Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Hardcover)

by Dan Bensky (Author), Andrew Gamble (Compiler)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Highly recommended, handsome and practical publication." -- The Pacific Journal of Oriental Medicine

"The standard reference on Chinese materia medica." -- Steven Foster, HerbalGram

Product Description
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) is an extensive sourcebook of information about the most commonly used substances in Chinese herbal medicine. Compiled from leading textbooks in China, this edition presents an in-depth study of 473 medicinal substances. Meticulously illustrated, each herb is identified by its pharmaceutical, botanical and family names, together with its Chinese, Japanese, Korean and English common names.

Each entry details the traditional properties, actions and indications, principal combinations, dosage and contraindications of the herb, and contains summaries of abstracts regarding modern pharmacological & clinical research. The book also details the qualities to look for in the appearance of each herb, where it is grown, and when it is harvested.

The herbs are conveniently grouped in chapters by function, with chapter summaries that compare and contrast those with similar properties. An introduction describes how to prepare and dispense the herbs. Extensive indices provide easy access and cross references to information throughout the book.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 581 pages
• Publisher: Eastland Pr; Revised edition (January 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939616157
• ISBN-13: 978-0939616152
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #358,987 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Materia Medica (Chinese Herbal Medicine) Dan Bensky, April 5, 2000

By	sean stephens (San Diego California) - See all my reviews

This is a well written and authoritive text that is very precise, yet easily readable. The book is categorized by the functions of herbs, and makes an extremely conveinant reference. The index is complete with Pin-yin translations as well as english, korean and japanese. A must have book for those interested in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Illurstrations are included for all herbs, and medicinals. Rational explanations are included for the functions of the herbs, as well as information about common combinations with other herbs. Truly a great text!

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Professionals and Students Only, August 25, 2003

By	Brian B. Carter (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is still the authorative book on single Chinese herbs. However, Chinese herbs are nearly always combined into formulas, and Bensky has another equally huge book on that topic. These two books are medical references for licensed acupuncturists (who are Chinese herbalists), and NOT for the casual reader or layperson to medicate themselves. You won't be able to properly apply the information in these two books without first learning Chinese medical diagnosis - the right medicine must follow from an accurate diagnosis.

The tragedies and legislation concerning ephedra illustrate that laypeople will not neccesarily use herbs traditionally, or safely.

Most traditional acupuncturists in the West attend 4 year schools, and more than 900 hours of herbal medicine are included in their training. I would suggest, if you want to avail yourself of the power of Chinese herbal medicine, that you see one of them.

If you're looking for a more practical layperson's introduction to Chinese herbs, check out David Molony's, or Jake Fratkin's books. Another good one is Henry Lu's book on combining Chinese herbs with foods to balance your patterns of imbalance.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unfortunate, November 22, 2003

By A Customer

This isn't a review of the book, though I am an acupuncture student and need to purchase this "bible" on herbs. What I'd like to state is the idiocy of "captnerfertiti"...the reviewer above who said that one should go to China if they want a real Chinese Medical Doctor. How can he make such a blanket statement about everyone practicing TCM in the United States? I'm sure people will see through his anger. Countless people have been helped by this medicine, including myself. That's why I went into it. And "us" in TCM will see his problem as a Liver imbalance leading to Fire which has damaged his Heart and disturbed his Shen. Please keep the "road rage" off these pages.