The diversity and mystery of the world`s tropical rainforests-and the danger facing them -- have captured the attention of people throughout the world. The traditional peoples and cultures who inhabit these ecosystems are disappearing ever more rapidly than the flora and fauna of the forests. We are losing an incalculable store of traditional knowledge about plants that has been developed by these cultures over the ages. Rosita Arvigo and Michael Balick have dedicated themselves to the preservation and continued use of this traditional knowledge and the rainforest from which it arises. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be used to support traditional healers and ecosystem preservation in the Central American rainforests. In their book and through their work, Drs. Arvigo and Balick light the fires and carry the torch toward preservation of the rainforests and the indigenous cultures that exist within them. --Mickey Hart The authors have made a valuable contribution to the literature on ethnobotany of both rain forest medicinal plants as well as the little- known practices of healers of this beautiful region. Future generations of ethnobotanists, researchers, herbalists, and others interested in traditional medicine, preservation of culture, and new drug discovery will all have a large debt of gratitude to Drs. Arvigo and Balick for their efforts in documenting this endangered wisdom. --Mark Blumenthal, Editor, Herbalgram Alphabetically arranged, each entry includes the scientific name of the plant, its family, a description of its appearance and habitat, and traditional uses. The authors have dedicated themselves to the preservation and continued use of this traditional knowledge and the rainforest from which it arises. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be used to support traditional healers and ecosystem preservation in the Central American rainforests. Illustrations by Laura Evans. Bibliography. Index.