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Cover

Medicine From the Mountains

Medicinal Plants of the Sierra Nevada

by Kimball Chatfield, O.M.D., L.Ac.
illustrations by Kristen Schwartz


With over two hundred and thirty pages of valuable clinical information, this book, written by Dr. Kimball Chatfield, respected professor of Botanical Medicine, contains thirty-three chapters covering over one hundred and twenty-five species of plants in intimate detail. Plants include: Arnica, Blueberry, California Poppy, Dandelion, Fennel, Juniper, Milk Thistle, Mullein, Wild Onion, Pine, St. John's Wort, Selfheal, Valerian, Yarrow, etc.

Each genus is covered in five sections. The description and habitat section allows the reader to know where to look for these valuable plants in the Sierra as well as their general description. Next is plant chemistry, often missed in other texts, detailing plant constituents giving the reader valuable information about what is responsible for the plant's medicinal actions. Next is a section on historic and modern uses. Included here is rare information gathered from exhaustive research into Native American uses of these plants. Also covered are historic uses of these plants in Europe, the Orient and other parts of the world by physicians and folk healers of the past. The latest scientific studies are brought into play giving both the casual reader and serious clinician up to date objective research information. Toxicities are given next, allowing the reader to understand the cautions needed to know in using these mountain medicines. A chapter on dosage follows giving precise measurements and the ways these plants may be prepared for optimal use. Lastly is a section on cultivation so that the reader may grow their own medicinal plants.

An informative glossary, a resource guide to nurseries and horticulture suppliers, and a very extensive bibliography and suggested reading section finish out this unique text.

Experts unanimously agree this is a landmark book.

"A treasure trove of information on medicinal plants in the Sierra. Well written and well researched, this book is a must for anyone living in or traveling to northern California and is also valuable for all students and professionals interested in medicinal herbs."
– Mark Blumenthal, Founder and Executive Director American Botanical Council; Editor, HerbalGram

"A smooth reading medicinal flora for the Sierra Nevada. The author skillfully relates it to Eastern American and European plants as well. I certainly want this compact volume next time I travel to the Range of Light."
– James A. Duke, Ph.D., Economic Botanist – U.S.D.A. (Retired)

"Medicine From the Mountains uniquely contrasts the current use of Sierra Nevada plants by scientists, physicians and folk healers with their historic importance. This informative work will serve as a valuable reference for those that merely want to appreciate these glorious plants as they hike this majestic mountain range, as well as for those that inspire to understand plant chemical composition and pharmaceutical value. I enthusiastically recommend this enlightening and beautifully illustrated test."
– David I. Kusher, Ph.D., Wofford College

"This book really covers everything one needs to know about Sierra Nevada medicinal plants. Historic and modern uses, plant chemistry, dosages, toxicities and where to find these important mountain medicines are all detailed. It even covers how to grow them in our own yards. Medicine From the Mountains is interesting and fun to read. If you love the Sierra, you'll love this book!"
– Arnold Abrams, Ph.D., Southern Oregon University

"Dr. Chatfield is a revered professor and practitioner of herbal medicine and acupuncture in the Lake Tahoe area. His classroom and field trips are filled with college students who cherish his scientific and practical herbal wisdom. Medicine From the Mountains is a fascinating guide to the healing potential of the flora of the beautiful Sierra Nevada, written by one who is obviously in love with these flower laden peaks. It will be a great addition to your backpack or herbal bookshelf."
– Richard Botto, M.D., Director of Public Health, Alpine County

"Medicine From the Mountains takes us to the rugged Sierra gardens and lights a fire of appreciation and understanding. The Sierra enthusiast, botanist, hiker, and healer will all enjoy and embrace this book!"
– Dr. Kenneth Rumack, D.C., South Lake Tahoe

"Medicine From the Mountains is a surprisingly good read and a good reference work."
– Bear Klaw, Sierra Club

About the Author
Kimball Chatfield is a Board Certified Acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. He also has a bachelors degree from San Diego State University in Natural Resource Management. He is former professor of Clinical Nutrition at Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine. Currently he teaches Botanical Medicine and Medicinal Plants of the Sierra Nevada at Lake Tahoe Community College.

About the Illustrator
Kristen Schwartz is a Botanical Illustrator specializing in medicinal plants. She and her husband live at Lake Tahoe and spend the summer months hiking and camping while Kristen searches for plant subjects to photograph and sketch. She spends the rest of the year illustrating from details she collects in the summertime.

Cover photo: Melinda Chatfield

Brief Samples of Medicine From the Mountains

On Arnica (12 species)
Description and Habitat
...Truly a mountain plant, Arnica yields a bright and beautiful summer flower. About a dozen species of Arnica exist in the Sierra Nevada. These perennial members of the sunflower family are relatively small with paired leaves along their stem, with the exception of the very top leaves which may be alternate. If you are fortunate enough you may come across one of the many Sierra meadows lush with thousands of Arnica flowers...
On Milk Thistle (Silymarin marianum)
Historic and Modern Uses
...Modern use has turned toward using Milk Thistle as a protective and curative agent for a variety of chemical poisons. Some scientists have claimed the Silymarin is the most powerful liver protective agent known, pointing to liver tissues' ability to survive a broad range of toxic chemicals as well as high doses of radiation, when tissue cells are saturated with this flavonolignin rich plant. Other studies have focused on Milk Thistle as a treatment for cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, as well as drug and alcohol induced liver damage. The results thus far have been very encouraging, both in laboratory and human clinical experiments. Silymarin also prevents liver toxicity of the chemical microcystin-LR, which is synthesized by marine Blue-Green Algae (Microcystis aeruginosa). Scientific investigation of Milk Thistle has increased recently. In 1996 alone over one dozen important findings were reported. Some highlights follow...
On St. John's Wort (3 Hypericum species)
Dosage
The fresh flowers can be used directly on the skin. They can be dried in warm shade or by the pilot light of an oven or soaked fresh in Olive, Flax, Walnut, or Safflower oil. Drying St. John's Wort in the sun is highly detrimental to the hypericin content. The oil will turn red as the flavonoids leak out of the flower and diffuse into the oil. This can be rubbed directly on strains, sprains, minor cuts, burns, and scrapes. For internal use 20-40 drops of tincture 3 times per day, or 1/4 teaspoon of the flower 3 times per day. The fresh leaves and flowers can be consumed in the amounts of one teaspoon three times per day. Shade dried Hypericum dosage is about one-half teaspoon three times per day. Hypericum is also available in capsules. The standardized St. John's Wort usually comes as 0.3% hypericun. Several research studies mentioned above utilized 300 mg. capsules of the standardized Hypericum three times per day. The standardized dose may prove to be the most beneficial. However, some anecdotal reports have stated that the tincture or crushed plant are possibly more effective. This may be due to the fact that tinctures and whole plant capsules have a broader range of useful chemicals...
On Goldenrod (4 Solidago species)
History and Modern Use
...Several Native American tribes used Goldenrod for a variety of health problems. Most commonly, Goldenrod was utilized for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Insect bites, burns, and wounds were treated with poultices of Goldenrod. The Native California tribe that occupied Yosemite and its surrounding environment, the Miwoks, were adept at the use of this bioflavonoid rich plant, grinding the leaves into a fine powder and dusting sores and cuts with it. They also used a decoction of Golde
Available to bookstores from Sunbelt Publications and in health food stores through Nutribooks.

To Order Books Directly from the Publisher, Follow These Simple Steps:

  1. Print and fill out the form below.
    Medicine From the Mountains

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  2. Mail completed form with payment to:
    Range of Light Publications, P.O. Box 2000153, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, U.S.A.

  3. For further information: 530-541-1999
    e-mail: kimball@sierra.net
    To Order Illustrations:
    Kristen Schwartz, P.O. Box 14538, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151, U.S.A.
    e-mail: krispn@aol.com
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