The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism

by David Hoffmann

Well-respected herbalist David Hoffmann's comprehensive and practical guide to herbal medicine.

• Discusses the history and modern practice of herbalism, including Chinese, Native American, and Welsh influences.

• Includes a practical reference section listing the effects of various herbs, with prescriptions on how to use them for a wide range of illnesses.

• Covers the fundamentals of growing, drying, storing, and cooking with herbs.

• Over 45,000 copies of previous edition sold.

This compendium of medical herbalism by one of the most eminent herbalists practicing today is both comprehensive and practical. Answering basic as well as complicated questions about herbal medicine, it provides both the novice and the experienced practitioner with a reliable framework in which to develop their herbal skills.

A 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, etc.), with examples of herbs and their mode of activity in each category. Herbal prescriptions for various 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, drying 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.

Genres: Herbs, Reference, Nonfiction, Health, Food, Gardening, Nature

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

About the author

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name


David Hoffmann is a member of Britain’s National Institute of Medical Herbalists. He has taught phytotherapy throughout the English-speaking world through his course, Therapeutic Herbalism. His numerous books nave been translated into at least eight languages and are basic references for both beginning and advanced students.

David Hoffmann has been a clinical phytotherapist since 1978 and has been teaching Herbal Medicine since 1985. He is one of the founding members and a past president of the American Herbalists Guild. He is on the advisory board of the American Botanical Council, the peer-review boards of Herbalgram and the Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, and the steering committee of the American Herbal Pharmacopoea. He is the author of 17 books, and teaches phytotherapy throughout the world, including places such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada. He is visiting faculty at Bastyr University, The California Institute of Integral Studies, the National College of Phytotherapy, and the Rocky Mountain School of Botanical Studies. He resides in California.

Reviews

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite as good as The Holistic Herbal, but a great introductory book for anyone interested in herbs.

[jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book on Herbs. One of the very first I ever bought. Breaks everything down very nicely, into herb type and body system. Was easy to understand and follow. I also found it too be well grounded. Was impressed by the willingness to admit when herbs may not be enough and other anvenues should be explored.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book for a Medicinal Plants and Herbology course; David throws in little bits of his personal philosophy while describing in good detail the purpose and use of a wide variety of herbs in the medical world.

[Brad Theado · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't what I was looking for in an herbalism book. Looking for for how to.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise information on plants and their usage

[Savvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good quick reference for herb info and uses.

[Liz Websdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Find myself referring to it time and again over the years.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been studying herbalism for a few years now. This should have been my first reference. This does the best job I've seen of covering actions and body systems succinctly.

[Maggie2u2000 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a good reference manual. It's handy to take into the woods with you when you're foraging for herbs!

[Claudia]

GCNM book