The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal

This book lists over 200 commonly used herbs, their properties, where they are cultivated, and preparation and dosage for medicinal use. It also includes a seasonal chart that shows when to gather herbs in their peak condition for maximum effectiveness. It covers herbs such as nettle, valerian, ginseng, peppermint, lavendar, ephedra, blessed thistle, arnica, yarrow, marshmallow, fenugreek, red cover. There is also a separate section that discusses herbs that can be used for the digestive system, skin, glandular system, reproductive system, respiratory system, etc. This is a very helpful book overall.

I study Herbal Medicine via correspondance & this is one of my text books. It is the most complete reference to Herbalism I have come across to date yet still worded in a way that the average person can understand & relate to. I wouldn't suggest the Herbal section for too much in depth research as he does leave a lot of herbs out, but the herbal info he has included is beyond comparison. This is definately a fantastic resource & general reading book for all those interested in making the world a better place, not only is it a great reference guide, Hoffman's spiritual views are something to make the average Baby Boomer ashamed. I recommend this for anyone with an open & honest mind.

This work offers a satisfying introduction to herbalism for the general reader, and is enhanced by useful sections on medical terminology, when to gather herbs, useful addresses, and further reading. Medical practicioners will probably find that the book contains insufficient detail and inadequate references to other literature and experimental data. The most useful part of this book - and the one offering the clearest exposition of the author's philosphy - is the 4th chapter entitled "Systems of the Body". This is the chapter that a reader with a specific complaint should turn to first. This includes sections on eleven bodily systems, including: the circulatory system; the lymphatic system; the respiratory system; ears, nose, throat and eyes; the reproductive system; and the digestive system.Taking the digestive system to illustrate the author's approach, the whole section consists of 14 large pages. In the first two pages, the author explains with the help of illustrations the anatomy and function of the digestive system, and then gives general lifestyle advice on prevention of digestive disease. The next two pages are an introduction to the various kinds of herbs for the digestive system, among them bitters, hepatics, laxatives, emetics, demulcants, astringents and anti-spasmodics. The final 10-page subsection is titled "Patterns of Digestive Disease", in which Hoffmann offers his views on the nature of, and possible treatments for, problems as diverse as constipation, anorexia nervosa, mouth ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gall-bladder inflammation. The herbs mentioned in this chapter can then be looked up in the preceding chapter, a traditional herbal which devotes half a page to each herb, mentioning the parts used; how and when to collect it; its chemical constituents; its actions; and preparation and dosage. I find half a page far too little, but combining this with the information in the rest of the book, the reader will usually find enough to suggest a possible remedy for common complaints - one that will usually require verification by a qualified practicioner. The rest of the book includes chapters on "the holistic approach" and "practical herbalism". The latter explains how to gather herbs and make herbal preparations; the chemistry of herbs; the action of herbs; suggestions for a basic herbal medicine chest for the home; and a therapeutic index, which gives an alphabetical list of conditions with most of the potentially useful herbs.

I have many books dealing with herbs including many of the classics. This book is my "classic". No book gives the depth of information with a complete understanding of why a particular herb is used. Even though there are many herbs listed here that are not from North America, Mr. Hoffman has a variety to choose from and I've always been able to find what I need. It is concise and yet gives detailed information. Using it as a reference also teaches you about each herb's action on various systems in the body. "The Herbal" section is the most complete source of information for each individual herb that I've found yet. I highly recommend this book to be at your fingertips as a source for herbal medicine.