The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification

by Matthew Wood

The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism places the function of western herbs in their true historical context, apart from homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda. Recently there has been a revival of interest in western herbalism, but practitioners haven't been able to explore its benefits due to a void of information on the topic—the system of medicine the herbs fit into had all but disappeared. To remedy the situation, herbalist Matthew Wood has researched the old-time practices and reconstructed them for modern use. In resuscitating western herbal medicine and bringing it up to date, he gives his readers a powerful tool for holistic theory and treatment. Wood makes the point that plant medicines, because they are made from a broad range of chemical components, are naturally suited for the treatment of general patterns in the body. He argues against the biomedical model of standardization, in which herbs are refined and advertised as if they were drugs suited to an exact disease or condition.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Herbs, Medicine, Plants

300 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2004

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

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent primer on western herbalism. The first half of the book is very historical. Looking at various stages in the history of western herbalism (and comparing to eastern herbalism) to offer a usable system for today. The second half goes through the different tissue states and discusses (in depth) herbs that are particularly good treatments.
This book is the best herbalism book I have seen so far. Matthew Wood has a great respect for the plants and their mystery. I recommend to people interested in herbs and a holistic/natural approach to healing.

[ryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

an essential read for any herbalist, lucid and engaging. Wood presents the energetic system underlying the herbal tradition of the Western world, from its origins and history to its practical use in assessment and intervention. clarifying, illuminating, and immediately useful, the concepts and connections offered here open a new dimension in the practice of the green arts.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful overview of the energetic principles in the Western herbal tradition that makes old texts more understandable. Also with helpful materia medics that looks at both physical and emotional indicators for the herbs addressed.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, cannot recommend it enough to serious students and practitioners!

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit advanced in some ways, but I absolutely love the herbal overviews of the different herbs. Really great resources for herbalists.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very technical so was a slower read but very informative.

[Katelyn Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening read

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book from an excellent author.

Not much more I can say to be honest than if you are into herbalism, get this textbook

[Amanda Klenner-labrow]

It is a great read and a wonderful way to work energetics into western herbalism. He draws a lot from eclectic physicians and historical texts and it is a bit dense to read, but well worth it.

[Wysteria]

Very helpful for energetic understanding.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have in all herbalists collections