Overview

A comprehensive illustrated guide to the lichens of North America • Explores more than 400 species of lichens, alongside full-color photos • Shows the ways that indigenous peoples of North America have traditionally used lichens for food, clothing, dye, paint, and medicine • Explains in detail the scientific research behind the potency of lichen chemicals to heal many human conditions Lichens—a symbiosis of fungi, algae, bacteria, and yeast—can grow on nearly any surface and thrive in an extremely wide range of environments, including on the International Space Station. Used for millennia by Indigenous people, lichens are now being recognized by modern science for their unique medicinal potential, particularly against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, viruses, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In Medicinal Lichens, Robert Dale Rogers explores more than 400 species of North American lichens, including full-color photographic examples. He explains how lichens are members of the Fungi kingdom and, surprisingly, more biologically related to humans than to plants. He looks at what types of lichens we can find in geographic regions and habitats and shows how lichens are an indicator species, revealing the health of the environment and neighboring life forms, including that of humans. Rogers also explores each lichen chemical’s healing properties, showing how pharmacological researchers are rediscovering the ancient wisdom of lichens long known by Indigenous peoples. Showcasing the benefits as well as the beauty of lichens, this book demonstrates how lichens are the perfect example of strength, cooperation, and harmonious living—Indigenous wisdom with the power to inform our modern way of life.

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Reviews

“Lichens are an underestimated source of medicine and food; they could be vital in a survival situation. Robert has gathered all of the factual ingredients required and mixed them with his incredible experience in plant and fungal medicine to create a book that offers a one-stop resource for the uses of lichens. For me as a survival instructor and consultant, this book will fill a central slot in my library.” * Dave Holder, lead survival consultant on the Alone series on The History Channel * “Robert Rogers’s Medicinal Lichens is a necessary addition not only to the libraries of herbalists but mycophiles as well!” * Eugenia Bone, author of Mycophilia and Have a Good Trip * “When launching my documentary films like Wild Harvest, I prioritize consulting the world’s leading experts, which is why I work with Robert. There is no one on this planet more qualified than Robert Rogers to continue to enlighten us all with his exhaustive yet engaging research into lichens and ethnolichenology. This book is a gift!” * Survivorman Les Stroud, survival expert, filmmaker, and author of Beyond Survivorman * “The history of terrestrial life on Earth originates in symbioses, and one of the most astonishing basal relationships is that of what makes a lichen. In this extraordinary book, we find a portal into the taxonomy, ethnolichenology, pharmacopoeia, poetry, and chemistry of these essential organisms that have shaped life as we know it. A must-read!” * Giuliana Furci, foundress and CEO of the Fungi Foundation * “Whether as food, medicine, or woodland curiosities, lichens demand our attention. Robert sheds necessary light on this mysterious group of composite organisms with detailed notes on edibility, therapeutic properties, Indigenous uses, and more for hundreds of North American species. Essential for the lichen enthusiast.” * Langdon Cook, author of The Mushroom Hunters * “Lichens are my deep passion, and there are no books out there that can detail this type of medicine for me in the way that this one does. As an Indigenous person who grew up with my kohkum (grandmother) who was so versed in plant medicine, I always appreciate any time I get to spend with Robert and his fascinating knowledge. With a deeper connection to the plant world, Robert understands the medicines in the way my grandmother did, and the teachings in this book are invaluable!” * Brenda Holder, Cree knowledge keeper *

Author Information

Robert Dale Rogers is an herbalist with more than 50 years of experience in clinical practice and the classroom. He is the author of more than 60 books and is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. A former clinical professor in family medicine at the University of Alberta, he lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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