The book is a dual language encyclopedia of herbal lore gathered from many sources. The author is neither herbalist, botanist, nor doctor, but an enthusiast and hobbyist who went to many local markets across Ecuador to gather herbs and to speak with people who provided some of the traditional uses of many of the herbs. White draws on many non-Ecuadorian sources also for uses of herbs, preparation, and storage of herbs. The author makes no recommendations, but has provided a starting point for the discussion of traditional herbal medicine.