Complete Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

More and more people are choosing herbal healing methods as a supplement or alternative to traditional medical care. This book traces the history of the oldest and most comprehensive form of internal medicine and offers information on more than 170 herbs and herb combinations. Readers will learn how to treat common aliments with Chinese herbs and how to use herbs to achieve an overall balanced state of health and well-being. Included are: • the basic theories and ideas behind Chinese herbal medicine • Chinese herbal formulas for general disorders and chronic conditions • an alphabetized list of illnesses that can be treated with Chinese herbs • a glossary of common terms • and a list of reputable herb suppliers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425157059
• ISBN-13: 978-0425157053
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #498,424 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars easy access for layman to use of Chinese herbs., December 26, 1998

By A Customer

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.)

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Introduction to Chinese Herbs and Formulas, August 10, 2003

By	Pita Dragon (Red Rocks, CO) - See all my reviews

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.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Guide , Worth value and Complete, August 19, 2000

By	Marcio Luiz Goulart - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

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