Wild Medicine in Australia

by A. B. & J. W. Cribb

Paintings by Charles McCubbin

William Collins, 1981, [First Edition], ISBN 0002164469, colour photographic plates, hardcover, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, a little edge and shelf wear, a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, previous owners’ inscription on front endpaper, dustjacket shows a little edge and shelf, a little rubbing, bumping, and chipping  (see photographs)

“Both Aboriginal and early white inhabitants in Australia had to rely heavily on medical cures which were literally ‘at hand’.  Wild Medicine in Australia provides a wealth of information on the tremendous range of native and naturalised species which have been used to treat coughs, colds, bites, burns, sprains, stings and indigestion; remove warts; lower blood pressure; cure diseases such as chickenpox, measles and leprosy, and act as aphrodisiacs, fertility drugs and contraceptives.
Scientific and common names, details of distribution and directions for the preparation of each plant for medical use are provided together with fascinating data on the ways in which substances such as clay, ash, animal fat, bird feathers and even hairy caterpillars can be pressed into medical service.”