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Herbal Medic: A Green Beret's Guide to Emergency Medical Preparedness and Natural First Aid
With a focus on herbal medicine and first-aid essentials, former Green Beret medic and clinical herbalist Sam Coffman presents this comprehensive home reference on medical emergency preparedness for times when professional medical care is unavailable.
Herbal Medic covers first-aid essentials, such how to assess a situation and a person in need of treatment and distinguish between illness and injury, as well as how to prepare and use herbs when there is no access to conventional medical treatment. In addition, the book provides a basic introduction to herbal medicine, with detailed entries on the best herbs to use in treatment; information on disease in the body and how herbs work against it; instructions for making herbal preparations; a list of those herbs the author has found most useful in his clinical experience; and a wide array of specific herbal care protocols for a multitude of acute health issues.
Herbal Medic covers first-aid essentials, such how to assess a situation and a person in need of treatment and distinguish between illness and injury, as well as how to prepare and use herbs when there is no access to conventional medical treatment. In addition, the book provides a basic introduction to herbal medicine, with detailed entries on the best herbs to use in treatment; information on disease in the body and how herbs work against it; instructions for making herbal preparations; a list of those herbs the author has found most useful in his clinical experience; and a wide array of specific herbal care protocols for a multitude of acute health issues.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
76 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 13, 2021
I read a ton of herbal books and emergency preparedness books and none have ever lived up to my expectations until this one. It is so thorough and packed with information. I love everything about it. It goes into so many details and gives you real-world advice but also explains everything from how to make a tincture to a color guide to assessing wounds to all the best herbs for UTIs, plus really in-depth information about herbs and herbal medicine. Fantastic.
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
February 22, 2021
An inspiring book that prepares you for handling emergencies and how herbal medicine can play an important part!
I'm impressed by how much information I got out of this book. I learned a lot and feel better prepared next time an emergency happens and I hope I can apply the knowledge from this book to my everyday life whenever first aid is needed.
It took me a bit of research going through the book. I have a basic understanding of some of the terms from anatomy & physiology class and first aid courses but as my native language isn't English there was a couple of things I had to look up online. But it didn't take much away from the overall experience. I do hope it will get translatør into more languages at some point as a lot of people could benefit from reading this book.
I have always had a special interest in herbs and plants and I remember as a child I made an extract of different plants for fun. Thankfully I didn't drink them as I didn't know what I was doing but growing up that interest transformed into a love for herbal tea especially the process of making a great tasting tea from fresh plants. If the plants had some extra qualities as well it was even better. In recent years life happened and I haven't had time to learn more about this subject but then I stumbled upon this book on Netgalley and I just had to request it.
The book starts with a little background info on Sam Coffman and how he got into herbal medicine. In part one we get a good description of some of the important things to always consider having in your first aid kit and the first things to do when confronted with an accident. This first part is not about plants but about knowing how and when to use things in a first aid kit. The basic skills, as well as knowledge about various illnesses, will greatly help you when combining this with herb medicine.
Part two gives you a basic herb foundation. Ways to make herbal medicine and how to apply it.
Part three combines what we have learned with specific situations and accidents like shock, wounds, poisons, and sam even mentioned covid-19 and great herbs to strengthen your immune system.
Part four has an overview of 70 herbs to know and will make a great reference when you need to look up a specific herb and its uses. I had fun looking up some of the herbs and plants I have in my garden.
This is a great book to add to your collection if you live in a rural area, are an outdoor enthusiast, or like me is curious about how to use herbs for medicine.
Thank you to Storey Publishing for giving me a chance to read this book. ARC received through Netgalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I'm impressed by how much information I got out of this book. I learned a lot and feel better prepared next time an emergency happens and I hope I can apply the knowledge from this book to my everyday life whenever first aid is needed.
It took me a bit of research going through the book. I have a basic understanding of some of the terms from anatomy & physiology class and first aid courses but as my native language isn't English there was a couple of things I had to look up online. But it didn't take much away from the overall experience. I do hope it will get translatør into more languages at some point as a lot of people could benefit from reading this book.
I have always had a special interest in herbs and plants and I remember as a child I made an extract of different plants for fun. Thankfully I didn't drink them as I didn't know what I was doing but growing up that interest transformed into a love for herbal tea especially the process of making a great tasting tea from fresh plants. If the plants had some extra qualities as well it was even better. In recent years life happened and I haven't had time to learn more about this subject but then I stumbled upon this book on Netgalley and I just had to request it.
The book starts with a little background info on Sam Coffman and how he got into herbal medicine. In part one we get a good description of some of the important things to always consider having in your first aid kit and the first things to do when confronted with an accident. This first part is not about plants but about knowing how and when to use things in a first aid kit. The basic skills, as well as knowledge about various illnesses, will greatly help you when combining this with herb medicine.
Part two gives you a basic herb foundation. Ways to make herbal medicine and how to apply it.
Part three combines what we have learned with specific situations and accidents like shock, wounds, poisons, and sam even mentioned covid-19 and great herbs to strengthen your immune system.
Part four has an overview of 70 herbs to know and will make a great reference when you need to look up a specific herb and its uses. I had fun looking up some of the herbs and plants I have in my garden.
This is a great book to add to your collection if you live in a rural area, are an outdoor enthusiast, or like me is curious about how to use herbs for medicine.
Thank you to Storey Publishing for giving me a chance to read this book. ARC received through Netgalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2023
One of the BEST books I've read on herbology, first aid, and the combination of using herbs in disaster situations. I actually was able to read this book before it came out, and I bought it as soon as I could.
This book is FULL of practical advice on how to use herbs in a common sense way. As a person whose studied alternative medicine, and been involved somewhat with modern medicine, this was a book that way lived up to the expectations I had of it.
A thorough guide to first aid? Check.
A study of the different bodily anatomy systems? Check.
A look at the herbs and how to use them? Check.
A material medica that tells you the compounds in each herb? Check.
This author fully knows what he's doing and why the herbs work, and he shares that knowledge with others. I *love* the herbal books that actually teach you WHY the herbs work, and not just WHICH herbs will work. And it's kinda hard to find books like that. I want to know which properties of the herbs work, what they're called, and oh, by the way, this is an astringent, anticoagulative, nervine, analgesic . . . etc. and this is why.
I have loaned this book out to several friends - be aware of the fact that this book does use medical terms, and if you aren't familiar with them, then you probably won't enjoy this as much as I did =) But I definitely recommend this book, and I've personally found it to be super helpful.
This book is FULL of practical advice on how to use herbs in a common sense way. As a person whose studied alternative medicine, and been involved somewhat with modern medicine, this was a book that way lived up to the expectations I had of it.
A thorough guide to first aid? Check.
A study of the different bodily anatomy systems? Check.
A look at the herbs and how to use them? Check.
A material medica that tells you the compounds in each herb? Check.
This author fully knows what he's doing and why the herbs work, and he shares that knowledge with others. I *love* the herbal books that actually teach you WHY the herbs work, and not just WHICH herbs will work. And it's kinda hard to find books like that. I want to know which properties of the herbs work, what they're called, and oh, by the way, this is an astringent, anticoagulative, nervine, analgesic . . . etc. and this is why.
I have loaned this book out to several friends - be aware of the fact that this book does use medical terms, and if you aren't familiar with them, then you probably won't enjoy this as much as I did =) But I definitely recommend this book, and I've personally found it to be super helpful.
June 2, 2021
Very interesting title, I love it! I also enjoyed the book itself, the style of writing is really good and I rate the writing itself quite highly, there a lots of twists and turn within the fab murder mystery, how unfortunate for someone, but not me! Absolutely loved it - as someone who finds art a little dull, this certainly livened up the festival for me. A little dark, but hey ho!
Unlike many books in series, I enjoyed this one as it can be read as either a stand alone, which it was for me, or part of a series, I sometimes find that this can be a fine and tricky line to stick to but there we are, the author nailed it, very impressed and would read again!
Many thanks to negalley, the publisher and author for this free ARC in return for my honest review, a great read and very satisfying!
Unlike many books in series, I enjoyed this one as it can be read as either a stand alone, which it was for me, or part of a series, I sometimes find that this can be a fine and tricky line to stick to but there we are, the author nailed it, very impressed and would read again!
Many thanks to negalley, the publisher and author for this free ARC in return for my honest review, a great read and very satisfying!
October 19, 2021
I've long been interested in herbal medicine. In a past life before my current career, I taught edible and medicinal wild plant classes as a park naturalist. I've been lucky enough to have attended a couple of Sam's classes in person. He's a wealth of knowledge and an excellent instructor.
This book will appeal to a lot of readers who are preppers. If any crisis lasts long enough, you will use up your stored medical supplies. Wouldn't it be nice to have some natural alternatives?
This is the best herbal medicine book I've ever read.
This book will appeal to a lot of readers who are preppers. If any crisis lasts long enough, you will use up your stored medical supplies. Wouldn't it be nice to have some natural alternatives?
This is the best herbal medicine book I've ever read.
October 30, 2022
Superb book! Sam Coffman is a must-read author for anyone in the herbal or medical fields. He is a Registered Herbalist who knows a good deal about Traditional Western Medicine, and can successfully blend the two.
June 5, 2023
This is a Amazing book
This book is amazing and should be on the shelves of all those who are interested in becoming a First Responder and for those who are interested in making herbal medicine to use at home or for surviving in the wilderness
This book is amazing and should be on the shelves of all those who are interested in becoming a First Responder and for those who are interested in making herbal medicine to use at home or for surviving in the wilderness
January 29, 2023
Lots of good information in this book that is probably soon going to be very important.
April 2, 2023
Really great read and will definitely use as a reference for my herbalism!!
May 1, 2023
Fantastic for the adventurer! With my medical and herbal background this book was really easy to follow!
June 15, 2024
Excellent resource!
November 7, 2024
Such a GREAT BOOK!!! I have been recommending this book to everyone I know. Not only have I learned so much, but this book is also a fantastic reference point to go back to at a later time.
December 18, 2024
This was quite the interesting read, very well-written and full of well-detailed information! Will definitely recommend.
October 14, 2025
Can't wait to buy
March 27, 2021
I have been very agreeably surprised by this book.
My medical knowledge and interest are somewhat limited, but I am increasingly curious about herbal medicine, hence why I asked for an ARC of "Herbal Medic". In our modern days, I feel that the simplest medicines - good food and healing herbs are too often put aside, but this book puts them centerstage, and explains why.
"Herbal Medic" is a great reference for amateurs as well as professionals as it gives great tips and advice about when and how to use plants, as well as additional medical tips (such as what to put in a first-aid kit, depending on where it might be used - during a hike, in a car in case of crash, in your everyday handbag, etc.) The book is written in an easily understandable way for all publics (as an amateur, I only found one or two descriptions to be a tiny bit too descriptive for my taste, and as a non-native English speaker, I found the language used simple and straightforward). I was also pleasantly surprised by how nice Sam Coffman's writing is — it succinct and evocative, and I like reading a few pages of the book for pleasure and learning, rather than to skip through to the parts I'm most likely to use.
Organised in chapters and sub-sections, this book is easy to use in multiple situations — you just have to jump to the page you're interested in. For instance, I really enjoy the section about herbs and learnt some great tips about extracting as much good stuff from plants as possible through infusion and decoction, which I immediately applied to my own herbal infusions.
I would therefore highly recommend this book!
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion*
P.S. I very much advise other Netgalley readers to read the PDF on your laptop/tablet rather than on Kindle as the layout would otherwise not appear as it was intended and would diminish the reading experience.
My medical knowledge and interest are somewhat limited, but I am increasingly curious about herbal medicine, hence why I asked for an ARC of "Herbal Medic". In our modern days, I feel that the simplest medicines - good food and healing herbs are too often put aside, but this book puts them centerstage, and explains why.
"Herbal Medic" is a great reference for amateurs as well as professionals as it gives great tips and advice about when and how to use plants, as well as additional medical tips (such as what to put in a first-aid kit, depending on where it might be used - during a hike, in a car in case of crash, in your everyday handbag, etc.) The book is written in an easily understandable way for all publics (as an amateur, I only found one or two descriptions to be a tiny bit too descriptive for my taste, and as a non-native English speaker, I found the language used simple and straightforward). I was also pleasantly surprised by how nice Sam Coffman's writing is — it succinct and evocative, and I like reading a few pages of the book for pleasure and learning, rather than to skip through to the parts I'm most likely to use.
Organised in chapters and sub-sections, this book is easy to use in multiple situations — you just have to jump to the page you're interested in. For instance, I really enjoy the section about herbs and learnt some great tips about extracting as much good stuff from plants as possible through infusion and decoction, which I immediately applied to my own herbal infusions.
I would therefore highly recommend this book!
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion*
P.S. I very much advise other Netgalley readers to read the PDF on your laptop/tablet rather than on Kindle as the layout would otherwise not appear as it was intended and would diminish the reading experience.
May 31, 2021
This book is awesome! The beginning starts by telling you a bit about basic first aid and going over what you should carry in your first aid kit. The author goes over basic skills you need to know but also suggests that where possible you should take first aid classes to better prepare yourself for emergency situations. The book also goes into basic triage steps you should take if you are the most qualified medic on scene and is just generally a good starting point for anyone who wants to be able to provide help in an emergency situation.
Once the basics are covered, the author moves on to herbal medicine. We are given basic herbs for each bodily function (such as dandelion for liver support). We then learn about making medicines and are given a basic tutorial of each herbal application method--such as making tinctures or macerations.
Part three moves into using herbal medicines in true emergency situations and is aptly entitled, "The herbal medic in action." Here you are prepped for using herbal medicines for things such as burns and snake bites. Finally, we get to my favorite section of the book which is the Materia Medica. Here we are given detailed notes on 70 herbs we should get to know.
Essentially, I want this book on my bookshelf immediately. The author starts from the basics and then progresses to help us through everything needed (or gives the know how to learn more information) to deliver first aid in emergencies that may not even be foreseeable. There is even a section on emergency childbirth! If I were to be thrust into an emergency situation, especially one requiring herb usage as medicine, I would sincerely hope that my medic had carefully read this book first. Bottom line: Go buy this book now!
Once the basics are covered, the author moves on to herbal medicine. We are given basic herbs for each bodily function (such as dandelion for liver support). We then learn about making medicines and are given a basic tutorial of each herbal application method--such as making tinctures or macerations.
Part three moves into using herbal medicines in true emergency situations and is aptly entitled, "The herbal medic in action." Here you are prepped for using herbal medicines for things such as burns and snake bites. Finally, we get to my favorite section of the book which is the Materia Medica. Here we are given detailed notes on 70 herbs we should get to know.
Essentially, I want this book on my bookshelf immediately. The author starts from the basics and then progresses to help us through everything needed (or gives the know how to learn more information) to deliver first aid in emergencies that may not even be foreseeable. There is even a section on emergency childbirth! If I were to be thrust into an emergency situation, especially one requiring herb usage as medicine, I would sincerely hope that my medic had carefully read this book first. Bottom line: Go buy this book now!
June 2, 2021
Well this was a great little book, I really think that out of all the books I've read like this, this is the best I've read, I'll definitely buying this when it comes onto the shelves, an inspiring book that aids you in knowing how to deal with an emergency should one arrive.
The interest in herbs and plants comes to me from living in a rural area between towns, where there are lots of different plants I know NOTHING about. This book is a treat and by splitting the information into separate parts it certainly makes it easier to read, explaining everything from basic illnesses and ailments to having references
I really loved having the basic knowledge versus the foundation section on basic herbs and how to make medicine from them, the bit I really enjoyed as well as this was the end section, where you are able to identify herbs and plants, I am so excited to have this on my shelf and will be trolling round a local community garden to see what I can recognise. I'm looking forward to that!
Many thanks to netgalley, publishers and the author for this opportunity to review this free ARC, in return for my review.
The interest in herbs and plants comes to me from living in a rural area between towns, where there are lots of different plants I know NOTHING about. This book is a treat and by splitting the information into separate parts it certainly makes it easier to read, explaining everything from basic illnesses and ailments to having references
I really loved having the basic knowledge versus the foundation section on basic herbs and how to make medicine from them, the bit I really enjoyed as well as this was the end section, where you are able to identify herbs and plants, I am so excited to have this on my shelf and will be trolling round a local community garden to see what I can recognise. I'm looking forward to that!
Many thanks to netgalley, publishers and the author for this opportunity to review this free ARC, in return for my review.
May 17, 2021
This book is pretty cool. The front is all about basic first aid (how to do CPR, several ways to immobilize breaks or sprains, etc). The second half is about herbal medicine in the event you aren’t able to make it to a hospital. It is a really interesting and useful guide that would be a useful addition to your home bookshelf and your first aid bag.
I received an ARC, but my opinions are all mine.
I received an ARC, but my opinions are all mine.
August 9, 2021
Both my dad and I have been waiting to be more prepared, and that is why I picked up this book. It was very informative and interesting. It was very easy to follow and to understand which was great for someone who is dyslexic., We are ready for a good dystopian novel or an zombie apocalypse but really just prepared for real life. I highly recommend this book to just about everyone. I want to thank Netgalley and Storey Publishing for letting read and review this book by Sam Coffman.
March 11, 2021
The world is a dangerous place. That is why it is important to have this book in your collection. It is a very valuable source for first aid and natural medicines for when you cannot get immediate help. I was impressed with the amount of useful information. I definitely recommend this book to everyone.
April 11, 2021
Seems like a great reference book. Easy to follow, nice illustrations, and covers most major issues. Recommended for those interested in the subject.
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews