Plants That Help Us

The science behind the ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants

They say a dog is man's best friend, but long before humans domesticated dogs, they were already eating wild plants, using plant fibers for clothing, and burning wood for warmth. In truth, plants have been humanity’s most steadfast ally since the dawn of civilization.

The study of a plant’s traditional uses, medicinal properties, and active molecules is a fascinating exploration that spans from anthropology and the study of ancient societies to cutting-edge technology.

In Plants That Help Us, biochemist Rosa Porcel takes readers on a guided tour through the human body, examining a variety of plants that aid digestion, alleviate pain, heal wounds, and even contribute to cancer treatments. She also explores the intriguing world of hallucinogenic and psychoactive plants, skin-beneficial herbs, and poisonous varieties.

By examining plants like coffee, St. John’s wort (hypericum), stevia, cinnamon, soybean, beetroot, and belladonna, Porcel reveals how we’ve harnessed their benefits—and, just as importantly, learned to navigate their limitations.