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[NOV. 28, 2001]  ^"The New Healing Herbs." Michael Castleman, Rodale, Inc., 2001, 465 pages.

As more people rediscover the natural relationship between medicine and healing, books on herbs and their healing powers are becoming popular with the general public. "The New Healing Herbs" is a revised edition of Michael Castleman’s 1991 standard on consumer guidance to herbal medicines and their curative properties.

According to Castleman, herbal medicine is now a $3-billion-a-year industry. A recent survey indicated almost half of the adults in America — more than 100 million people — had tried some kind of herbal remedy. Even more significant is that "many of today’s herb users are mainstream M.D.’s. A decade ago, the medical profession was at best skeptical of herbal medicine. ... Doctors have become more open to herbal medicine in part because family members, friends, and patients have reported success with herbs."

One result of this interest in herbs has been the development of standardized extracts. Castleman explains that standardized herbal extracts "are made from plants that have been bred to contain certain concentrations of pharmacologically active compounds." In other words, these plants have been developed under controlled conditions to produce a reliable uniformity of dosage.

This book is divided into six easy-to-use chapters.

"From Magic to Medicine" is a brief history of herbal medicine beginning with the Chinese herbalists of 5,000 years ago.

"Tempest in a Teapot: Are Healing Herbs Safe?" is a straightforward discussion on the safe use of herbs and the double standards under which they are sometimes judged. This chapter is essential for anyone considering the use of herbal remedies because it contains 14 recommendations on how to use herbs safely.

For those who decide to try an herbal remedy, "Storing and Preparing Healing Herbs" has directions for drying, powdering, storing and preparing herbs for infusions (extracts from the flower, leaf or stem), decoctions (extracts from roots and barks), tinctures (alcohol rather than water-based), capsules, ointments, and compresses.

"How to Obtain Healing Herbs" explains the three best methods for obtaining herbs: gathering, growing or purchasing.

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The majority of the book is devoted to the chapter on the 100 best healing herbs. In choosing the premier medicinal herbs Castleman made his selections by analyzing availability, usefulness, safety and popularity. Each entry contains information on the herb’s therapeutic uses, medicinal myths, prescription recommendations, safety concerns, and growing and cultivation.

There are many well-known herbs in the list — notables such as ginkgo, lavender, sarsaparilla and witch hazel. It is the lesser-known but equally valuable herbs that make this chapter so fascinating. Black cohash, the "classic women’s herb," is a treatment for PMS, menstrual cramps, menopausal complaints and high blood pressure. Echinacca is used as an immunity booster; it also can be used to treat infections, colds and flu, wounds, yeast infections and in some forms of cancer therapies. Mullein is a "velvety soother" for minor respiratory irritations (coughs, sore throats), hemorrhoids and diarrhea. Scullcap is the all-American tranquilizer and sedative that can combat the effects of insomnia and anxiety.

The final chapter, "Using the Healing Herbs," contains alphabetic tables on physical conditions and their herbal remedies (for example, small doses of licorice can be used for canker sores), and the healing actions of herbs (sage can be used as an antiperspirant).

Michael Castleman’s revised edition of "The New Healing Herbs" is an informative place to start for anyone investigating the use of herbal remedies. An added bonus is the handy index that allows users to search for information on a particular herb, ailment or medical condition.

The book has received critical acclaim and praise from several reputable sources including Modern Maturity, Herb Quarterly, Utne Reader and Natural Health. This praise of Castleman’s work is justified; called by Library Journal "one of the nation’s top health writers," he has won numerous awards for his journalistic efforts.

"The New Healing Herbs" is an essential guide for anyone interested in the traditional use of herbs for medicinal purposes.

For more information visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217) 732-8878.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

• Lincoln Community Theatre

• Logan County Arts Association

[NOV. 28, 2001]  The Lincoln College Jazz Ensemble will present their first concert of the semester Wednesday, Nov. 28 (tonight).

The band is under the direction of Chad Minier. The group will be playing a variety of jazz, rock, funk and big band.  The Illinois State Jazz Band will perform after the Lincoln College band.

The concert, which is free to the public, starts at 8 p.m. in the Johnston Center auditorium on campus. Free refreshments will be served immediately after the concert.

[Lincoln College news release]

[NOV. 28, 2001]  Auditions for "Deathtrap," a production sponsored by Behnke and Company, will be at Theatre 7’s headquarters, 131 N. Water St. in Decatur, on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m. Director Anne Thompson has put together the following brief descriptions of the show’s characters:

Sidney Bruhl — Middle-aged, has air of confidence, rather impressive, well-groomed. Successful playwright.

Myra Bruhl — Sidney’s wife. Slightly younger than Sidney. Somewhat self-effacing. Supportive of her husband.

Clifford Anderson — Young man, seemingly talented, attractive. Casual in appearance. Appears to be impressed by Sidney.

Helga Ten Drop — Somewhat off-the-wall psychic. A lot of room to create. Very compassionate toward Myra. Can be any adult age.

Porter Milgrim — Sidney’s friend and attorney; also his contemporary. Open to interpretation.

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The "Deathtrap" plot revolves around a successful writer of Broadway thrillers struggling to overcome a "dry" spell when he receives a script from a student. Suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness that will hold you enthralled until the final, startling moment of the play.

Performances:

•  Feb. 8-9 and 15-16, 2002, at 7:30 p.m.

•  Feb. 10 and 17, 2002, at 2 p.m.

    at the Decatur Civic Center Theatre

This program is partially sponsored by a grant from the Decatur Area Arts Council and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

[Theatre 7 news release]

[NOV. 21, 2001]  Logan County Arts Association presents classical guitarist Christian Culleton at a concert and artist reception on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 402 Pekin St. in Lincoln.

The performance will include works by Pilkington, Bach, Carcassi, Sor, Granados, Tarrega, Villa-Lobos and traditional holiday favorites.

This is a limited seating engagement. Tickets at $5 are available from board members, Lincoln Library Annex, Serendipity Stitches and Gossett’s Decorator Studio.

[Logan County Arts Association news release]

Lincoln Community Theatre’s website is at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html. Pictures from past productions are included.  The LCT mailing address is Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656.  E-mail: lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com.

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