Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine [Hardcover]

David Hoffmann (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 24, 2003

A foundational textbook on the scientific principles of therapeutic herbalism and their application in medicine

• A complete handbook for the medical practitioner

• Includes the most up-to-date information on preparations, dosage, and contraindications

• By the author of The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal

Medical Herbalism contains comprehensive information concerning the identification and use of medicinal plants by chemical structure and physiological effect, the art and science of making herbal medicine, the limitations and potential of viewing herbs chemically, and the challenge to current research paradigms posed by complex plant medicines. It also includes information on toxicology and contraindications, the issues involved in determining dosage and formulation types for an individual, guides to the different measurement systems and conversion tables, and the pros and cons of both industrial and traditional techniques.

With additional sections devoted to the principles of green medicine, the history of Western Herbalism, the variety of other medical modalities using medicinal plants, an extensive resource directory, and a discussion of treatments organized by body system, Medical Herbalism is the comprehensive textbook all students and practitioners of clinical herbalism need to develop their healing practices.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“David Hoffmann has produced an herbal reference masterpiece. This is one of the most comprehensive and detailed reference books to be produced in many years and will become one of the standard texts for professionals and researchers. I will place it next to my desk with my most often-used books.” (Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, editor of HerbalGram, and senior editor of The Complete German Commission E Monographs-)

“Hoffmann beautifully blends science with his very holistic approach to herbal healing, displaying a true gift for making chemistry and physiology easy to understand. He not only suggests herbs and dietary changes to treat many conditions but explains why they work. Such knowledge aids both practitioner and herb user in understanding how they can choose the most effective and safe herbs. I applaud this as an important book for herbalism in the modern world.” (Kathi Keville, director of the American Herb Association)

“I consider David Hoffmann one of the most original and brilliant herbalists of our time, who dwells 'on the cutting edge' of thought and is often paving the way for others. The author of one of our finest herbal classics, The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal, David’s ambitious undertaking of his ­brilliant new book provides us with yet another exceptional textbook on herbs that merges art, ­science, and conservation into a system of holistic herbalism for the future. This will be a valuable book for practitioners of herbal medicine as well as for other medical professionals.” (Rosemary Gladstar, president of United Plant Savers and author of Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal)

"A well-written compendium of herbal medicine that cannot be found elsewhere in a single book." (The Bloomsbury Review, May/June 2004, Vol 24 Issue 3)

"Contains comprehensive information concerning the identification and use of medicinal plants both by chemical structure and physiological effect." (Share Guide, May/June 2004, Issue 73)

"Medical Herbalism is an endeavor that will likely become a staple as an educational tool and indispensable reference for many." (Katherine Duff, Townsend Letter, Aug/Sept 2004)

". . . Hoffman displays a true gift for making chemistry and physiology easy to understand." (American Herb Association, Vol. 20:2)

“David Hoffmann has outdone himself. This text provides a depth of knowledge that is truly needed by the herbalist, the physician, and the pharmacist in order to understand how to use herbal ­medicine safely and effectively. Also an excellent resource to educate patients about the many ­herbal remedies possible.” (David Winston, AHG, dean of the Herbal Therapeutics School of Botanical Medicine and chair of the Admissions Review Committee for the American Herbalist Guild)

“Medical Herbalism provides a clinically oriented, systematic approach to Western herbal medicine missing from most texts. A great contribution to the herbal literature. ” (Roy Upton, herbalist and executive director of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia)

"For all students and practitioners of herbalism, this complete handbook details the chemistry of herbs and presents in-depth discussions of specific ailments and treatments." (Creations Magazine, Oct-Nov 2005)

From the Back Cover

MEDICINE / HOLISTIC HEALTH

Medical Herbalism is a foundational textbook on the scientific principles of therapeutic herbalism and their application in medicine. Based on the author’s more than twenty-five years of herbal practice, it contains comprehensive information concerning the identification and use of medicinal plants both by chemical structure and physiological effect, the art and science of making herbal medicine, and the challenge to current research paradigms posed by complex plant medicines.

The author details the intricate chemistry behind herbalism, providing for the first time important background and insights into how herbal remedies are able to achieve their results and the limitations and potential of viewing herbs chemically. He then presents in-depth discussions of specific ailments and treatments organized by each of the major body systems, as well as delving into the special needs of children and the elderly. He includes the most up-to-date information on preparations, dosage, and contraindications; information on toxicology and the issues involved in determining dosage and formulation types for an individual; and the pros and cons of both commercial and traditional techniques. His materia medica presents 150 of the most beneficial herbs used in treatment practices, identifying not only their present uses but also their historical derivations.

With additional sections devoted to the principles of green medicine, the history of Western herbalism, the variety of other medical modalities using medicinal plants, and an extensive resource directory, Medical Herbalism is the comprehensive textbook all students and practitioners of clinical herbalism need to develop their healing practices. It is also a complete handbook for the medical practitioner looking to bring herbal treatments into his or her practice.

DAVID HOFFMANN, a Fellow of Britain’s National Institute of Medical Herbalists, has been a clinical phytotherapist for more than twenty-five years. He started his herbal practice in Wales, continuing at the Findhorn community in Scotland, and has been practicing in California since 1986. A long time activist in the environmental and peace movements, he ran for parliament in Britain for the Green party in 1983. He is one of the founding members and a past president of the American Herbalists Guild and is on the advisory boards of the American Botanical Council and HerbalGram. The author of seventeen books, including the highly regarded The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal, An Elders’ Herbal, and The Herbal Handbook, Hoffmann teaches phytotherapy throughout the English-speaking world and is currently a faculty member of the California School of Herbal Studies. He is also a visiting faculty member at Bastyr University, the California Institute of Integral Studies, the National College of Phytotherapy, and the Rocky Mountain School of Botanical Studies.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 672 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press (October 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892817496
• ISBN-13: 978-0892817498
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1.7 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Botany
  • #25 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Naturopathy
  • #41 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Holistic

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 93 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great text for school October 30, 2005

By Kim

Format:Hardcover

This is a great text for learning terminology such as herbal actions it's easy to read and understand. The discriptions are just long enough so that it does not include excess/repetative words. The materia medica is also written the same way, precise, it may be too brief for more advanced herbalists however for beginners it is perfect. The materia medica is not that big. For a more elaborate "indication" section you will probably have to read research. I use this as a text as a Herbal Science major, I don't think it is very readable for the layman trying to learn herbal medicine or if you are just interested in herbal medicine. It's written like an encyclopedia, so you jump to sections that you want. The first part of the book has plant constituents with drawings of organic molecules. The second part is organized according to body systems. It's very user friendly, the index has pretty much everything you want to find. Fantastic book as a text, I'll be using it for a long time.

64 of 66 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Medical Herbalism: great resource July 16, 2006

By Persephone

Format:Hardcover

This book was assigned as a part of a Master's Program in Holistic Health. It is comprehensive and overall a great resource book. Hoffmann covers a wide range of topics in depth. In class, we were amazed how one person could write such a voluminous resource. However, if you are looking for specific "recipes" to make, this would not be the book. It will direct you to appropriate plants/herbs to use. I highly recommend this book. You will think twice about common weeds in your yard- all plants have a medicinal use.

69 of 73 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Herbal Medicine Bible November 26, 2003

By Robert Kall VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

I've never seen another book on herbal medicine that is as exhaustive and comprehensive as this one. It oges to far as to illustrate the active biochemical components of the different herbal elements. The book is orgainized based on the different body systems. It describes how to identify the compounds and their souces. For anyone serious about herbal medicine this book is an essential addition for a professional library.

I organize an international conference -- The Winter Brain, Optimal Functioning and Positive Psychology meeting that routinely includes lectures on herbal medicine. This book will be very well received by our professional attendees.