Average customer rating:
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Daunting at first, but then easier to come to terms with later
- The Internet is a nice source of Information, too
- Exactly what I wanted
- Essential Reference Material
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Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition
Dan Bensky ,
Steven Clavey , and
Erich Stoger
Manufacturer: Eastland Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0939616424 |
Book Description
The new 3rd edition of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica is designed to give practitioners the information they need to practice Chinese herbal medicine with greater understanding and confidence. It provides a wealth of new information -- more than twice the content of the previous edition -- and practical insight into more than 530 of the most commonly used herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia.
Drawing from a wide range of sources, both classical and modern, this edition provides unparalleled perspective and detail that goes far beyond what is available elsewhere to the Western practitioner.
Herbs are grouped in chapters by function, with expanded summaries and tables for contrast and comparison. Each herb is identified by its pharmaceutical, pinyin, botanical, and family names, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English common names.
Key characteristics are provided at the beginning of each entry, along with dosage, properties, channels entered, and relevant cautions and contraindications. This provides a quick overview of essential information.
Actions and indications are integrated with important combinations that illustrate the range of an herb's functions, with references to appropriate formulas. This presents a more three-dimensional picture of how each herb is actually used.
Expanded commentary offers in-depth analysis and places each herb in its clinical context through rich historical references. The mechanisms of action underlying important combinations, and comparisons with similar herbs, provide a broader context for understanding how the herb can be used with optimal effect.
A section devoted to nomenclature and preparation describes the most important methods of processing and preparing each herb, and the advantages of each method. It also provides information about other commonly-used names and historical background.
Safety is an important focus of this edition, with an emphasis on proper herb identification. Issues concerning standardized products, desirable qualities, variants, and adulterants are explained for each herb. There is also extensive information on toxicity, as well as chemical constituents.
The utility of this book is enhanced by its wide range of appendices, among which are color photographs comparing the standard and adulterant forms of over 20 common herbs; tables of herbs that are indicated for specific pathologies of the five yin organs; and extensive cross references of the herbs by taxonomy, pinyin, pharmaceutical name, and other East Asian languages. There are also comprehensive indices of both herbs and formulas, as well as a general index.
Customer Reviews:
Chinese Herbal Medicine.......2007-09-12
This is by far the best Chinese Herbal Medicine referral book I have come across in my studies.
Daunting at first, but then easier to come to terms with later.......2007-05-29
Well, what can you say about this book? This is a hefty, giant book, and could certainly induce some kind of cerbral damage if dropped out of a third story window. :) No, in all seriousness, this is a great, concise book, and as the title of this review implies, it becomes more manageable after you get used to it. Used solely by itself, it will probably not help the student of Chinese herbology to ace any exams, but used in accordance with other study techniques, it will furter deepen and reinforce the studying of the herbs.
The Internet is a nice source of Information, too.......2007-04-23
Well,
Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), with the generous support from the Macao SAR Government and University of Macau, was founded in 2002.
Dan Bensky is a graduate of the Macau Institute of Chinese Medicine (Oriental Medicine Diploma, 1975)
Exactly what I wanted.......2007-03-09
My book arrived sooner than expected and in perfect shape. Thank you!
Essential Reference Material.......2007-03-08
Bensky's herbal reference texts are industry standards. Buy this book or risk ridicule.
Average customer rating:
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An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica
Jing-Nuan Wu
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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Binding: Hardcover
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Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
ASIN: 0195140176 |
Book Description
One of the cornerstones of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), herbal medicine has evolved over centuries of clinical practice and empirical results into a vast body of knowledge encompassing more than 6,000 substances, most of whose effects and uses have been documented and researched. The literature on Chinese medicinal herbs is unparalleled and unsurpassed in the world's medical knowledge; the earliest known pharmacological work was composed before the end of the third century B.C. The first classical Chinese materia medica appeared during the late Han dynasty (25-22- A.D.) and included 365 entries of botanical, zoological, and mineral substances, listing their properties and effects. Subsequent materia medica were assembled during virtually every dynasty from the Liang (456-536 A.D.) to the Qing (1645-1911). Among the major treatments published during these centuries was the 30-volume Materia Medica Arranged According to Pattern, which had 1558 entries, more than 3,000 formulae, and became the official pharmacopoeia of herbal medicine in China for 500 years. n Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica brings to the English language a lavishly illustrated atlas of the 320 herbs used most frequently in traditional Chinese medical practice. Each substance is profiled authoritatively in monographs that provide pharmaceutical, botanical and English names; flavor properties and channel tropisms; functions; clinical uses and major combinations; dosage and administration; and precautions. Intended for medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists as well as practitioners of homeopathic and alternative medicines, this materia medica offers a unique blend of authenticity that is derived from knowledge of classical Chinese literature with a clearly practical objective of persenting valuable information in a straightforward, easily comprehensible style.
Book Description
Over a span of 5,000 years, China has established the world's most extensive pharmacopoeia of medicinal herbs. Through empirical knowledge of nature, practical application, and gradual reasoning based on experience, a system of herbal medicine has evolved that is as highly developed as Western medicinal science. Chinese herbal medicine is a subject surprisingly neglected in current literature. The highly illustrated Chinese Herbal Medicine fills this void, providing the general reader with insight into one of the world's most complex and little-known sciences. It examines the natural flora and fauna on which herbal medicine is based and explains the philosophy that propelled its development. Describing the art and practice of herbal medicine as applied today, it also highlights the potential to combine modern Western diagnosis, and traditional Chinese treatment to form a complete and effective system for both preventative and curative medicine. Chinese Herbal Medicine is based on research provided by contemporary experts, among them Dr. Huang Powen, an herbal physician and acupuncturist, and Dr. Hong Yixiang, a kung fu master and licensed herbal doctor, both based in Taiwan. The text includes a color-illustrated list of 200 major herbs detailing their use, and provides herbal recipes for some common ailments.
Customer Reviews:
Good overview, little else..........2000-12-14
It is definitely a good overview, and if they gave prizes for design of Chinese Medicine Books, this one woud've won them all. The full color format and abundant pictures and drawings make this book a beautiful gift, but that's about it. Like Reid's other books, it is intended as an informational book for laypersons, with a couple of interesting recipes and well-narrated anecdotes and folktales. You can see in CHM, which predates Reid's other books, that his ideas and convictions regarding chinese "self-healing" and energy medicine were not yet developed. The historical overview of Chinese Medicine is very good. The descriptions of practice, however, are confusing, cursory, and/or brief.
There are a couple of mistakes, too. The page facing the full-page reproduction of Hua To, the physician reputed with the discovery and first use of anesthesics, has pictures of the Five Animal Frolic qigong, erroneously described in the picture quotation as Taijiquan. The Five animal frolic predates taijiquan, and although similar, they should not be confused. The bibliography is very short, and not very good. The recipes are a sampling, not a balanced diet, and the index is neither complete nor useful. The last part of the book is a "materia medica", the practical use of which is negligible. The book is indeed not for practitioners of TCM, and this part attests to it. The selection of items for this section, is an arbitrary mixture of the most common and the most exotic. There is no detailed information on use or preparations of the materials listed, although some of them are used in the recipes described afterwards. The glossary and the categorization of the herbs and other substances is correct, though.
Reid is a very opinionated author, although a knowledgeable one, and he doesn't restrain himself much on his views. There is a comparative description of two physicians, where Reid contrasts Taoist and Confucian outlooks on the practice of medicine. It's a bit simplistic and stereotypical to me, but perhaps it can be useful and informative as a sampling of how medicine is practiced in non-communist China. This book is beautifully designed, and I keep it mostly for the pictures, which are well-chosen and illustrating. If you are looking for information on TCM, though, Ted Kaptchuk's The Web that has No Weaver is a better, deeper introduction to the subject.
Great explanation of Chinese Medicine!.......1998-11-02
Chinese Herbal Medicine by Daniel P. Reid is a wonderful guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine and its philosophies. This is a breif, but understandable summary of the process of diagnosis and treatment from one of the world's most ancient forms of medicine.
Beth Anne Haigler, Medical Herbalist
Book Description
Chinese Materia Medica - Chemistry, Pharmacology and Applications provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on the chemistry and pharmacology of commonly-used Chinese herbs. It gives an in-depth profile of the traditional experience of Chinese materia medica with modern scientific explanations. It also features the theories and concepts of Chinese materia medica from the Western medical perspectives, and the sources, production and quality control of Chinese materia medica. This book can be used both as a reference book and a textbook for specialized university and on-the-job training courses. It is essential reading for all students and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. It should also be of interest to those in education and research in natural products, pharmaceutical sciences and medicine.
Customer Reviews:
from the Medical Herbalism journal.......2000-09-03
The most popular materia medicas on Chinese herbs, by Bensky and by Hsu, for the most part leave out details of scientific research. This book fills that gap in the current English language literature on Chinese herbs. Zhu offers extensive details on in vitro research, and, when available, human clinical trials for all the major herbs in use in China today, as well as a brief overview of traditional use.
Customer Reviews:
Lao's review.......2001-02-24
A "half-way" manual for those who want a step up from the Chinese Food Cures book. Black and white botanical plates, with focus on traditional Chinese use of medicinal herbs. The book is organized by complaint, with medicinals listed by Chinese names in no discernable order. This makes it harder for Americans to use, but gives a better understanding of the Chinese theory of healing.
Simple remedies from a complex society.......1998-03-07
Great book that exposes some of the herbal secrets handed down over the centeries in Chinese culture. Excellent section on Ginseng. Book is well organized, with lots of references. Index could be a bit more thorough.
Book Description
Based on 2,000 years of recorded clinical experience, certain combinations of Chinese medicinals work better than others. Although theoretically there may be several possible combinations which might achieve a certain therapeutic effect, in actual fact, one combination in particular gets definite dependable results. This book describes over 100 of the best known, most useful two medicinal combinations. Using this book, one can more easily understand the construction of standard, time-tested formulas. One will be able to modify standard formulas to fit the needs of real- life individual patients, and will be able to compose entirely new formulas based on this empirically verified two medicinal building blocks. So whether you are a beginning student or professional practitioner of Chinese medicine, this book is sure to help you reach a new level of clinical expertise.
Customer Reviews:
Definitely worth having..........2007-05-07
This books is, in my opinion, the next stage in learning materia medica, after you have memorised the groups and names, and thus bridges the gap between learning herbs and putting together formulae.
Plus, as far as I know, this is the only book of it's kind on the market
Book Description
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) is an extensive sourcebook of information about the most commonly used substances in Chinese herbal medicine. Compiled from leading textbooks in China, this edition presents an in-depth study of 473 medicinal substances. Meticulously illustrated, each herb is identified by its pharmaceutical, botanical and family names, together with its Chinese, Japanese, Korean and English common names.
Each entry details the traditional properties, actions and indications, principal combinations, dosage and contraindications of the herb, and contains summaries of abstracts regarding modern pharmacological & clinical research. The book also details the qualities to look for in the appearance of each herb, where it is grown, and when it is harvested.
The herbs are conveniently grouped in chapters by function, with chapter summaries that compare and contrast those with similar properties. An introduction describes how to prepare and dispense the herbs. Extensive indices provide easy access and cross references to information throughout the book.
Customer Reviews:
Review on Materia Medica.......2004-09-26
This is one of the oldest English title books on TCM Herbs and have been revised. It offers compilation of herbs and contraindictions and sketches of them. There is almost nothing of original research nature. The book has been used for those chose to take English language exam in the US for sometime. As China is opening to many foreign students and practioners, many can read Chinese text. The book is becoming outdated for many reasons: 1. Translation is choppy at best, 2. Sketches need to be less artistic and requiring more details. 3. Modern pharmacology terms are needed. 4. No interactions with other herbs are described in modern scientific terms. 5. No current reference or clinical data are to support the claims. 6. There are numerous PinYin, Latin and Korean terms typo flaws throughout the entire book(This is most unfortunate as students depend on them for survival- a sign that proof reading with foreign language processors was not aatempted or applied). The caligraphical terms for each section are problematic and can be fixed with something easier to read. I was also informed more herbs are included in the forth coming edition for $120.00 a book. Many US registered LAcs return from China claim they can obtain Chinese pharmacology/herb books for ~US $5.00 with essentially the same information. The expectation for this and any new editions for supposed a high quality scholarly text is now higher or one can go back to $5.00 version with a Chinese-English dictiontary for a total of $10.00 not $120 dollars.
This is a useful reference book which can be more scientific and modern (e.g., lists more recent sources, and clinical data to substantiate claims)to remain as authorative source. The book seems to suggest the authors compiled the text from classical sources and referenced to the text.
Reviewed by Sam Shueh, MLIS 9/12/04
Unfortunate.......2003-11-23
This isn't a review of the book, though I am an acupuncture student and need to purchase this "bible" on herbs. What I'd like to state is the idiocy of "captnerfertiti"...the reviewer above who said that one should go to China if they want a real Chinese Medical Doctor. How can he make such a blanket statement about everyone practicing TCM in the United States? I'm sure people will see through his anger. Countless people have been helped by this medicine, including myself. That's why I went into it. And "us" in TCM will see his problem as a Liver imbalance leading to Fire which has damaged his Heart and disturbed his Shen. Please keep the "road rage" off these pages.
Professionals and Students Only.......2003-08-26
This is still the authorative book on single Chinese herbs. However, Chinese herbs are nearly always combined into formulas, and Bensky has another equally huge book on that topic. These two books are medical references for licensed acupuncturists (who are Chinese herbalists), and NOT for the casual reader or layperson to medicate themselves. You won't be able to properly apply the information in these two books without first learning Chinese medical diagnosis - the right medicine must follow from an accurate diagnosis.
The tragedies and legislation concerning ephedra illustrate that laypeople will not neccesarily use herbs traditionally, or safely.
Most traditional acupuncturists in the West attend 4 year schools, and more than 900 hours of herbal medicine are included in their training. I would suggest, if you want to avail yourself of the power of Chinese herbal medicine, that you see one of them.
If you're looking for a more practical layperson's introduction to Chinese herbs, check out David Molony's, or Jake Fratkin's books. Another good one is Henry Lu's book on combining Chinese herbs with foods to balance your patterns of imbalance.
Good for minor research, but not for serious usage.......2002-10-15
This book is very good if you are looking for descriptions and clinical research of the book. However, due to the variable nature of Chinese medicine, the dosages and usages of the medicines should not be written into the book. Also, each herb has it's own use and should NOT be categorized into "symptoms" categories as all those herbs can belong to several categories and not just one of them. If you are looking to heal yourself by using this book, don't do it. You can get yourself VERY sick. However, if you are just looking for light info on an herb, this is a good book.
One more thing, if you want a real Chinese medicine doctor, goto China. The ones in the US(especially California), are [not worth the money], undertrained and have absolutly no idea what they're doing. They couldn't tell yin from yang if it hit them in the head. And no, Chiropractics doesn't do anything to heal you, it's just a mind thing, that's why Chiropractors keep on telling you to go back, so they can rip off your insurance.
Materia Medica (Chinese Herbal Medicine) Dan Bensky.......2000-04-06
This is a well written and authoritive text that is very precise, yet easily readable. The book is categorized by the functions of herbs, and makes an extremely conveinant reference. The index is complete with Pin-yin translations as well as english, korean and japanese. A must have book for those interested in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Illurstrations are included for all herbs, and medicinals. Rational explanations are included for the functions of the herbs, as well as information about common combinations with other herbs. Truly a great text!
Book Description
Two of the foremost American educators and healers in the Chinese medical profession demystify Chinese medicine's centuries-odl approach to health. Combining Eastern traditions with Western sensibilities in a unique blend that is relevant today, BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH opens the door to a vast storehouse of knowledge that bridges the gap between mind and body, theory and practice, professional and self-care, East and West.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
pretty good book.......2007-01-10
Good beginning and ending. Kind of lost me in the middle. A bit touchy, feelie.
A good basic Introduction to TCM.......2006-11-10
For anyone looking for a basic, easy to understand introduction to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I can highly recommend this book. It focuses mainly of the five element theory of TCM, and it manages to explain a very complex concept in clear terms. It has nice self-test chapters to help the reader figure out their own predominant elements, and also offers good advice on simple herbal supplements and dietary advise based on the patterns.
However, it is very basic. If you are looking for more in-depth information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, or if you already have a basic understanding of the five elements, The Web that Has No Weaver is probably a better book to read, since it explains not only the five elements, but also the organ networks and their associated functions and spirits in much more depth.
I usually recommend Between Heaven and Earth to people who want to gain a basic understanding and introduction into the Chinese Taoist Philosophy that is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I think it is a great introductory text, and will make subsequent, more complexly written books much easier to understand.
The book is a mish mosh.......2006-09-06
It's too bad this book is a mish mosh and that neophytes in Chinese medicine are not going to know this. Some of the material is very standard and authentic, but a lot of it is the authors' own invention. So be careful with this. If you want the real deal, this is not the book you want. A better introduction to standard Chinese medicine is Kaptchuk's classic, The Web That Has No Weaver.
Excellent Guide to the Novice.......2005-10-04
I am a novice in the art of TCM and I do not speak or read chinese. This was an excellent guide for me in my studies in preparation to attend school for TCM and also how to get some practical benefit from my Chinese herbs. This was an Excellent Guide for the Novice.
An excellent introduction to the tenets of TCM.......2005-08-10
I recommend this book to all of my clients! With so much focus being placed on alternative therapies in health care, it staggers me that so much of the general public still thinks that acupuncture is for idiots acting as a human pincushion. While it is far from an instruction manual (which was never its intent), Between Heaven and Earth gives laypeople a simplified and elegant explanation of an ancient science. If you're looking for a definitive education in TCM, go to a university and get a degree. If you want an introduction to wellness through Chinese Medicine, read this book.
Book Description
It is a challenge to learn and retain information about the characteristics of the hundreds of commonly used Chinese herbs, as well as to select the best herbs for use in treating patients. This book brings to life, through vivid and clear discussion, the characteristics of the commonly used Chinese herbs. The easy-to-use question and answer format offers a method for learning and memorizing the functions of herbs through comparing the characteristics and strengths of specific herbs. The detailed discussions in this book enable experienced practitioners to achieve better quality and results, and the clinical applications feature can be used in practice to expand the treatment range.
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