Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine [Paperback]

Barbara Griggs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0892817275 | ISBN-13: 978-0892817276 | Edition: 3

Newly revised to include the latest developments in the field of herbal medicine, this classic bestseller presents a fascinating account of the ideas, personalities, advances, and vicissitudes that have shaped the course of medicine and pharmacology in the Western world. The author provides an eloquent and engaging account of the use of herbal medicine from prehistoric times to the present, reaffirming the incalculable value of medicinal plants in the healing arts. She presents a strong case for the cyclical emergence of alternative medicine at times (such as our own) when allopathic methods of treatment have lost their safety and efficacy. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Probably the most definitive history of the origin and development of herbal medicine in the West . . . should be required reading for every herbalist, pharmacist, physician, and regulatory official."
(HerbalGram )

"A modern classic that can be consulted by all of those interested in getting a keener insight into the trials and tribulations, the pitfalls and rewards, and the history and future of drug therapy from nature."
(From the foreword by Norman R. Farnsworth, Professor of Pharmocognosy, University of Illinois Medical Center? )

"A history of grass-roots medicine, researched to the point where those of us who have dabbled in the subject are left feeling embarrassed at the wealth of source material that we left unread."

(Brian Inglis, The New Scientist )

"To congratulate Barbara Griggs is not only a pleasure but a duty, for she has given us a useful tool, the need of which has been felt but hitherto never filled."
(Richard Evans Schultes, Jeffrey Professor of Biology and Director of the Botanical Museum (emeritus), Harvard University? )

"Well researched, highly readable, and ultimately entertaining."
(Yoga Journal )

"This meticulously referenced, captivating book is guaranteed to hold surprises even for those who consider themselves well-informed on the topic."
(Napra Review, Vol. 9, No. 2 )

"Here are the highs and lows, the compassion and the competition and the pain and the joys of 2000 plus years of western herbal medicine. Well-written and extensive."
(American Herb Association )

About the Author

Barbara Griggs, a renowned journalist and researcher in the field of herbalism, is also the author of The Green Witch Herbal. She lives in London. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press; 3 edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892817275
• ISBN-13: 978-0892817276
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #409,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding affordable medicine, October 14, 2000

By 

George W. Fisk - See all my reviews

This review is from: Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine (Paperback)

The sick and suffering in the USA who are appalled by current high prices for their medication will be amazed to learn this struggle has been unceasing throughout human history. Barbara Griggs describes how for many centuries inexpensive herbal remedies were fostered by women who were unable to afford the costly medicines or services of established doctors. For current times, the author explains,"The quiet revolution which is gradually bringing plants back to centre-stage is patient rather than doctor-driven. It is patients who may be bankrupted by the cost of medical treatment, if they are not lucky enough to be clients of a generous national health service"pg.369 An outraged public is making this a major concern of the presidential election. To intelligently deal with our current medical dilemma, read and absorb this studiously prepared history of ways of healing.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well researched book!, August 8, 2001

By 

"westnet" (Erskine Park, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine (Paperback)

Green Pharmacy is one of the best books to read on the history of Herbalism and its connections to medical treatments. I liked it because it clearly explains how the principal constituent when isolated for conventional medicinal purposes, can cause harmful side effects. The book reveals that using herbs as a whole plant is more beneficial. A very educational book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Resource!, September 14, 2000

By 

Christina Paul (Anamosa, IA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine (Paperback)

Ms. Van Der Zee has written a book that is quite fascinating! For me this particular book was required reading, but Im actually glad that it was because I learned a great deal about the history of herbal and general medicine throughout the millenia. The history and facts are interesting and higly readable. Ms. Van Der Zee makes you want to keep reading. Green Pharmacy is a book that is not only a "must read" but a definite "must own".