Peter T. Furst, Ph.D., Research Associate, University of Pennsylvania, Museum of Archaelogy and Anthropology:

" I can think of no more urgent task than the ethnographic and scientific documentation and publication of the knowledge and experience traditional healers have of the medicinal flora in their environments...An encyclopedic study in two languages, Spanish and English, a prime example and a model of what can be accomplished to ensure the survival and wider dissemination of herbal knowledge"

Michael Z Martin, Curator Emeritus, Quail Botanical Gardens:

" A rare example in medicinal plant literature. It is both a local field guide for the Ecuadorian herbalist or layperson who wishes to use the local plants, and a professional-level research work worthy of inclusion in any serious library of ethnobotany"

Trish Flaster, President Botanical Liaisons:

 "Anyone will be able to incorporate this book into their lives and learn about plant identification and the first steps to using those plants in their village pharmacopoeias. A great reference tool."

Steven R. King, Ph.D. Vice president of Ethnobotany and Conservation, Shaman Pharmaceuticals, San Carlos, CA:

"An important and well presented contribution to the world's knowledge of plants used as Medicine. A must for all people, scientists and libraries working on medicinal plant biodiversity"

Below, Reviews by Readers from Amazon.com

An English and Spanish bilingual field guide, June 4, 2002
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
Herbs Of Southern Ecuador/Hierbas del Sur Ecuatoriano is an unique, impressive, highly accessible, English and Spanish bilingual field guide to the medicinal plants of the southern Ecuador region of Vilcabamba (where the native population has a deserved reputation for longevity). The "reader friendly" text is enhanced with black-and-white illustrations of each plant, a straightforward list of facts about each plant, along with its ethnobotana and its traditional applications. Herbs Of Southern Ecuador/Hierbas del Sur Ecuatoriano is an excellent and practical field book, and a welcome addition to personal, professional, and academic botanical reference collections.

Traditional knowledge at service of the modern world, March 15, 2002
Reviewer: A reader
Traditional knowledge in the use of plants, and the whole cosmology behind the use, have long been neglected by western societies. Fortunately, this is beginning to change, and such practioces are being valued again. Not too early though, as much knowledge has been lost with old healers passing away. Herbs of Southern Ecuador provides a great insight in the uses of plants in this sacred valley, reknown for the health of its inhabitants. Important medicinal species are describes, depicted, their use, indication and preparation are explained. The fact that the book is bilingual mekes it even more an absolute treasure!

Medicinal herbs made popular, March 3, 2002
Reviewer: A reader
Harbs of Southern Ecuador provides an excellent overview on the most important medicinal plats of the Vilcabamba area in Southern Ecuador - popular for the longevity of its people. More than 140 plants are describes in detail - in english as well as in spanish, and are shown in black and white images. Traditional uses as well as preparation are carefully explaind. A must for everybody interested in the use of andean medicinal plants!