Description

Book Synopsis
A 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 Science
Science and Phytotherapy
Pharmacognosy and Ways to Assess Herb Quality
The Conservation of Medicinal Plants

2--Classification of Medicinal Plants
The Linnaean System of Classification
Derivation of Botanical Names

3--An Introduction to Phytochemistry
Primary and Secondary Plant Metabolites
Commonly Used Terms and Concepts

4--Carbohydrates
Monosaccharides
Polysaccharides
Glycoproteins
Glycosides
Gums and Mucilages

5--Lipids
Fatty Acids
Lipids Containing Glycerol

6--Terpenes
Monoterpenes
Iridoids
Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpene Lactones
Diterpenoids
Saponins
Triterpenoid Saponins
Cardenolides and Bufadienolides
Phytosterols
Nortriterpenoids
Plant Exudates
Resins
Oleoresins
Balsams
Gum Resins

7--Polyphenols
Simple 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--Alkaloids
Pyrrolidine 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--Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
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 Safety
Evaluating Causality in Adverse Events
Toxicology
Oxalic Acid
Terpenes
Glycosides
Polyphenolics
Alkaloids
Polypeptides
Lectins
Photosensitivity

11--The Formulation and Preparation of Herbal Medicines
Herbal 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 Medicine
Phytotherapeutic Selection Criteria
Dosage and Formulation Criteria
Outline of Treatment Chapters

13--The Digestive System
Flatulence
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 System
Tonics 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 System
Managing Stress: An Overview
Depression
Insomnia
Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines
Anorexia Nervosa
Headache
Migraine
Neuritis
Tinnitus
Motion Sickness
Shingles

17--The Urinary System
Frequency
Dysuria
Hematuria
Edema
Cystitis
Urinary Calculus

18--The Reproductive System
Emmenagogues
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Premenstrual Syndrome
Menopause
Pregnancy
Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Uterine Fibroids
Endometriosis
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

19--The Musculoskeletal System
External Applications for Musculoskeletal Problems
Myalgia
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Gout
Bursitis and Tendinitis
Restless Leg Syndrome

20--The Skin
Herbs for Topical Application
Eczema and Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Acne

21--The Immune System
General Support Protocols
Detoxification
Postoperative Recovery
General Guidelines for Treating Infection
Vaginitis
Prostatitis
Boils
Fungal Skin Infection
Cancer

22--The Endocrine System
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes Mellitus
The Adrenal Glands

23--Phytotherapy and the Elderly
Toning and Nurturing Health in Elders
Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Elders

24--Phytotherapy and Children
Measles
Mumps
Colic
Constipation
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Nausea
Otitis Media
Attention Deficit Disorder
Diaper Rash
Cradle Cap
Impetigo

25--Herbal Actions
Adaptogen
Alterative
Anticatarrhal
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antirheumatic
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Bitter
Cardiac Remedies
Carminative
Cholagogue
Demulcent
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Hepatic
Hypnotic
Hypotensive
Nervine
Stimulant

26--Materia Medica
Appendices
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

Medical Herbalism

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 23 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by David Hoffmann

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      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Medical Herbalism by David Hoffmann

      Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear and Company
      Publication Date: 24/10/2003
      ISBN13: 9780892817498, 978-0892817498
      ISBN10: 0892817496
      Also in:
      Education Complementary and alternative medicine Complementary therapies, healing and health

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      A 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 Science
      Science and Phytotherapy
      Pharmacognosy and Ways to Assess Herb Quality
      The Conservation of Medicinal Plants

      2--Classification of Medicinal Plants
      The Linnaean System of Classification
      Derivation of Botanical Names

      3--An Introduction to Phytochemistry
      Primary and Secondary Plant Metabolites
      Commonly Used Terms and Concepts

      4--Carbohydrates
      Monosaccharides
      Polysaccharides
      Glycoproteins
      Glycosides
      Gums and Mucilages

      5--Lipids
      Fatty Acids
      Lipids Containing Glycerol

      6--Terpenes
      Monoterpenes
      Iridoids
      Sesquiterpenes
      Sesquiterpene Lactones
      Diterpenoids
      Saponins
      Triterpenoid Saponins
      Cardenolides and Bufadienolides
      Phytosterols
      Nortriterpenoids
      Plant Exudates
      Resins
      Oleoresins
      Balsams
      Gum Resins

      7--Polyphenols
      Simple 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--Alkaloids
      Pyrrolidine 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--Pharmacology
      Pharmacodynamics
      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 Safety
      Evaluating Causality in Adverse Events
      Toxicology
      Oxalic Acid
      Terpenes
      Glycosides
      Polyphenolics
      Alkaloids
      Polypeptides
      Lectins
      Photosensitivity

      11--The Formulation and Preparation of Herbal Medicines
      Herbal 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 Medicine
      Phytotherapeutic Selection Criteria
      Dosage and Formulation Criteria
      Outline of Treatment Chapters

      13--The Digestive System
      Flatulence
      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 System
      Tonics 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 System
      Managing Stress: An Overview
      Depression
      Insomnia
      Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines
      Anorexia Nervosa
      Headache
      Migraine
      Neuritis
      Tinnitus
      Motion Sickness
      Shingles

      17--The Urinary System
      Frequency
      Dysuria
      Hematuria
      Edema
      Cystitis
      Urinary Calculus

      18--The Reproductive System
      Emmenagogues
      Amenorrhea
      Dysmenorrhea
      Premenstrual Syndrome
      Menopause
      Pregnancy
      Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
      Uterine Fibroids
      Endometriosis
      Fibrocystic Breast Disease
      Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

      19--The Musculoskeletal System
      External Applications for Musculoskeletal Problems
      Myalgia
      Osteoarthritis
      Rheumatoid Arthritis
      Osteoporosis
      Gout
      Bursitis and Tendinitis
      Restless Leg Syndrome

      20--The Skin
      Herbs for Topical Application
      Eczema and Dermatitis
      Psoriasis
      Acne

      21--The Immune System
      General Support Protocols
      Detoxification
      Postoperative Recovery
      General Guidelines for Treating Infection
      Vaginitis
      Prostatitis
      Boils
      Fungal Skin Infection
      Cancer

      22--The Endocrine System
      Hypothyroidism
      Hyperthyroidism
      Diabetes Mellitus
      The Adrenal Glands

      23--Phytotherapy and the Elderly
      Toning and Nurturing Health in Elders
      Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Elders

      24--Phytotherapy and Children
      Measles
      Mumps
      Colic
      Constipation
      Diarrhea
      Indigestion
      Nausea
      Otitis Media
      Attention Deficit Disorder
      Diaper Rash
      Cradle Cap
      Impetigo

      25--Herbal Actions
      Adaptogen
      Alterative
      Anticatarrhal
      Anti-Inflammatory
      Antimicrobial
      Antirheumatic
      Antispasmodic
      Astringent
      Bitter
      Cardiac Remedies
      Carminative
      Cholagogue
      Demulcent
      Diuretic
      Emmenagogue
      Expectorant
      Hepatic
      Hypnotic
      Hypotensive
      Nervine
      Stimulant

      26--Materia Medica
      Appendices
      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

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