By David Hoffmann
A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism
This compendium of medical herbalism by one of the most eminent herbalists practicing today is both comprehensive and extremely practical. Answering basic as well as complicated questions about herbal medicine, it provides amateur and professional practitioners with a reliable framework in which their herbal skills can develop. An illuminating discussion of the history and modern practice of herbalism, encompassing the influences of Welsh, Chinese, and Native American herbal medicine, is followed by a practical reference section that lists the various actions herbs have on the body (carminative, anti-inflammatory, and so forth), with examples of herbs and their mode of activity in each category. Herbal prescriptions for minor and more serious illnesses are also organized under the main systems of the body so that information can be quickly and easily referenced. A final section covers the fundamentals of growing, dying, storing, and cooking with herbs, as well as the making of infusions, decoctions, oils, and ointments. The author also provides helpful introductions to aromatherapy and plant medicines.