Hoffmann, David. Herbal prescriptions after 50: everything you need to know to maintain vibrant health. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2007, c1993. ISBN 978-1-59477-180-4. 335 p. Index and Bibliography.
In thirteen chapters, this handbook instructs and advises the reader who’s actively taking care of their body after 50 years of age. It’s interesting to note what conditions and problems may be experienced when a half-century of life produces complaints in the Digestive, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Upper Respiratory, Nervous, Urinary and Reproductive, Musculoskeletal, Immune and Endocrine Systems. Conditions are described in separate chapters, with appropriate herbs affecting a wide range of symptoms and diseases.
Each chapter begins with a statement about the power of herbs to heal the diseases in each category. In the first chapter on body systems, Hoffman states that “Herbs are an unequaled form of medicine for treatment of the digestive system.” on page 22, noting herbs such as chamomile and marshmallow root for gastritis, GERD, and peptic ulceration. These herbs have carminative, antispasmodic and demulcent actions, three of the important actions for assuaging digestive disorders and diseases. In another chapter, Hoffmann states, “Nature is abundant in herbs that have an anticatarrhal effect upon the upper respiratory system.” on page 96, noting these herbs or spices as medicines: ginger, cinnamon, coriander seed, cloves, and lemon for the onset of colds. Later, he says, “Herbal therapy is uniquely suited to treating nervous system problems… since in no other system of the body is the connection between physical and psychological aspects of our being as apparent as in the nervous system.” on page 105, mentioning adaptogens, analgesics, antidepressants, antispasmodics, hypnotics and nervines as herbal actions most suited to strengthening the whole body and treating the specific condition. On inflammation, he maintains, “Once we are open to the premise that most of the biological needs of humanity and the other animals are met by our environment the wealth of anti-inflammatory herbs provided by the plant kingdom will come as no surprise.” on page 172, noting such herbs with antirheumatic action, herbs we know as foods include cayenne, celery seed, dandelion, ginger, horseradish, kelp, mustard, nettle, parsley, rosemary, wintergreen. For our outer-most layer, that ecology reflected in our skin, Hoffmann says, “As skin problems are often a manifestation of internal systemic conditions, therapy will involve any of a wide range of herbs…” such as burdock, calendula, chaparral, goldenseal, nettle, Oregon grape, St. John’s wort, on page 200.
Although Hoffmann’s approach is consistently holistic, what I get from this book is an emphasis on herbs as food, that we should see herbs and dis-ease as parts of body ecology. This is Hoffmann’s creativity, to use concepts from another discipline to explain the vastness of holism and herbal medicine. Food has an impact on the body that takes place over time, distilled from lifestyle and nervous reaction. We evolve from states of perfect health to imperfect states, discomfort and signs of disorders and disease, until we make positive adjustments to our lifestyle and pay attention to the needs of our bodily systems for long-term health. It’s important to construct your own sense of the direction and purpose of your life. Hoffmann cites nutrition, reiterates our need for a positive outlook, exercise, a “personal vision”, and “openness to spirituality”. The book definitely has a strong purpose in education, and asserts that not only with the use of herbs but also the proper attitudes, conservation and adaptability, can bring about and maintain vibrant health.
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