A comprehensive compendium on the theory and practice of herbal
medicine from expert herbalists Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw.
This fundamental textbook draws on the wisdom of Christopher Hedley and
Non Shaw, incorporating their belief in the importance of understanding
herbal medicine in the context of living plants, and providing lived
examples of how this can be used in the everyday practice of herbal
medicine. Through these teachings, the book also acquaints readers with
the rich legacy of Christopher and Non in Western herbal medicine.
Drawing on Christopher's own approach to teaching herbalism, which was
abundant with the importance of storytelling in learning, Plant
Medicine is as fascinating as it is accessible, enriched with the depth
of Christopher's own knowledge and warmth.
The book is comprised of four parts:
'Roots' explores the history of plant medicine, investigating
physiomedicalism and Galenic humoral medicine.
The second section, 'Flowers', is a thorough, alphabetically ordered
materia medica of the medicinal properties of individual plants, with
properties, uses, preparations, dosage, cautions, and clinical uses of
ninety-two plant medicines that Non and Christopher gathered over nearly
two lifetimes.
'Fruits' provides information on how particular body systems and patient
groups are treated therapeutically with herbal medicines, specifically
covering the digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, urinary,
musculoskeletal, endocrine, skin and immune systems.
Finally, 'Seeds' concludes the book by inviting readers to consider
going deeper and beyond their exploration of plant medicine, shifting
their preconceptions of herbs to understand them on a more intimate
level.
Plant Medicine is a foundational text for all students and
practitioners of herbal medicine, but it's wisdom and insight will also
provide a guiding light for anyone seeking plant medicine as a way to
reconnect to the abundance and beauty of nature.
