Vitalism: The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences

by Matthew Wood

Vitalism, the recognition that the physical body is animated by a vital life force, is the foundation of most natural healing therapies. The forefathers of alternative medicine discovered methods of healing the body by stimulating this life force. In Vitalism: The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences , Matthew Wood describes the theories, lives, and work of nine great physicians who laid the groundwork for natural medicine.

Genres: Health, History, School, Plants, Herbs, Homeopathy, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Matthew Wood has been a practicing herbalist since 1982. In a period when many authors and lecturers are merely "arm chair herbalists" who offer theories and opinions based on book learning, and others have turned to the exotic traditions of India or China, he has been an active practitioner of traditional Western herbalism. He has helped tens of thousands of clients over the years, with many difficult health problems. While Matthew believes in the virtue of many other healing modalities, he has always been inspired to learn, preserve, and practice the tradition of herbal medicine descending to us from our European, Anglo-American, and Native American heritage. He is a member of the American Herbalists Guild (registered herbalist) and has earned his Masters of Science degree from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine (accredited by the University of Wales).

Matthew has lectured in all parts of the United States, from Georgia to Maine, New York to California, and Santa Fe to Sperryville, Virginia. He has also taught in Canada, Scotland, England, and Australia. He is known throughout the world as an excellent teacher of herbal medicine. He is also the author of four acclaimed books on herbal medicine, published by North Atlantic Books, in Berkeley, CA:

Seven Herbs, Plants as Teachers (1987)
Vitalism, The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences, originally entitled The Magical Staff (1993)
The Book of Herbal Wisdom (1998)
The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism (2004)

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of western medicine has so much drama and angst. Even today, this war continues between the allopathic and alternatives camps. There are even battles with the alternative/natural camps of medicine. I see it all the time as an Integrative Health Practitioner who works in the holistic field of medicine. Mankind is a wild ride. Nevertheless, all this makes for some fascinating history! Matthew Wood covers a lot of ground in this book. I really enjoyed reading this book and it definitely helped to shed light on the roots and beginnings of herbalism, homeopathy, and flower essences in the western world. I will definitely be referencing this book again as I continue on in my herbalism studies.

[wheels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew Wood is a great researcher and a huge bibliophile. This is a great history of Botanical Medicine in the west. I highly recommend it. If you haven't ever read anything by Wood, you're in for a great treat.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent, I love matthew Wood's writing for herbalism and it is the bridge between the aspects of herbalism, homeopathy and flower essences. If you want to get into herbalism, then this is a must have book.

[Liz Neves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise account of the most influential people in the formation of herbalist, homeopath, and flower essence thought and practice.

[Kerry Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable journey through the early practitioners of complementary medicine from Paracelsus to Dr Bach's flower remedies.

If you are interested in the origins of natural medicine I am sure you will enjoy this interesting book.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew is a treasure trove of history when it comes to herbalism and botanical based medicines.

[Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important reading for folk-medicine and other natural-remedy users.

[Dr.Salman Manzar]

I am very much impressed to see the interest & contribution of Matthew Wood in Herbal Medicine,I would like to share his knowledge & experience
by purchasing all of his books related to this field.
Best Regards.
Dr.Salman Manzar

[Charles Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book written by one of the one of the best herbalists alive today. Very comprehensive.

[Theresa Girolami]

Somewhat heady I find TCM much easier to use.

[Mie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the textbooks at school.

[Dr Divya]

Nice Book