Customer Reviews

Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
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This is a modern pharmacology text on herbs and prescriptions. Unlike some older texts this fine reference book includes many features not found elsewhere. It includes photographic pictures of each herb and provides in both simplified and traditional Chinese characters. The chemical composition is badly needed as both modern pharmacists and patients alike need to know what they are dealing with, other than just exotic PinYin names. The pharmacological interactions and author's comments are also welcomed as the effectiveness from modern clinical studies are required in any modern medical book. The only inconvenience I found is that the constant use of this 1200+ page book caused sore on my thumb and fingers. As more and more updates are added, frequent users would prefer a digital source (e.g., XHTML, XML etc) to get the latest update. The advantage of hypertext will allow one to navigate quickly with the click of a mouse without having to flip through pages or using indices. At present, 23% of medical professionals are now using an online source and it is expected more and more will do so to stay current. In sum, this is a highly useful book which will get to its place.

Excellent book. It's not small, actually its HUGE!

Instead of repeating what most of the reviewers wrote, here is another great reason to buy this book.

I use it frequently when working WITH the patients Primary Care Physician (aka MD).

It's very easy to understand why we "usually" get the "eyebrow" look... (think of the wrestler.. the ROCK). Instead of "attempting" to explain TCM concepts, its far easier to "translate" the explanation of how the herb works, in WESTERN TERMS.

Not only do you have chemical compositions, but you also have case studies and treatments in WESTERN Diagnosis.

I also love the "reference" SECTIONS at the end of the book which divide the herbs into western diagnosis, key signs/symptoms and even gives full detail on contraindications with other herbs/supplements.

After reading this book, you really should get an automatic PhD. Blows away the book we used at school.

P.S. Go to Kinkos and make COLOR COPIES of the picture of the herbs and use them with your other books (paste them!). Far easier going to China town showing pictures and characters instead of ATTEMPTING to speak chinese.

This text has full, easy to read information on the medicinal uses, interactions and properties of a vast range of herbs. My understanding of oriental herbal medicine is limited to say the least, but this book has piqued my interest as well as being an in depth source of ready information that is usable in my business today. The book is that readable, that it has yet to get to the office as I cant seem to put it down at home.

Before I bought this text I had checked with my friends who owned this and other herbology textbooks. I eventually decided to buy this textbook.
After really have my own, I spent a lot of time to review everything thoroughly and I was so delighted that my decision was right.

The reason...first of all this book has colorful picture of herbs (not the fresh plant but the dried one that is the actual thing you practice). Secondly, it has Chinese name written in both old (full) and new (simplified) Chinese. Well, if you don't know Chinese, this may mean nothing to you, but it is somehow helpful if we need Chinese name for searching or reference. Thirdly, it is written by a Pharmacist (the author John Chen) who blends his conventional pharmacy knowledge together with Chinese Traditional Medicine knowledge. The author also mentions about any scientific research related to any particular herbs so that the therapeutic effect of such herbs will be more reliable. I like the part that with this book we can learn more about Chinese herbs (medicine) in a systemic conventional way.

There are more positive aspects about this textbook. I wish I could write more but with the limited time now I would say that you should have this book.

This book deals with individual herbs. It has a TON of information about each herb including Chinese energetic actions, Western medical actions, dosage, preparation, and usage, indications, contraindications, chemical structure, drug interactions, identification, cited research and authors commentary on usage and possible combinations.
There's not much talk about formulas but as a reference this book is tremendous.
A+

This book is necessity to anyone in the oriental medicine field, especially herbal medicine. There are so many patients on medications now, we need a good book to show any possible interactions or contraindications with their current medication, and this is that book.

As an Acupuncturist and Herbalist, this book has been the one book I rely on more than any other for the information that I need to formulate my herbs. The layout of the text permits me to find information that I need for determining efficacy, safety and drug-interaction. This text has assisted me in answering questions from pharmacists and physicians regarding the use and safey for herb preparations with pharmacological prescriptions. I consider this materia medica the best out there. This book and its companion, "Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications" sit on my desk and in-reach at all times.

As a student of traditional Chinese medicine I have read and thumbed through a lot of books. This on is the best herbal book I have ever picked up. Chen is a great source on herbs and their western dynamics as he has a background in pharmacology as well. I have sat through a weekend seminar with him and he is brilliant. You should also consider purchasing his formulas book, which is equally amazing.

A great reference book for basic overview of herbs. It is written concisely and assists in establishing a basic foundation of herb knowledge.

This book has been superior to all other books I own in this subject. I have been able to formulate my own formulas from the extensive information in this book. 100% success rate. The in depth information on every herb, their uses, toxicity, side effects and chemical compisition is vital in making your own formulas. Of course, they have proven formulas to copy also. This is a research book.