The Energetics of Western Herbs: Treatment Strategies Integrating Western & Oriental Herbal Medicine, Vol. 1

by Peter Holmes

The Energetics of Western Herbs, Vols. 1 and 2, is a groundbreaking reference work for over 220 botanical remedies used in Western herbal medicine. Comprehensive and detailed, it draws on Chinese and Greek herbal medicine to integrate traditional herbal energetics with the latest findings in plant pharmacology. The traditional vitalistic and modern scientific systems of herbal medicine are complementary paradigms, not irreconcilable approaches. Using both systems simultaneously will greatly enhance the efficacy of herbal formulation in clinical practice, as well as provide a deeper understanding of each system. This fourth edition is a complete revision and expansion of the third edition in both text and layout. It includes fourteen new herbs, including Schisandra, Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Devil's claw, White peony, Asian ginseng, Asian Buplever and Baikal skullcap. The introductions to each herb class, which explore the treatment strategies behind the various types of herbs, have been rewritten to include much new clinical material as well as to reflect current knowledge. In addition, the whole text has been re-typeset for greater user friendliness as a practical herbal medicine reference. The Energetics includes detailed practical instructions for preparing and using herbal remedies for internal and topical use. For each herb, it includes the most useful preparation forms, along with important dosage, caution and contraindication information. For this fourth edition, the detailed dosages for tincture, infusion and decoction preparations have been fully updated, based on current Western herbal medicine practice, and the tincture strength and ethanol content information have been added for every herb.

Genres: Herbs, Health

483 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Liz]

This volume and volume 2 (the latter of which is inexplicably not listed on GoodReads) make up my favorite single encyclopedia on medicinal uses of herbs. Holmes is excellent at integrating Western herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine's herbalism and at framing diseases and conditions in a way that people from both traditions can easily comprehend. Highly recommended.

[wheels]

I just got both volumes and am super excited to read through them. Upon my first glances it seems to me if a reader isn't familiar with TCM terminology, then Holmes' intentions may be unclear. However, if the reader is either a western herbalist who has also studied TCM or is a TCM practitioner who wants to understand western herbs more fully - these are great volumes to add to the library.

[Panda1602]

An extraordinary well thought out book put together clearly by someone who has deep knowledge and understanding of herbs and how to integrate them with TCM. Has become a clear favourite in the resource section if my library.

[Andrus]

One of the best books on western herbs seen from a chinese energetic perspective

[Andrus]

One of the best books on western herbs seen from a chinese energetic perspective