Revised and enlarged 4th edition - Vol. 1: ISBN 1-890029-42-5
The Energetics of Western Herbs, Volumes 1 and 2, are a pathbreaking reference work for over 220 botanical remedies used in Western herbal medicine. Comprehensive and detailed, it draws on Chinese and Greek herbal medicine to integrate traditional herbal energetics with the latest findings in plant pharmacology. The traditional vitalistic and modern scientific systems of herbal medicine are complementary paradigms, not irreconcilable approaches. Using both systems simultaneously will greatly enhance the efficacy of herbal formulation in clinical practice, as well as provide a deeper understanding of each system.
This fourth edition is a complete revision and expansion of the third edition in both text and layout. It includes 14 new herbs, including Schisandra, Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Devil's claw, White peony, Asian ginseng, Asian Buplever and Baikal skullcap. The introductions to each herb class, which explore the treatment strategies behind the various types of herbs, have been rewritten to include much new clinical material as well as to reflect current knowledge. In addition, the whole text has been re-typeset for greater user friendliness as a practical herbal medicine reference.
The Energetics includes detailed practical instructions for preparing and using herbal remedies for internal and topical use. For each herb, it includes the most useful preparation forms, along with important dosage, caution and contraindication information. For this fourth edition, the detailed dosages for tincture, infusion and decoction preparations have been fully updated, based on current Western herbal medicine practice, and the tincture strength and ethanol content information have been added for every herb.
"This classic book, now extensively revised and updated, provides a creative revisioning of western herbalism. Clear, concise and comprehensive, it elegantly defines an integrated energetic model with specific indications for the therapeutic use of western herbs. An exceptional and immensely useful text."
- Chanchal Cabrera M.N.I.M.H., A.H.G., past president, Gaia Garden Herbal Apothecary, Vancouver
"There is no question in my mind that this book will become the classic reference work on Western energetics by which other herbal scholars and practitioners will measure their research."
- Jake Fratkin, O.M.D., author of Chinese Herbal Patent Formulas
"This is a text that deserves respect. As an account, even encyclopaedia, of traditional uses, these monographs and their introductions are probably the most complete and integrated anywhere ... This is an impressive opus: I believe Holmes succeeds very well on his own terms, and many practitioners will be grateful to him for illuminating their therapeutic deliberations."
- Simon Mills M.N.I.M.H., author of Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy
"In this important volume, Peter Holmes has accepted a challenge, gone to the libraries and shown that there is a rich herbal tradition in the west that was discarded by the enthusiasm and ideology of the scientific revolution. Peter Holmes has creatively engaged the best of the buried western herbal tradition in a dialogue with the rich tradition of the east. The Energetics of Western Herbs is an important discussion that can only enhance the creativity, depth, intelligence and clinical skills of all herbalists both in the east and in the west."
- Ted Kaptchuk O.M.D., author of Chinese Medicine: The Web That Has No Weaver
"Every user and lover of Western herbs can gain tremendous insight into the nature and “energetics” of herbs with careful study of Peter Holmes’ ground-breaking book, The Energetics of Western Herbs. This book has become the de facto standard reference work for everyone interested in the integration of Western and Chinese herbal medicine. This is absolutely where the excitement is today!"
- Christopher Hobbs L.Ac., A.G.H., author of Handbook for Herbal Healing
"The largest and most important study of materia medica in the Western world. It should be on every herbalist’s bookshelf."
- Brenda Cooke M.N.I.M.H., past editor, Greenfiles
"Here is perhaps the first attempt in a millenium or more to classify Western herbs in terms of their “energetics.” Holmes views Western herbs through the eyes of a practitioner of Chinese medicine. The Energetics of Western Herbs is borne of the author’s lifetime pursuit of thinking of Western herbs in oriental terms. It is an impressive, massive undertaking ... This is an impact herb book, one that will be talked about reverently and irreverently for a long time."
- Steven Foster, author of Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West
"The Energetics of Western Herbs is an excellent resource for the practitioner. Peter Holmes’ unique and masterful blending of Western physiological and Eastern diagnostic principles adds depth and clarity to the art of herbal formulation. This revised edition incorporates the most recent research in plant medicine. This brilliant two-volume set is a must for any herbalist."
- Linda Costarella N.D., co-author of Herbs for Women’s Health
"Peter Holmes has given us an audacious new work that is global in perspective. In this text he opens a new frontier for our exploration by revitalizing the traditions of the western world’s herbal healing art. By means of his research we are introduced to the saga of the largely forgotten progenitors of the herbal traditions in Europe and the Near East. Through the practical eye of his clinical experience as an eclectic herbalist emerges the possibility for a unified theory of herbal healing. As you move with Peter through this text, you will not only be offered a new integrated methodology for using herbs, but you will also have the enjoyment of joining in his quest to recover the past, be delighted by the stories he has to tell, and be enlightened by the insightful commentaries he has carefully crafted for us."
- Randall Barolet O.M.D., co-author of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies
