Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal 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.

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.


Medical Herbalism: great resource   July 16, 2006
Persephone
35 out of 37 found this review helpful

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.


Recommended for college-level health collections   May 5, 2004
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
22 out of 23 found this review helpful

The science and practice and medical herbalism is covered in a weighty textbook covering the scientific principles of therapeutic herbalism and their application to medicine. Author Avid Hoffmann has several decades of experience in herbal practice and lends scientific authority to Medical Herbalism: Principles And Practices, which offers details on plants, chemical structures, physiological effects, and the craft of making herbal potions and medicines. No casual coverage, this is recommended for college-level health collections interested in serious science and health.


Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine   February 27, 2008
Diane Clapton (New York)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I purchased this book for two reasons. The first being the author David Hoffmann is the author of a book I have called The New Holistic Herbal. I found this book to very thorough in his relating herbal medicine to the human body. I highly recommend it. The second reason is I am taking an online course in Herbal Medicine. This book is recommended reading and I can say it is as thorough and detailed as the book mentioned above. David Hoffmann has a way of relating the science to the human body in a precise, well thought out way. There is a wealth of information and detail about all functions of the human body.How each herb is broken down into its components and what their interaction is with our makeup. He also can tell of drug interactions which is important for anyone on medication and wanting to self medicate. I can only speak highly of this book and while perhaps a little clinical for some it is well worth the purchase.