David Hoffman (1) (1951–)

Print: 7/15/2000; Paperback 1st Edition; ISBN 9781580172523 (Storey Publishing, LLC); Kindle: 5/1/2017; ISBN 9781612128306 (Storey Publishing, LLC); Film: No.
Series: No
SUMMARY:
This non-fiction book about keeping the respiratory system fit is arranged encyclopedically. There is an initial section about the workings of the respiratory system and it’s importance in overall health, and then herbs are in alphabetical order with efficacy and preparation information.

AUTHOR:
David Hoffman
According to the Storey (publisher’s) website:
“David Hoffmann has been a clinical phytotherapist for almost 20 years. He is a founding member and past president of the American Herbalists Guild. He is on the advisory board of the American Botanical Council, the peer-review boards of Herbalgram and the Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, and the steering committee of the American Herbal Pharmacopoea. He is the author of 17 books, including Healthy Bones & Joints, and teaches phytotherapy throughout the world. He is visiting faculty at Bastyr University, The California Institute of Integral Studies, the National College of Phytotherapy, and the Rocky Mountain School of Botanical Studies. He lives in California.”

GENRE: Non-Fiction, Health and Fitness, Medical, Alternative

SUBJECTS: Respiratory system, herbs, Chinese medicine, tea, infusions, decoctions, tonics, tinctures

EVALUATION:
Even though my interest was sinusitis I loved reading about all the herbs that were useful for all respiratory ailments and read it cover to cover, and ordered a few teas from Amazon as a result.

SAMPLE QUOTATION:
“Breathing problems do more than temporarily affect other organs and systems in the body. They can also cause chronic diseases. The reverse is true, too: For example, problems with the circulatory system can lead to lung problems. The condition of the digestive system is also important, since the lungs, bowels, kidneys, and skin share the task of removing wastes. If a problem develops in any of these organs, the body compensates by increasing the load on others. The lungs can handle only a limited amount of wastes. So if, for example, the bowels aren’t working properly and the lungs take on some of the burden, the lungs can also develop problems.
Many pathological changes in tissues can be prevented if the environment around the body’s cells is always rich in oxygen. Two of the best measures for maintaining good health is getting regular exercise and promoting proper breathing. Balance and harmony, along with appropriate herbal treatments when necessary, are the keys to successful preventative medicine. We need a clear free flow of energy through all aspects of our lives—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Proper breathing is just part of the equation.”

RATING:
I gave this a 5 because it is well-organized, informative and well-written—enough so that I may actually purchase it (I borrowed the eBook through Overdrive).

… (más)

Practical and hands on approach to a herbal this book is divided into 5 main sections:

1. Holistic approach looking at herbs and health and prevention of disease

2. Practical herbalism - good guide to gathering and preparing herbal remedies. Goes into chemistry and action of herbs and has a brief theraputic index (listing ailments and what herbs can be used).

3. Herb index - illustrated with clear and large photos eahc entry briefly describes what the herb is used for, prts used, collection, constituents and how it acts. Also useful highlight boxes on how to prepare the herb and what dosage is appropriate as well as what it can be used in combination with and warnings!

4. Bodily systems - examines each of the main bodily systems and how herbs can be used to strengthen and treat them.

5. Reference section on useful contacts etc… (más)