Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine

Book is fantastic for understanding chronic ailments and how herbs affect them. Recipes are not the best because they are complicated with difficult to find herbs.

I actually diligently studied every page of this book. Took about 60 hours of attentive study. There are about 300 pages of molecules, then each system of the body is covered and then more detail about herbs and their actions, an excellent materia medica, countless tables for cross reference (and a ton of other stuff I haven’t listed).It’s clear, organized, no-nonsense, emphasizing the importance of the whole plant, yet presenting lots of info on the constituents. And still Hoffman’s voice comes through. Even though I am more inclined to Chinese medicine, this is one of my all time favorite herbalism books. It surpasses the excellent herbalism courses available, going more deeply into the chemistry than most of them. It’s also easy to look stuff up in all the indices and tables.I have the print and Kindle edition and can recommend them both. The only issue with the print book is that I wish it were printed on sturdier paper because this is one of those books I pull off the shelf almost daily.I’ve been studying herbalism for maybe 7-8 years seriously and would consider this material for the intermediate/advanced student. Might work for the seriously ambitious beginner. Maybe. You don’t have to read it cover to cover as it is a fine reference, but the book as a whole is excellent and worth studying every chapter in order and with focused attention.This is just down-to-earth, intelligent Western herbalism and it is beautiful that Hoffman chose to share this depth of knowledge with us. And he sticks with Western. No TCM or Ayurvedic crutches. Those systems are great, but if you want to regard the Western style on its own merit, this is an important resource. If you’re serious, then this book is a must have.

Great book filled with the most useful information you will ever find . Very well worth the money and filled with scientific information and formulas

I just started reading this book and so far I'm liking it. I'm stull reading the intro part, so I haven't reached the nitty gritty on the plants, which I'm lookimg forward to. It's well written and full of in depth information. I bought based on the recommendation of an herbalist on youtube, so I'm confident this will be a positive addition to my herbal book library.

Absolutely a must have if you are into herbal medicine and want to take it serious. Explains both the science and art of plant medicine.

Excellent Resource!

A very informative book that covers herbalism in depth. If you are going to take good care of your health by using herbs, have a good read of this.

Review:Medical Herbalism is an authoritative and comprehensive treatise on the science, principles, and practices of herbal medicine. Written by renowned herbalist David Winston, the book provides an in-depth exploration of the use of plants for healing and maintaining health.Science and Evidence:Winston meticulously presents the latest scientific evidence supporting the use of herbs in medicine. He cites numerous clinical studies, pharmacological research, and historical accounts to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of herbalism, plant chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and the clinical applications of various herbs.Principles and Practices:Beyond the scientific foundation, Medical Herbalism emphasizes the principles and practices that guide herbalists in their work. Winston discusses the importance of understanding the whole person, considering their constitution, lifestyle, and health history. He provides detailed instructions on how to select, prepare, and administer herbal remedies safely and effectively.Comprehensive Coverage:The book covers an extensive array of herbs, with detailed monographs on over 100 common medicinal plants. Each monograph includes botanical descriptions, traditional uses, pharmacological actions, clinical applications, and potential contraindications. Winston also provides practical tips on growing, harvesting, and preparing herbs.Clinical Applications:Medical Herbalism is not just a theoretical exploration; it is a practical guide for healthcare practitioners. Winston offers evidence-based recommendations for using herbs to treat a wide range of health conditions, including digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, immune system disorders, and mental health issues.Strengths:* Comprehensive and authoritative* Scientifically rigorous and evidence-based* Practical and accessible for healthcare practitioners* Covers a wide range of herbs and clinical applicationsWeaknesses:* Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive coverage* Some sections may require a basic understanding of botany and pharmacologyOverall:Medical Herbalism is an indispensable resource for healthcare practitioners, herbalists, and anyone interested in the science and practice of herbal medicine. It provides a comprehensive and evidence-based foundation for understanding the use of plants for healing and maintaining health.