Main description:

Herbal medicines have been used for many centuries to treat illnesses and restore health, and today herbalism still remains the most widely-practiced form of medicine around the world.Written by a leading Medical Herbalist, The Complete Herbal Tutor provides in-depth knowledge of the practice and theory of herbal medicine, including everything you need to know about its history, how it works, how to grow, gather and prepare herbs, and how to use them to create a herbal prescription. The rigorously-researched and illustrated materia medica contains over 150 herbs, with clear explanations of their properties, active ingredients and the latest scientific developments on their uses. There is also a clear explanation of how herbs can be used to treat each of the body's systems, with advice on using remedies for healing a range of specific conditions. Clear, concise and easy to use, this book is the 21st-century bible for students, professionals and home herb users alike.

Contents:

Introduction. 1 Global herbal traditions. The medical philosophies of the major Eastern and Western herbal traditions, including: Ayurveda * Tibetan medicine * Chinese medicine * Unani Tibb * Shamanism * Native American medicine * aromatherapy and flower essences. 2 The chemistry of herbs. Plant pharmacology * How herbs work * Easy reference guide to the classification of medicinal herbs according to their medicinal action. 3 The tools of the modern herbalist. The Western herbalist's approach * Using herbal medicines safely * Taking a case history * Making a diagnosis * Formulating a prescription * Dietary and lifestyle advice * Treating children and the elderly. 4 The herbal pharmacy. How to prepare herbs and herbal medicines, including step-by-step guides to making: infusions * decoctions * tinctures * glycerites * syrups * powders * capsules * creams and lotions * poultices * liniments * compresses * baths * oils * Dosages and measurements. 5 Materia medica. How to use the materia medica * Identification guide and profiles of over 150 medicinal herbs, including their constituents, main actions, indications, safety profile and herb drug interactions. 6 Treating common ailments. Digestive system * Respiratory system * Circulatory system * Reproductive system Urinary system * Nervous system * Immune system * Musculo-skeletal system * The skin and eyes * First aid. 7 Growing and collecting herbs. Cultivating your own herbs * Collecting herbs from the wild * Harvesting herbs * Storage * Easy-reference herb calendar. Glossary. Index.