Description
Book SynopsisA foundational textbook on the scientific principles of therapeutic herbalism and their application in medicine.
Trade Review“David Hoffmann has produced an herbal reference masterpiece. This is one of the most comprehensive and detailed reference books to be produced in many years and will become one of the standard texts for professionals and researchers. I will place it next to my desk with my most often-used books.” * Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, editor of HerbalG *
“Hoffmann beautifully blends science with his very holistic approach to herbal healing, displaying a true gift for making chemistry and physiology easy to understand. He not only suggests herbs and dietary changes to treat many conditions but explains why they work. Such knowledge aids both practitioner and herb user in understanding how they can choose the most effective and safe herbs. I applaud this as an important book for herbalism in the modern world.” * Kathi Keville, director of the American Herb Association *
“I consider David Hoffmann one of the most original and brilliant herbalists of our time, who dwells 'on the cutting edge' of thought and is often paving the way for others. The author of one of our finest herbal classics,
The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal, David’s ambitious undertaking of his brilliant new book provides us with yet another exceptional textbook on herbs that merges art, science, and conservation into a system of holistic herbalism for the future. This will be a valuable book for practitioners of herbal medicine as well as for other medical professionals.” * Rosemary Gladstar, president of United Plant Savers and author of Rosemary Gladstar’s Family H *
"A well-written compendium of herbal medicine that cannot be found elsewhere in a single book." * The Bloomsbury Review, May/June 2004, Vol 24 Issue 3 *
"Contains comprehensive information concerning the identification and use of medicinal plants both by chemical structure and physiological effect." * Share Guide, May/June 2004, Issue 73 *
"
Medical Herbalism is an endeavor that will likely become a staple as an educational tool and indispensable reference for many." * Katherine Duff, Townsend Letter, Aug/Sept 2004 *
". . . Hoffman displays a true gift for making chemistry and physiology easy to understand." * American Herb Association, Vol. 20:2 *
“David Hoffmann has outdone himself. This text provides a depth of knowledge that is truly needed by the herbalist, the physician, and the pharmacist in order to understand how to use herbal medicine safely and effectively. Also an excellent resource to educate patients about the many herbal remedies possible.” * David Winston, AHG, dean of the Herbal Therapeutics School of Botanical Medicine and chair of the Ad *
“
Medical Herbalism provides a clinically oriented, systematic approach to Western herbal medicine missing from most texts. A great contribution to the herbal literature. ” * Roy Upton, herbalist and executive director of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia *
"For all students and practitioners of herbalism, this complete handbook details the chemistry of herbs and presents in-depth discussions of specific ailments and treatments." * Creations Magazine, Oct-Nov 2005 *
"For mid-level to advanced herbal students, or for any professional health care practitioner, this book represents an outstanding contribution. Kudos to both author David Hoffman and to Healing Arts Press for giving us this amazing volume." * Leah Samul, Pan Gaia, Jan-Mar 2006 *
"This is simply the most comprehensive reference work on holistic herbalism from a clinical perspective in existence. . . . This well-researched, incredibly knowledgeable textbook could be said to usher in a new, critical phase in the development of herbalism." * Georg Feuerstein, Traditional Yoga Studies, Sept 2007 *
" . . . this manual gives the more serious herbalist a look at herbs with a thorough and scientific approach without stripping that something unexplainable that happens when we use herbs as medicine. . . . Hoffmann's style is straightforward and informative containing a fascinating depth, making
Medical Herbalism a reference tool any herbalist will reach for without hesitation." * dkMommySpot, March 2009 *
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part One: Introduction to Principles and Practices
1--Herbs, Holism, and ScienceScience and Phytotherapy
Pharmacognosy and Ways to Assess Herb Quality
The Conservation of Medicinal Plants
2--Classification of Medicinal PlantsThe Linnaean System of Classification
Derivation of Botanical Names
3--An Introduction to PhytochemistryPrimary and Secondary Plant Metabolites
Commonly Used Terms and Concepts
4--CarbohydratesMonosaccharides
Polysaccharides
Glycoproteins
Glycosides
Gums and Mucilages
5--LipidsFatty Acids
Lipids Containing Glycerol
6--TerpenesMonoterpenes
Iridoids
Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpene Lactones
Diterpenoids
Saponins
Triterpenoid Saponins
Cardenolides and Bufadienolides
Phytosterols
Nortriterpenoids
Plant Exudates
Resins
Oleoresins
Balsams
Gum Resins
7--PolyphenolsSimple Phenols and Phenolic Acids
Phenylpropanoids and Cinnamic Acids
Coumarins
Quinones
Xanthones
Stilbenoids
Flavonoids
Flavones and Flavonols
Isoflavonoids
Flavanones
Dihydrochalcones
Biflavonoids
Lignans and Neolignans
Tannins
8--AlkaloidsPyrrolidine and Piperidine Alkaloids
Tropane Alkaloids
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Purine Alkaloids
Isoquinoline Alkaloids
Indole Alkaloids
Ergot Alkaloids
Carboline Alkaloids
Quinoline Alkaloids
Quinolizidine Alkaloids
Diterpenoid Alkaloids
Steroid Alkaloids
Miscellaneous Alkaloids
9--PharmacologyPharmacodynamics
Phytoestrogens
Pharmacokinetics
Immunomodulators
Inflammation and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Cancer and Plant Constituents
Antiviral Agents
Antioxidants and Free Radical Scavengers
Cardiac Glycosides
Nonsteroidal Cardioactive Plant Constituents
Cholesterol and Lipid-Lowering Activity
Hypertension and Hypotensive Agents
Platelet Function and Cardiovascular
Herbs and the Liver
Hypoglycemic Agents
10--Toxicity, Contraindications, and SafetyEvaluating Causality in Adverse Events
Toxicology
Oxalic Acid
Terpenes
Glycosides
Polyphenolics
Alkaloids
Polypeptides
Lectins
Photosensitivity
11--The Formulation and Preparation of Herbal MedicinesHerbal Medicines
Infusions
Decoctions
Tinctures (Tincturae)
Fluid Extracts (Fluid Extracta)
Syrups, Elixirs, and Emulsions (Emulsiones)
Juices (Succi), Linctuses (Lincti), Mucilages and Oxymels
Waters (Aqua)
Capsules, Pills, and Tablets
Lozenges (Trochisci) and Pastilles (Pastilli)
Baths (Balneotherapy)
Douches and Enemas
Ointments and Suppositories
Liniments
Gargles (Gargarisma) and Mouthwashes
Inhalants (Vapors) and Spray Solutions (Nebulae)
Oils
Compresses and Poultices
Incompatibility
Part Two: Treatment Approaches by Body System
12--A Model of Holistic Herbal MedicinePhytotherapeutic Selection Criteria
Dosage and Formulation Criteria
Outline of Treatment Chapters
13--The Digestive SystemFlatulence
Constipation
Laxatives
Diarrhea
Aphthous Ulcers
Periodontal Disease
Esophagitis and Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastritis
Peptic Ulcers
Hiatus Hernia
Functional Dyspepsia or “Indigestion”
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Diverticulitis
Jaundice
Chronic Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Cholecystitis
Cholelithiasis
Hemorrhoids
14--The Cardiovascular SystemTonics for the Cardiovascular System
Cholesterol
Hypertension
Arteriosclerosis
Congestive Heart Failure
Angina Pectoris
Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease
Varicose Veins
15--The Respiratory System Coughs
Acute Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis
Pertussis
Asthma
Emphysema
The Common Cold
Influenza
Hay Fever
Sinusitis
Laryngitis
Tonsillitis
16--The Nervous SystemManaging Stress: An Overview
Depression
Insomnia
Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines
Anorexia Nervosa
Headache
Migraine
Neuritis
Tinnitus
Motion Sickness
Shingles
17--The Urinary SystemFrequency
Dysuria
Hematuria
Edema
Cystitis
Urinary Calculus
18--The Reproductive SystemEmmenagogues
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Premenstrual Syndrome
Menopause
Pregnancy
Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Uterine Fibroids
Endometriosis
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
19--The Musculoskeletal SystemExternal Applications for Musculoskeletal Problems
Myalgia
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Gout
Bursitis and Tendinitis
Restless Leg Syndrome
20--The SkinHerbs for Topical Application
Eczema and Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Acne
21--The Immune SystemGeneral Support Protocols
Detoxification
Postoperative Recovery
General Guidelines for Treating Infection
Vaginitis
Prostatitis
Boils
Fungal Skin Infection
Cancer
22--The Endocrine SystemHypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes Mellitus
The Adrenal Glands
23--Phytotherapy and the ElderlyToning and Nurturing Health in Elders
Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Elders
24--Phytotherapy and ChildrenMeasles
Mumps
Colic
Constipation
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Nausea
Otitis Media
Attention Deficit Disorder
Diaper Rash
Cradle Cap
Impetigo
25--Herbal ActionsAdaptogen
Alterative
Anticatarrhal
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antirheumatic
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Bitter
Cardiac Remedies
Carminative
Cholagogue
Demulcent
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Hepatic
Hypnotic
Hypotensive
Nervine
Stimulant
26--Materia MedicaAppendices
1--Glossary
2--Selected Examples of Binomial Meanings
3--Herbs by Latin and Common Names
4--Pharmacy Terms
5--Weight and Measure Conversion
6--Herbal Information Sources
7--Taxonomy Hierarchy
Bibliography
Index