Jeffrey Schiller’s Reviews

If these quality products are not available in your health food store, request that they carry them. Otherwise, contact the companies.

FOOD / DRINK

Native Forest, a trademark of EDWARD & SONS TRADING CO., offers Organic Canned Pineapple. These fresh cut and packed pineapples are available in Slices, Chunks, and Mini Rings. They are sweet, tender and delicious and packed in their own organic juices. Pineapples are ideal for juices, smoothies, in a fruit cocktail, a tropical salad, snack and more. (805) 684-8500, www.edwardandsons.com

FUNGUSAMONGUS announces a line of organic mushroom soup mixes, available in three varieties; Smoked Oyster Mushroom Chowder, Moroccan Porcini & Green Lentil Soup, and Spicy Shitake & Vegetable Soup. Each mix features a different mushroom and makes 4 servings in just 20 minutes. Our tester found these soup mixes to be very flavorful– the mushrooms give it a deliciously unique taste. (Bulk dried mushrooms can also be purchased from the company).The company also offers Organic Melange Seasoning & Rub Marinades. The granulated, dried mushrooms (such as porcini, shitake and oyster) are combined with selected herbs to create Pacific Blend, Mediterranean Blend, and Fiesta Blend.These products offer a quick and convenient way to enhance and add flavor to one’s favorite dishes. Our tester loved these blends! (360) 568-3403, www. fungusamongus.com

EASTERN ESSENCE recently introduced five organic traditional Indian meals prepared according to family recipes based on the principles of ayurveda. These meals use fresh ground herbs and are dehydrated at low temperatures. They are easy to prepare and taste like home cooking. Available in; Khichdi (basmati rice, lentils, vegetables, herbs & mild spices,) Pulao (basmati rice, vegetables, herbs & light spices,) Biryani (basmati rice, vegetables, aromatic herbs & zesty spices,) Royal Dal: Regular or Spicy (herbs and spices in lentil sauce.)Each product is made by hand and packed without artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Our testers found these meals to be great tasting! (866) 338-2789, www.easternessence.com

FOOD FOR LIFE launches a line of sprouted grain English Muffins. These unique English Muffins are made from 100% organically grown sprouted grains, beans and seeds. The company has an exclusive process that maximizes nutrition and digestibility while preserving the natural fiber and bran. Available in four varieties: Genesis 1:29, 7 Sprouted Grains, Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin and Ezekiel 4:9 Original.These English Muffins are naturally flavorful, have a soft and chewy texture and are delicious. (800) 797-5090, www.foodforlife.com

MANITOBA HARVEST’S Hemp Seed Nut Butter is made from non-GMO shelled hemp seed grown without herbicides or pesticides. The nut butter is an excellent source of protein and contains 2050 mgs of omega 3’s (essential fatty acid) per serving.Our tester found the hemp nut butter to be smooth and creamy with a great nutty taste. (800) 665-HEMP, www.manitobaharvest.com

BOOKS

THE SPICE AND HERB BIBLE: A Cook’s Guide
by Ian Hemphill
This book provides comprehensive information covering 97 kinds of herbs and spices. The book gives the history and origin of each botanical, tips on buying, storing and use and valuable data on the plants, aroma and taste. Also, beautiful color photographs are contained for each spice.Ian Hemphill is considered one of the most knowledgeable spice experts in the world. He grew up working in the family spice business. Today, his company boasts the largest selection of herbs and spices for sale and export in the southern hemisphere. Firefly Books, 2002. 498 pages, $22.95. (800) 387-5085, www.fireflybooks.com

MEDICAL HERBALISM
by David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG
For all students and practitioners of herbalism, this complete handbook details the chemistry of herbs and presents in-depth discussions of specific ailments and treatments. It includes the most up-to-date information on preparations, dosage, contraindications and toxology. The Materia Medica presents 150 of the most commonly used herbs.David Hoffmann has been a phytotherapist for more than 25 years and is the author of 17 books. Inner Traditions, 2003. 666 pages, $60. (800) 246-8648, www.InnerTraditions.com

VITEX: THE WOMEN’S HERB
by Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac.
Vitex has been used for centuries to treat a variety of women’s health issues and is the number one herb throughout Europe to relieve symptoms associated with PMS and menopause. This book explains the traditional and modern uses of the herb in a practical and easy-to-understand way. It covers the ailments the herb treats, how it works, how to determine the proper dosage, how to choose the most effective way to take it and for how long. Christopher Hobbs is a fourth-generation herbalist and botanist with over 30 years experience in the field of medicinal herbs. He writes and lectures internationally and is a consultant to the herb industry. This book is comprehensive and is an excellent source of information on this valuable herb. Book Publishing Company, 2003. 95 pages, $7.95. (800) 695-2241, www.bookpubco.com

HERBAL REMEDIES OFTHE LUMBEE INDIANS
by Arvis Locklear Boughman and Loretta O. Oxendine
The book describes the numerous plants and herbal remedies the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina, use to treat all health problems from minor bruises and sprains to major illnesses. Well over 100 herbs are profiled with plant descriptions and uses throughout the years. Arvis Locklear Boughman and Loretta Oxendine are members of the Lumbee tribe.A good book for herbalists, natural health practitioners and individuals looking to further their herbal knowledge. McFarland & Company, 2004. 181 pages, $35. (800) 253-2187, www.mcfarlandpub.com

Jeffrey Schiller is a special feature columnist and writes for health and environmental publications across the nation. He can be reached at: jeffreys@aztecfreenet.org