Medical Herbalism

David Hoffmann, a Fellow of Britain’s National Institute of Medical Herbalists, has been a clinical phytotherapist for more than twenty-five years. He started his herbal practice in Wales, continuing at the Findhorn community in Scotland, and has been practicing in California since 1986. A long time activist in the environmental and peace movements, he ran for parliament in Britain for the Green party in 1983. He is one of the founding members and a past president of the American Herbalists Guild and is on the advisory boards of the American Botanical Council and HerbalGram. The author of seventeen books, including the highly regarded The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal, An Elders’ Herbal, and The Herbal Handbook, Hoffmann teaches phytotherapy throughout the English-speaking world and is currently a faculty member of the California School of Herbal Studies. He is also a visiting faculty member at Bastyr University, the California Institute of Integral Studies, the National College of Phytotherapy, and the Rocky Mountain School of Botanical Studies.

Introduction

Part One: Introduction to Principles and Practices

1--Herbs, Holism, and Science
Science and Phytotherapy
Pharmacognosy and Ways to Assess Herb Quality
The Conservation of Medicinal Plants

2--Classification of Medicinal Plants
The Linnaean System of Classification
Derivation of Botanical Names

3--An Introduction to Phytochemistry
Primary and Secondary Plant Metabolites
Commonly Used Terms and Concepts

4--Carbohydrates
Monosaccharides
Polysaccharides
Glycoproteins
Glycosides
Gums and Mucilages

5--Lipids
Fatty Acids
Lipids Containing Glycerol

6--Terpenes
Monoterpenes
Iridoids
Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpene Lactones
Diterpenoids
Saponins
Triterpenoid Saponins
Cardenolides and Bufadienolides
Phytosterols
Nortriterpenoids
Plant Exudates
Resins
Oleoresins
Balsams
Gum Resins

7--Polyphenols
Simple Phenols and Phenolic Acids
Phenylpropanoids and Cinnamic Acids
Coumarins
Quinones
Xanthones
Stilbenoids
Flavonoids
Flavones and Flavonols
Isoflavonoids
Flavanones
Dihydrochalcones
Biflavonoids
Lignans and Neolignans
Tannins

8--Alkaloids
Pyrrolidine and Piperidine Alkaloids
Tropane Alkaloids
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Purine Alkaloids
Isoquinoline Alkaloids
Indole Alkaloids
Ergot Alkaloids
Carboline Alkaloids
Quinoline Alkaloids
Quinolizidine Alkaloids
Diterpenoid Alkaloids
Steroid Alkaloids
Miscellaneous Alkaloids

9--Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Phytoestrogens
Pharmacokinetics
Immunomodulators
Inflammation and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Cancer and Plant Constituents
Antiviral Agents
Antioxidants and Free Radical Scavengers
Cardiac Glycosides
Nonsteroidal Cardioactive Plant Constituents
Cholesterol and Lipid-Lowering Activity
Hypertension and Hypotensive Agents
Platelet Function and Cardiovascular
Herbs and the Liver
Hypoglycemic Agents

10--Toxicity, Contraindications, and Safety
Evaluating Causality in Adverse Events
Toxicology
Oxalic Acid
Terpenes
Glycosides
Polyphenolics
Alkaloids
Polypeptides
Lectins
Photosensitivity

11--The Formulation and Preparation of Herbal Medicines
Herbal Medicines
Infusions
Decoctions
Tinctures (Tincturae)
Fluid Extracts (Fluid Extracta)
Syrups, Elixirs, and Emulsions (Emulsiones)
Juices (Succi), Linctuses (Lincti), Mucilages and Oxymels
Waters (Aqua)
Capsules, Pills, and Tablets
Lozenges (Trochisci) and Pastilles (Pastilli)
Baths (Balneotherapy)
Douches and Enemas
Ointments and Suppositories
Liniments
Gargles (Gargarisma) and Mouthwashes
Inhalants (Vapors) and Spray Solutions (Nebulae)
Oils
Compresses and Poultices
Incompatibility

Part Two: Treatment Approaches by Body System

12--A Model of Holistic Herbal Medicine
Phytotherapeutic Selection Criteria
Dosage and Formulation Criteria
Outline of Treatment Chapters

13--The Digestive System
Flatulence
Constipation
Laxatives
Diarrhea
Aphthous Ulcers
Periodontal Disease
Esophagitis and Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastritis
Peptic Ulcers
Hiatus Hernia
Functional Dyspepsia or “Indigestion”
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Diverticulitis
Jaundice
Chronic Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Cholecystitis
Cholelithiasis
Hemorrhoids

14--The Cardiovascular System
Tonics for the Cardiovascular System
Cholesterol
Hypertension
Arteriosclerosis
Congestive Heart Failure
Angina Pectoris
Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease
Varicose Veins

15--The Respiratory System
Coughs
Acute Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis
Pertussis
Asthma
Emphysema
The Common Cold
Influenza
Hay Fever
Sinusitis
Laryngitis
Tonsillitis

16--The Nervous System
Managing Stress: An Overview
Depression
Insomnia
Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines
Anorexia Nervosa
Headache
Migraine
Neuritis
Tinnitus
Motion Sickness
Shingles

17--The Urinary System
Frequency
Dysuria
Hematuria
Edema
Cystitis
Urinary Calculus

18--The Reproductive System
Emmenagogues
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Premenstrual Syndrome
Menopause
Pregnancy
Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Uterine Fibroids
Endometriosis
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

19--The Musculoskeletal System
External Applications for Musculoskeletal Problems
Myalgia
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Gout
Bursitis and Tendinitis
Restless Leg Syndrome

20--The Skin
Herbs for Topical Application
Eczema and Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Acne

21--The Immune System
General Support Protocols
Detoxification
Postoperative Recovery
General Guidelines for Treating Infection
Vaginitis
Prostatitis
Boils
Fungal Skin Infection
Cancer

22--The Endocrine System
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes Mellitus
The Adrenal Glands

23--Phytotherapy and the Elderly
Toning and Nurturing Health in Elders
Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Elders

24--Phytotherapy and Children
Measles
Mumps
Colic
Constipation
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Nausea
Otitis Media
Attention Deficit Disorder
Diaper Rash
Cradle Cap
Impetigo

25--Herbal Actions
Adaptogen
Alterative
Anticatarrhal
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antirheumatic
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Bitter
Cardiac Remedies
Carminative
Cholagogue
Demulcent
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Hepatic
Hypnotic
Hypotensive
Nervine
Stimulant

26--Materia Medica
Appendices
1--Glossary
2--Selected Examples of Binomial Meanings
3--Herbs by Latin and Common Names
4--Pharmacy Terms
5--Weight and Measure Conversion
6--Herbal Information Sources
7--Taxonomy Hierarchy

Bibliography
Index