexpensive. Whether buying them at the grocery store, or at your local metaphysical shop, they’re easy to find, and the recipes within Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence require little to no special equipment or knowledge. It’s spelled out for you, making even those of us (such as myself) who are new to medicinal herbalism, more at ease.

Special warnings and contraindications are given within the herbal section, of which each of the most important herbs selected from the many herbals from that area and era have their own chapter/section. After the native plants to Florence are discussed, “exotic”, i.e., imported herbs are discussed, again all of which are relatively easy to find and all are well known. Health cautions and contraindicative information is given for each of these herbs as well. I applaud Paine’s inclusion of the importance of Poisoning in Renaissance Florence, of which the Medici family is most well known for their involvement. This was an added bonus for me, as I actively work with Poisonous plants for spiritual and magickal purposes.

I have no criticisms of Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence and only praise. It takes a subject that can be mired in jargon and uncertainty for the beginner, and makes it easy to understand, accessible to even those of us who have to watch a budget, as the herbs are easy to find and not very expensive, if at all. On top of this, as every herbalist should, responsible warnings and cautions are given for each herb as appropriate. I give it a 5/5, and would recommend it for anyone interested in herbalism and herbal medicine, whether they’re just starting out as I am, or are experienced.

Angela Paine comes from an academic background, having earned a PhD in Chemistry of Medicinal Plants and her first degree in Human Physiology. She learned a lot of her plant knowledge from her botanist father.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and he has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!