Customer Reviews

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies

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4 star:		(4)
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This work offers a satisfying introduction to herbalism for the general reader, and is enhanced by useful sections on medical terminology, when to gather herbs, useful addresses, and further reading. Medical practicioners will probably find that the book contains insufficient detail and inadequate references to other literature and experimental data.

The most useful part of this book - and the one offering the clearest exposition of the author's philosphy - is the 4th chapter entitled "Systems of the Body". This is the chapter that a reader with a specific complaint should turn to first. This includes sections on eleven bodily systems, including: the circulatory system; the lymphatic system; the respiratory system; ears, nose, throat and eyes; the reproductive system; and the digestive system.

Taking the digestive system to illustrate the author's approach, the whole section consists of 14 large pages. In the first two pages, the author explains with the help of illustrations the anatomy and function of the digestive system, and then gives general lifestyle advice on prevention of digestive disease. The next two pages are an introduction to the various kinds of herbs for the digestive system, among them bitters, hepatics, laxatives, emetics, demulcants, astringents and anti-spasmodics. The final 10-page subsection is titled "Patterns of Digestive Disease", in which Hoffmann offers his views on the nature of, and possible treatments for, problems as diverse as constipation, anorexia nervosa, mouth ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gall-bladder inflammation. The herbs mentioned in this chapter can then be looked up in the preceding chapter, a traditional herbal which devotes half a page to each herb, mentioning the parts used; how and when to collect it; its chemical constituents; its actions; and preparation and dosage. I find half a page far too little, but combining this with the information in the rest of the book, the reader will usually find enough to suggest a possible remedy for common complaints - one that will usually require verification by a qualified practicioner.

The rest of the book includes chapters on "the holistic approach" and "practical herbalism". The latter explains how to gather herbs and make herbal preparations; the chemistry of herbs; the action of herbs; suggestions for a basic herbal medicine chest for the home; and a therapeutic index, which gives an alphabetical list of conditions with most of the potentially useful herbs.

I own a later 2002 version of the 1996 book. Except for cover design the content has remained very much the same. That is one of the best available books on herbs and herbology. It shows the herb with a color photograph for those unfamiliar with what each herb looks like. It gives a detailed description of the herb amd exact formulas of how to use it singularly or in combination.There are other features like how to cultivate and dry the herbs and how it relates to a body system. One of the Best herb books available

Although the herbs listed do not comprise a complete list of herbs available throughout the United States, it has so much information on the ones it DOES list that it makes it well worth the money. Including how to prepare ointments, infusions, etc.

The pictures and profiles on the herbs are a pleasure to read and look at. I would have given the book 5 stars, but there is a dearth of safety information for some herbs (e.g. comfrey, coltsfoot, lily of the valley, sassafras)which I feel is a serious omission. Someone just starting to learn about herbs may start consuming them on a regular basis before coming across the safety information elsewhere. Also, in the section on body systems, the recommended herbal recipes are accompanied by symbols which are not explained anywhere in the text (or if they are, the explanation is very well hidden because I can't find it!) Other than that, the book contains a great introduction to how the body's various systems work and also a lot of common sense advice on optimizing health (not just illness prevention). The philosophy of herbal treatment (treating the whole person as opposed to treating a symptom or a disease) is nicely discussed. Also the therapeutic index makes it easy to find herbs that you can try for specific health needs. A nice addition to the herbal library as long as you have other books that offer the safety info that this one lacks!

David Hoffman's "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal" is one of those rare books I keep nearby, as I'm constantly referring to it. Developed for the layman, Holistic Herbal provides sufficient overview of various herbal remedies to allow one to get their feet wet and feel competent while doing so. Part 1 of the book is a mere 16-page overview of the holistic concept - short, but if you weren't already sold on it, you wouldn't be reading the book, would you? Part 2 covers the practical aspects of herbalism, including the collection and preparation of the various herbs. This is one the areas where the work shines through, as Hoffman's descriptions and photographic accompaniments clearly and succinctly illustrate the process of making not only infusions, tinctures and decoctions, but also capsules, lozenges and suppositories. The latter part of this section also familiarizes the reader with the technical terms associated with herbalism, from abortifacients to vulneraries, in clear layman's terms. Part 3 begins the herbal itself, and its clearly expounded sections will have you referring back to it often. Each page has one to two herbs, with a photograph of the herb in question, a description of the parts used and their preparation, dosages and possible combinations with other herbs for varied therapeutic effects. Seemingly in recognition that this information could overwhelm the layman, Hoffman outlines on page 49 a home herbal medicine chest, with around 30 basic herbs as well as the (minor) equipment one will need in order to make use of them. The therapeutic index which lists the various ailments and their herbal remedies also emphasizes several herbal remedies within each category that are particularly efficacious for the ailment in question.

What a SUPERB release. This is my medicinal herbal bible; it's quite complete, very nice graphics, and is easy to understand. It sits right next to my magickal herb books and has been an invaluable reference. HIGHLY recommended.

OakRaven

The book I received did not have teh cover depicted but it was the correct year. It is a very thorough book which I appreciated and has lots of pictures for easy identification of plants. It is a good book for someone who is getting started in herbalology. I'm not sure because I'm a newbie, but I don't think it would be for the advanced Herbalist or someone who already has alot of knowledge. Probably his newer book which I know is used in some educational courses instead of this one. Overall I have found it extremely helpful. Alot of things in my yard that I thought were just weeds are actually excellent plants for treating conditions! I never would of known if I had not gotten this book. I enjoy it very much and feel it contains a wealth of knowledge :)

I got this book in 3 days in great condition for a used book. Has very useful information and I'd recommend it to anyone.

A must for the herbal reference shelf. Easy to read and understand. Hoffmann's book makes herbalism within everyone's reach

This is a great reference book. More or less a complete herbal encyclopedia. Including basic to advanced info, on the science and practice of herbal healing.