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The ancient ritual drink used in religious ceremonies and known as soma in India and as haoma in the Zoroastrian tradition is praised in the highest terms - as a kind of deity - in both Zoroastrian and Vedic texts, which date from around 1,700 - 1,500 BCE. It is said to provide health, power, wisdom and even immortality. Many theories have been published about the possible botanical identity of this 'nectar of immortality', a plant which appears to have psychedelic/entheogenic properties.Matthew Clark spent several years researching and travelling widely in his quest of soma. In his fascinating, original and highly readable book, this modern explorer of ancient wisdom reviews scholarly research, explores mythology and ritual and shares his extensive knowledge of psychoactive plants and fungi. The author suggests that the visionary soma drink was based on analogues of ayahuasca, using a variety of plants, some of which can now be identified.Dr. Matthew Clark is a Research Associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London), where he has taught courses on Hinduism. He has spent many years in India, which he first visited in 1977. He first engaged with yoga in the mid-1970s and lectures regularly on yoga and philosophy. He is also a song-writer and musician (Mahabongo).

The first English-language introduction to the developing science of endobiogeny.Dr Lapraz developed a diagnostic method that, while being rooted in modern science, allows an insight into the true causes of imbalance and disease in a patient. This innovative medical concept, based on a refined view of the neuro-endocrine system, integrates classical medicine with herbs and supplements, essential oils, and dietary and lifestyle modifications to create a truly holistic treatment approach to illness. The book sets out endobiogenic principles and methods, including the modelling system known as the Biology of Functions, and is full of remarkable case histories that attest to the efficacy of this approach. It is aimed both at the general public and at members of the health professions.

Praise for Second Edition of The Psychedelic Renaissance'Onward, intrepid explorer, keep your wits, while allowing them to be tickled, as Dr Sessa leads you into a world of remarkable wonders! You are in for a real treat!' Robin Carhart-Harris'This new book is a succinct, entertaining overview of the emerging "Psychedelic Renaissance" written by an insider, and one of the brightest young architects of this new emerging paradigm.' Dr Dennis J. McKenna'With intelligence, fact-based optimism and compassion Sessa throws open the doors of perception and guides the reader through the complexities of the history, pharmacology, legality and potential of these miraculous molecules.' Andy Roberts'This new edition of Sessa's, The Psychedelic Renaissance, will encourage researchers to work in this field, to the benefit of our understanding of how the brain works and to develop new approaches to psychiatric disorders.' David Nutt'Dr. Ben Sessa prescribes a way forward; mainstreaming psychedelics for a world in deep need of spirituality and inspiration. The Psychedelic Renaissance is a book that deserves to be widely read.' Rick Doblin'Ben Sessa's energetic review of the research and cultural use of psychedelics provides a unique perspective. The way forward is clear: we urgently need more scientific research, and a rational reform of drug policies.' Amanda Feilding'The Psychedelic Renaissance will inevitably and rightly be seen as an important marker of their assimilation into the cultural mainstream. I highly recommend it.' Ralph Metzner'Dr. Sessa skilfully chronicles important developments, perhaps a turning point, in psychiatry and in the understanding of psychedelics in the wider culture. This new updated edition of The Psychedelic Renaissance is informative, entertaining and timely.' Michael Mithoefer

Dr Andrew Powell held academic and NHS consultant posts in psychiatry and psychotherapy in London and Oxford for over 20 years. He is co-author of 'Listen to Your Body: The Wisdom of the Dao' (Hawai'i University Press, 2001) and co-editor of 'Spirituality and Psychiatry' and 'Spirituality and Narrative in Psychiatric Practice: Stories of Mind and Soul' (RCPsych Publications, 2009, 2016). The first volume of Andrew's papers, 'The Ways of the Soul. A Psychiatrist Reflects: Essays on Life, Death and Beyond', was published by Muswell Hill Press in 2017, followed by publication of a companion volume, 'Conversations with the Soul. A Psychiatrist Reflects: Essays on Life, Death and Beyond', in 2018. Andrew is Founding Chair of the Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK.

A complete guide to the Buddhist practices of meditation, right living, and everything else you need to knowWho was the Buddha and why did he become such a significant historical figure? What were his most important insights and teachings? What can he tell us about the universality of suffering and the potential for freedom? How can we live a life with growth and harmony and without emotional pain? What is Buddhist understanding of the greater reality? With clarity and simplicity, wisdom and humour, Paramabandhu Groves takes us on a journey towards some answers to these questions.The Buddha's remarkable passage through his own life showed him that ascetic practice in itself did not bring enlightenment, but a careful attention to internal processes combined with a compassionate attitude to self and others could bring an extraordinary freedom from suffering. The mainstay of Buddhist practice is mindfulness of breath, body and emotions leading to a more profound awareness.The Buddha indicated a bigger picture, beyond words, based on the interconnectedness and impermanence of all things. Practical Buddhism shows us how we can use these practices to lead a moral and ethical life, receiving and giving friendship, not causing harm and achieving happiness while our consciousness becomes, brighter, clearer and more subtle. Paramabandhu weaves examples both from his own experience and other people's to demonstrate the value of Buddhist practice and techniques in managing the multiple demands and challenges of everyday life.Practical Buddhism explores:* Mindfulness practice and misconceptions about meditation* Working with troublesome thoughts and difficult emotions* The practice of compassion and kindness* Guidelines for skilful living* Working through stress, relationship problems and addictive behaviour* The meaning of karma and dharma* Understanding freedom, impermanence and non-selfhood* Buddhism and psychotherapy* How Buddhist practice informs our relationship with sexuality, illness and pain, greed and sustainability.

'The Power Within is a treasure trove of important information for people involved in self-exploration and healing, as well as individuals who facilitate and support their process." - Stanislav Grof, M.D., author of Psychology of the Future, Healing our Deepest Wounds, and The Cosmic Game and co-author of Holotropic Breathwork (with Christina Grof) "Only by accessing the healing and spiritual potential of the power within, which Tav Sparks so eloquently describes, can we respond, both as individuals and collectively, to the challenges involved in the birthing of a globally inter- connected and loving world." - Rick Doblin, founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) "A sweeping review of contemporary psychological thought through a lens of direct experience... A valuable and innovative book." - Jim Fadiman, author of The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide"In The Power Within, Tav shares a truth he has taught for decades... there is an Inner Healer within us all that, when met with awareness, cooperation and proper support, propels individuals and collectives into the fast lane for healing, consciousness, and empowerment." - Kylea Taylor, author of The Breathwork Experience, and Considering Holotropic Breathwork"Both healers and seekers will find The Power Within a treasure of hard-won insights and observations from a lifetime of therapeutic work with non- ordinary states of consciousness." - Richard Tarnas, professor of psychology and cultural history, California Institute of Integral Studies "The Power Within conveys the good news that expanded states of consciousness are more readily accessible than many of us may had suspected; in fact, in the right set and setting, expanded awareness is only a few breaths away." - Michael Mithoefer, M.D.

Cheiromancy is the art of handreading in which all aspects of a person's hand are considered in order to gain an accurate picture of their inner nature. Cheiromancy is distinct from the fortune telling of palmistry. What has come down to us as palmistry today is a rather degenerate and effete form of this ancient discipline. The word cheiromancy comes from the Greek chir meaning `hand' and manteia meaning 'divination', literally meaning 'divination through the hand'. The Hand Reveals is written as a practical guide to reading hands; it is not merely theoretical. As various points are described, through out the book, try to apply this knowledge at every opportunity to find confirmation of the ideas. There is a considerable amount of knowledge and information compressed into these pages, and even the most diligent student would have difficulty in digesting it in one reading. It is recommended that you refer back as often as necessary to go the material you have read, to allow your understanding of cheiromancy to grow gradually. Originally published in 1993 this edition has been revised and updated with new material.

In 'Woman Desired, Woman Desiring' Dr. Flaumenbaum, a gynaecologist and acupuncturist, draws on more than forty years of experience to explain how women today build their sexuality, why pleasure or even desire is so seldom present, and importantly how to remedy it. Her pioneering approach brings together gynaecology, Chinese medicine, psychoanalysis and transgenerational theory.Despite the sexual revolution of the 1970s, the prohibition of sexual pleasure and joy still exists, carried down from previous generations. Dr. Flaumenbaum explores how this plays out, how sexuality is formed, the difference and complementarity between being a mother and a woman and how love and feelings are not enough to switch on the sexual connection.In 'Woman Desired, Woman Desiring', Dr. Flaumenbaum provides case studies, covering a breadth of topics from gynaecological ailments to inherited social and cultural burdens.

A masterclass in the wild crafting, growing, harvesting, drying, storage, and processing of medicinal herbs.Self-Sufficient Herbalism is the first ever practical guide to the growing, gathering, and preserving of medicinal herbs for a working dispensary. Written by a practising herbalist with a high street clinic, it covers everything you need to know to become truly self sufficient.Relying on only a small allotment and access to the fields and woodlands of rural England, Lucy Jones provides a masterclass in the wild crafting, growing, harvesting, drying, storage, and processing of medicinal herbs. Her passion for the plants and traditional ways of preserving them for medicine shines through as she explores the deeper implications of self-sufficiency and the transformative impact it has had on her practice.The guide includes a glossary of detailed notes on the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of 108 individual herbs arranged by the seasons. It is a must read for practising herbalists, herbal students, herb gardeners, and all those who love herbs.

The Secret Life of Chocolate is a book about chocolate. Not the sweet, mass-produced fatty confection most of us are familiar with. This is about old-school chocolate: pre-Colombian, Central American, bitter-spicy-foamy, intense, blow-your-socks-off chocolate. Chocolate beverages made with roasted beans, water, spices, and indigenous plants. Delving into the ancient history of the human relationship with the cocoa bean tree, Theobroma cacao, it dissects the pharmacological properties of chocolate to the fullest possible extent; and divulges the mythical and magical associations of human interactions with this incredible plant.

A celebration of the role of women in medicine from ancient times through the middle ages, the renaissance and up to the modern day.