Join herbalist Jim Meuninck out in the wilds of Michigan as he explores the world of plants combining both medical facts and botanical/chemical information with Native American/frontier traditions of healing and nutrition. In so doing, he stirs in a healthy mix of humor, poking fun at some of the very serious concoctions he serves up (try cucumber slices soaked in human urine). On-screen titling shows modern day chemical analysis of why some of these remedies work. The video is replete with warnings encouraging viewers to seek advice from health professionals before trying remedies and to work with small amounts of wild foods to avoid allergic reactions. The program also covers various plants used to repel bears, snakes, and insects; relieving poison ivy and insect bites; using poultices for wound treatment; making many wild food dishes (including dogfood from cattails); and using Kombucha and other ancient herbal teas and foods to prevent cancer and heart disease. At the end of the program, a list of resources for getting more information on herbal medicine and obtaining wild foods is provided. Presented in an easy-listening but informative fashion (which sometimes moves a little too rapidly), this program is an interesting alternative to herbal medicine books. A companion video, Native American Medicine is also available. Recommended. (J. Scholtz)
Little Medicine: The Wisdom To Avoid Big Medicine
(1995) 60 min. $29.95. Meuninck's Media Methods. PPR. Color cover. ISBN 0-939865-17-3. Vol. 11, Issue 2
Little Medicine: The Wisdom To Avoid Big Medicine
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