The Fungal Pharmacy

InThe Fungal Pharmacy, noted herbalist Robert Rogers introduces readers to more than 300 species of medicinal mushrooms and lichens found in North America. These plants, Rogers explains, have the capacity to heal both the body and, through the process of myco-remediation, the planet itself. Throughout the book, he documents their success in optimizing the immune system and treating a wide range of acute and chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and liver problems, blood sugar disorders, cancer, and obesity. Entries discuss the mushroom or lichenrs"s medicinal traits and properties, including active chemical components, preparation methods (including extracts, essences, and essential oils), and historical as well as modern-day usage. Two hundred full-color photos and thorough descriptions make identification easy for the reader. Rogers also delves into the cultural, religious, and literary significance of each mushroom, featuring fascinating tidbits about each oners"s etymology and history.

Robert Dale Rogers has been an herbalist for over forty years. He has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, where he is an assistant clinical professor in family medicine. He taught plant medicine, including herbology and flower essences, at MacEwan University for ten years, and presently in the Earth Spirit Medicine Program at the Northern Star College in Edmonton.

Robert is past chair of the Alberta Natural Health Agricultural Network and Community Health Council of Capital Health. He is a Fellow of the International College of Nutrition, past chair of the medicinal mushroom committee of the North American Mycological Association, and on the editorial boards of the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms and Discovery Phytomedicine. Robert cohosts The Alberta Herb Gathering (www.herbgatheringalberta.com), held every other year.

He lives on Millcreek Ravine in Edmonton with his beautiful and talented wife, Laurie Szott-Rogers, and an out-of-control cat, Ceres. You can email him at scents@telusplanet.net or visit www.selfhealdistributing.com.