The plant medicine protocol Unlocking the power of plants for optimal health and longevity

Herbalist Siff debuts with an intriguing if skewed program for boosting health using the medicinal properties of plants. Drawing on the tenets of ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, Siff outlines a five-step plan that involves making beverages from medicinal plants to improve digestion, increase one's metabolism, relieve stress, and stay hydrated. For calming the mind, he describes how to make lavender tea and a peppermint elixir, explaining that both "contain aromatic essential oils that gently and reliably reduce tension." Siff provides "daily menus" with beverage suggestions for each step; for step three (staying hydrated), he encourages readers to drink a chia-aloe-lime concoction upon waking, sip on water infused with marshmallow root powder throughout the day, and follow dinner with linden tea. Unfortunately, the protocol's five-step sequence defies logic; most would probably prefer to enjoy the benefits of each step (hydration, relaxation, healthy digestion, etc.) simultaneously rather than follow a plan focused on attaining one at a time. Still, readers will be able to devise their own regimen from the plentiful recipes, and Siff offers enlightening background on traditional medicine (ayurveda and TCM believe that a flavorful diet is "a requirement for optimal health" because flavorful foods generate small charges on the tongue that transmit "vital energy into our system"). The protocol doesn't make much sense, but the recipes are worth seeking out. (Oct.)