Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology (Hardcover)

~ John K. Chen (Author), Tina T. Chen (Author), Laraine Crampton (Editor), Charles Funk (Illustrator), Rick Friesen (Illustrator) "Full-color photographs are displayed in alphabetical order by pinyin name in this section, to assist in accurate recognition of individual herbs..." (more)
Key Phrases: exemplar formula, painful obstruction syndrome, pinyin name, Pharmaceutical Name, English Name, Alternate Chinese Names (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the most comprehensive synthesized presentations of traditional and scientific knowledge of Chinese herbal medicines." -- Roy Upton, Executive Director, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

"This book is meticulously detailed source of information on pharmacological effects, clinical research and safety data." -- Richard Hammerschlag, Co-president, Society for Acupuncture Research

"Will surely become the standard reference in Chinese herbal medicine." -- Jake Paul Fratkin, author of Chinese Herbal Patent Medicine

Applause for the Bicameral View: Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, by Chen and Chen The new materia medica entitled Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology by John Chen and Tina Chen, is a valuable contribution, not just because more than 1200 glossy pages describe over 500 herbs and their many parts and preparations, but also because the language of pharmacology and herbology is precisely chosen. The volume is steeped in the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and then infused with Western science. Clear explanations and tables make the details of this book accessible. Traditional properties, channels, and therapeutic actions of each herb are described. Key diagnostic symptoms are differentiated in several tables using traditional terms. Other charts that compare similarities and differences of herbs within the category are invaluable tools for the student. Additional lists of herbs from other categories that share the section s function are found in each summary. For example, page 357 contains a list of 31 herbs that have Damp-Draining functions but ordinarily belong to other categories. Pharmacology, Clinical Research and Toxicology are thoroughly referenced, using sources selected, according to the authors, by relevance, strong study design, English language, use of human subjects, and wherever possible, with preference given to randomized, blinded, controlled studies over observational reports. However, most of the research available on Chinese herbs is still in Chinese language journals. Herbal Cautions, Contraindications, and Herb-Drug interactions are examined in many of the monographs. The Author s Comments sections with clinical notes are useful to practitioners as is the specific information for treatment of Overdosage. For example, page 788 describes symptoms of Quan xie overdose and contains 5 formulas for treatment. There are more good lists and charts, for cautions during nursing and pregnancy, dietary interactions, and dosing by age and weight. Writing and referencing this materia medica required eight years to complete, with a staff of 50, peer review by 35 experts in the field, and photos contributed from three herb companies. To improve its suitability as a desk reference the photos should be reviewed for standard species. For example, on page G5, the photo titled Ban Lan Gen is a substitute commonly found in many dispensaries. The Chen s have accomplished an impressive work that brings Traditional Medicine together with Pharmacology. The words chosen to talk about herbs inevitably will define the boundaries of our discussions on Traditional Medicine. An author from the last century emphasized the importance and implications of speech this way: People evolve a language in order to describe and thus control their circumstances, in order not to be submerged by a reality that they cannot articulate. * As herbs are increasingly examined, researched, and regulated, herb practitioners must cling to the foundational elements that give reason and utility to Traditional Medicine. The art and science of chemistry has its own useful language, rules, scope, and beauty. Chinese Medical Theory has a different language and world view. For the advancement of the herbal profession, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology makes good use of both. Mercy Yule, L.Ac. *James Baldwin, letter to the New York Times, 1979 --Mercy Yule, L.Ac.

One of the most comprehensive synthesized presentations of traditional and scientific knowledge of Chinese herbal medicines. Roy Upton, Executive Director, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. --Roy Upton, Executive Director, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia.

This book is meticulously detailed source of information on pharmacological effects, clinical research and safety data. Richard Hammerschlag, Co-president, Society for Acupuncture Research. --Richard Hammerschlag, Co-president, Society for Acupuncture Research.

Product Description

Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology integrates contemporary understanding of the ancient practice of Chinese herbal medicine with essential safety information for a context in which use of pharmaceutical and traditional medicines is increasingly integrated in the treatment of illness. In 1,266 information-packed pages, this text offers healthcare practitioners, researchers, educators and students information for a lifetime of learning and practice: 670 in-depth herb monographs; 1150 photographs, classic line drawings, and chemical structure diagrams; far-reaching insights from academic, clinical, research and regulatory professionals; traditional uses and combinations, dosages, toxicology, cautions and contraindications; safety index, herb-drug interactions, clinical studies and research; and more.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1267 pages
• Publisher: Art of Medicine Press; 1st edition (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974063509
• ISBN-13: 978-0974063508
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.3 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #192,958 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chen's Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, September 25, 2004

By	S. Shueh "Book Warm" (LAX, Ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a modern pharmacology text on herbs and prescriptions. Unlike some older texts this fine reference book includes many features not found elsewhere. It includes photographic pictures of each herb and provides in both simplified and traditional Chinese characters. The chemical composition is badly needed as both modern pharmacists and patients alike need to know what they are dealing with, other than just exotic PinYin names. The pharmacological interactions and author's comments are also welcomed as the effectiveness from modern clinical studies are required in any modern medical book. The only inconvenience I found is that the constant use of this 1200+ page book caused sore on my thumb and fingers. As more and more updates are added, frequent users would prefer a digital source (e.g., XHTML, XML etc) to get the latest update. The advantage of hypertext will allow one to navigate quickly with the click of a mouse without having to flip through pages or using indices. At present, 23% of medical professionals are now using an online source and it is expected more and more will do so to stay current. In sum, this is a highly useful book which will get to its place.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the BEST Reference Books for Herbs out there!, December 26, 2007

By	Carlos Chapa "Dr. Chapa" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent book. It's not small, actually its HUGE!

Instead of repeating what most of the reviewers wrote, here is another great reason to buy this book.

I use it frequently when working WITH the patients Primary Care Physician (aka MD).

It's very easy to understand why we "usually" get the "eyebrow" look... (think of the wrestler.. the ROCK). Instead of "attempting" to explain TCM concepts, its far easier to "translate" the explanation of how the herb works, in WESTERN TERMS.

Not only do you have chemical compositions, but you also have case studies and treatments in WESTERN Diagnosis.

I also love the "reference" SECTIONS at the end of the book which divide the herbs into western diagnosis, key signs/symptoms and even gives full detail on contraindications with other herbs/supplements.

After reading this book, you really should get an automatic PhD. Blows away the book we used at school.

P.S. Go to Kinkos and make COLOR COPIES of the picture of the herbs and use them with your other books (paste them!). Far easier going to China town showing pictures and characters instead of ATTEMPTING to speak chinese.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any Herbalist, March 25, 2007

By	L. E. Mcdonald (Hamilton New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This text has full, easy to read information on the medicinal uses, interactions and properties of a vast range of herbs. My understanding of oriental herbal medicine is limited to say the least, but this book has piqued my interest as well as being an in depth source of ready information that is usable in my business today. The book is that readable, that it has yet to get to the office as I cant seem to put it down at home.