Customer Reviews

Complete Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine

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There is no question that today there is a proliferation of self-help books particularlyon various aspects of alternative medicine. The public's interest in learning how they can now treat themselves, seems to be turning them away from the care of Western "traditional" medicine and toward the world of western herbology, homeopathy, and Chinese medicine to name a few.I have practiced the use of alternative methods of prevention for myself andfamily, especially Chinese medicine. Yet over and beyond my diligence to use what I have been told to use by my Chinese practitioner, I have wanted to seek a deeper yet simpler understanding on my own about the whole picture of Chinese medicine. After a long search through the "healing" bookshelves of many a store, I have at last found a book that is thorough yet not overwhelming in its approach and content. COMPLETE GUIDE is set up as a responsible handbook for the layman. After a concise historical survey of Chinese medicine, from its roots to today, Molony places Chinese medicine realistically in the context of its place in today's arena of preventativealternative medicine. He explains how the "Ying and Yang" principles of balanceare at the root of the treatments both with acupuncture and herbs. Furthermore, thebiggest difference, as Molony describes it, between Chinese and Westernmedicines is that in the former practice, the emotional and the physical statesof a patient are always treated together. The goal is internal harmony both in ill andwell health.Molony structures his book to allow total clarity and visual reinforcement ofexplanations and definitions all along. His use of charts, and gray sections ofpages of definitions are easy to flip to in a hurry, and to use at a glance: for instance, "Common Symptoms of 5 Major Organs, " and "ABCS of Oriental Medicine." He goes on to describe primary Chinese herbs, with sketches, common uses, and cautionary warnings when appropriate. He also talks about the most renowned herb combinations, and going into detail with each singular herb in the combination, how it addresses a particular weakness, moistness, heat imbalance, etc. His final chapter allows us, to peruse some common ailments or allergy responses, and what has worked in Chinese treatment for these. This is a book for someone like myself who wants to go deeper into the knowledgeof Chinese medicine, or it is for someone who is perhaps sheepish about delvinginto the perceived mysteries of this newly popular medicine. This book is evidence that it is the wisdom of 4,000 years of Chinese medical philosophy, researchand practice that enhances the attraction that it has for us. Its legitimacy is indeedtime-tested and honors the uniqueness of the mysteries of the human body, andspirit. Therefore, Chinese medicine becomes much less a mystery as it is so well laid out for us in this guide.Sabrina Wrebe (alias S.B.B.)

David Molony's book is a very good introduction to the basic principles of Chinese medicine and traditional herbs, including their common usage in traditional formulas. The description of traditional Chinese formulas is very interesting and informative ("An Herbal Medicine Chest"), especially for those who are attempting to self-diagnose and learn more about the traditional synergies of Chinese formulas which have been developed over thousands of years. All this information is presented clearly and concisely. You can also refer back to the individual description of each herb to get a more detailed knowledge. There are also discussions of 25 of the most common ailments and the formulas that treat them. I would have preferred that this section be larger but it is sufficient for treating minor ailments, such as colds, diarrhea, and indigestion. Since many symptoms don't easily translate into easy diagnosable patterns, it is often better to see a qualified TCM practitioner initially in order to get a professional diagnosis and treatment.

For those who want to purchase the herbal formulas described in this book (once you have a pretty good idea of your symptoms and patterns), the author lists only two herb suppliers in the appendix, including his own company, Tian Ming Herbs. In this regard the author uses his book as a sort of advertisement to sell his own herbal products (which are made in China). Many of these patent formulas are also available from Chinese herb shops in the Chinatowns of most cities at low prices.

The problem with many of these herbal products manufactured in China involve concerns with quality, purity, manufacturing standards, pesticides, and expiration dates (herbs lose their potency over time). In this regard, many acupuncturists and herbalists in the US recommend American-manufactured products which have higher standards in these areas. These include products manufactured by Seven Forests, Health Concerns, and K'an Herbs. Unfortunately, many of these products are not available to the general public and may only be obtained through health practioners. Therefore, it may be advisable to at least initially learn as much as you can on your own and then go to a professional so you can have access to the best quality herbs. This book will give you a sufficient background in TCM, self-diagnosis, and herbal treatments so you can have an informed understanding and discussion with a professional and take a more active role in your diagnosis and healing process.

If you are looking for a easy , comprehensive and worth value chinese herbal medicine guide you should own it. Fulfilled with nice pictures, it provides you a fast acess to many herbs and herbal formulas If you are stiding Chinese herbal medicine it's a bible

This book provides good information and indepth detail about chineese herbs that can be used. Most of the book is about the herbs and different combinations that can be used, but it's mostly for someone who is advanced in their knowledge of TCM. For a novice like myself it seems over my head. Most of the herbs described are ones I had not heard of and are hard to find. Personally I think this book is more for the TCM practitioner.

It accesses the strengths of our melting pot. A reference that enables you to help yourself. Useful for every home. Bernice Mattes