Shahina A. Ghazanfar

Throughout the world, traditional medical systems continue to impact the lives of many people. These systems vary greatly in their underlying beliefs – but all commonly rely on the consumption of plant matter as a central practice. An Ancient Mesopotamian Herbal is a new, fully illustrated book that explores the uses of flora in traditional medicine and how these botanical roots extend to modern, ‘conventional’ medicinal treatments. Using new research and yet unseen data from modern day Iraq and surrounding areas, and drawing on the expertise of archeo-botanists, scientists and Assyriologists specialising in historic Mesopotamian medicine, An Ancient Mesopotamian Herbal is a ground-breaking reassessment of research on ancient Mesopotamian flora.

This book is the first to explore and highlight the history of the plants mentioned in the Qur’an, many of which are part of our everyday life, from pomegranates and grapes to ginger and garlic. Author Shahina A. Ghazanfar explores the context in which these plants are mentioned in the Qur’an - mainly as food plants, as well as for medicinal use, use in beauty, fragrance or for shade. Shahina’s in-depth research for this book has led to new findings in our knowledge of the historical and cultural significance of these plants, their traditional and present uses, as well as detailed exploration of the context in which they are mentioned in the Qur’an. The main section of the book highlights thirty of the plants most prominent in the Qur’an, with details on where the plant is mentioned in the Qur’an text, detailed etymology, cultural history, and botanical description. Each of these plants are beautifully illustrated with unique botanical paintings by artist Sue Wickison, drawn from living specimens in the wild. The authors take us on a fascinating journey through the cultural history of these important plants, brought to life with vivid and stunningly detailed botanical paintings.

The Handbook of Arabian Medicinal Plants is the first illustrated reference on the uses of plants in the Arabian Peninsula. It documents and preserves the existing knowledge in a region where social patterns are rapidly changing. The book emphasizes the need for preserving social and cultural patterns and examines the close relationship between those patterns and nature. This excellent source identifies more than 250 species of plants and describes their medicinal uses. Biochemical information and references are also included for each species.