Encompassing a range of alternative and natural healing traditions for the prevention, treatment and cure of common ailments, this beautifully illustrated reference book provides over 1,000 natural remedies to promote physical and mental well-being for the whole family. C. Norman Shealy's comprehensive and authoritative guide is an indispensable reference, containing all you need to know about healing with complementary and alternative techniques and therapies. With detailed sections covering Ayurveda, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Traditional Home and Folk Remedies, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, Flower Remedies, Nutrition, Mindfulness, and Herbalism, this quick reference family guide includes: The history and background to each therapy Descriptions of the most useful remedies A comprehensive list of ailments with suggested treatments Alternative first aid remedies How to stock a home healing medicine chest

This unique volume draws on the rich culture, folklore and environment of medicinal plants in Ecuador, which includes the important rain forest region. This country has rich plant resources and a large diversity of plants. In particular, the Biotechnological Research Center of Ecuador, CIBE, is an important center of plant research and biodiversity. For more than 16 years, CIBE has been performing scientific research on plants and microorganisms with extensive focus on biodiversity, biotechnology, bioproducts, hytopathology, molecular biology, tissue culture and technology transfer. The Center has state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology and a great strength in human resources.

This unique volume draws on the rich culture, folklore and environment of medicinal plants in Ecuador, which includes the important rain forest region. This country has rich plant resources and a large diversity of plants. In particular, the Biotechnological Research Center of Ecuador, CIBE, is an important center of plant research and biodiversity. For more than 16 years, CIBE has been performing scientific research on plants and microorganisms with extensive focus on biodiversity, biotechnology, bioproducts, hytopathology, molecular biology, tissue culture and technology transfer. The Center has state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology and a great strength in human resources.

The intriguing tales of the plants that have been used to heal and cure our bodies, brought to life with beautifully surreal illustrations from Alice Smith. Since the dawn of time, people have used plants as remedies, to both positive and deadly effect. These herbal treatments have become enshrined in folklore, in old wives' tales and in the curious names we have given local species. Many have also found their way into modern medicine cabinets - but not always in the form you would expect. This book imagines a physick garden of healing plants that have been used across the globe by different generations. But were Italian Renaissance women dicing with death when they dropped belladonna in their eyes? Can comfrey really be used to heal broken bones? And can St John's Wort scare away more than bad spirits? Taking you around the body, from the brain to the bowels, The Physick Garden introduces 80 plants with curious medicinal pasts. With striking illustrations and lively tales, this book will show thatsometimes there is method in the madness.

Discover the wisdom and magic of Appalachia through Mountain Magic, an illustrated guide to the occult power of the hills and hollows. The people of Appalachia and the American backwoods have a long and deep magical tradition, one rooted in the power of place, land, and nature. With a creativity and ingenuity born of necessity, Appalachian witches built and sustained a wealth of magical knowledge drawn from European, Native American, and African American folk magic. Guided by expert witch and forager Rebecca Beyer, you can explore the wisdom of this powerful place: Learn medical and magical uses for common plants and herbs Meet the traditional magical practitioners of Appalachia, from Blood Stoppers to Water Witches Delve into a wealth of charms and curses, from witchballs to love workings Follow the lore of the stars and seasons to grow and thrive Some of the magic and culture you will encounter in this enchanted guide include: Magical lore surrounding the weather, seasons, and the movements of the moon and stars Recipes for a tonic salad to move the blood in springtime and a cleansing spicebush tea Profiles of the medicinal and magical properties of some essential mountain plants, including ginseng, blackberry, poke, sassafras, and mullein Charms to protect from evil, including witch bottles, a holly twig charm, and the SATOR ROTAS square With this beautifully illustrated guide, you can bring the wisdom and magic of the backwoods to meet the challenges of modern life, building a magical practice that's fueled by ancestral traditions and the nourishing power of the natural world. The Modern Folk Magic series offers accessible and engaging introductions to folk magical traditions from a fresh, modern perspective. Linking the current enthusiasm for magical practice back to the deeply rooted magical traditions in the United States and elsewhere, the titles in this series give depth and cultural meaning to the practice of witchcraft. These beautiful books serve as hands-on guides for learning and practicing folk magic, from authors who are experts in these traditions. Check out the other books in the series including Hoodoo Magic.

While almost all mushrooms share beneficial properties which heighten the immune system, the chapters of this book are dedicated to mushrooms that are the most promising possibilities for healing a variety of illnesses, including reishi (for liver disorders), cordyceps sinesis (anti-ageing), maitake (cancer), and hericum erinaceud (Alzheimer's Disease), among others. Mushrooms have been found in human culture for thousands of years. They have been used as a medicine since the very beginning, but in the past fifty years several major advancements in medicine have come from mushroom and other fungi, including the most famous of all, penicillin. This book explores mushroom history, as well as their possible uses in the future.

This book is unique in that it discusses the nature of human suffering and how patients can be helped to overcome psycho-emotional pain through work with the Eight Extraordinary Vessels. Emotional suffering and resistance to change can be an impediment to the healing process, with many physical conditions being resistant to treatment due to their psycho-emotional element. Understanding this suffering and providing a therapeutic environment which allows the patient to believe that things can be different improves the effectiveness of an Eight Extras treatment. Approaching the topic from the perspective of suffering means that the theory can be applied to both physical and emotional illness, including addiction, chronic pain, auto-immune conditions and hormonal disorders. This a very practical book and will include a full explanation of how to create an Eight Extras treatment and also case studies showing clinical use of the vessels and how to apply them. These case studies show how coping mechanisms and resistance develops and how important history is in the diagnostic process.

Medicinal plants and plant-derived medicine are widely used in traditional cultures all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. As more and more natural remedies are being commercialised, there is a need for a user-friendly reference guide to the plants and their products. The book gives the reader a bird's eye view of more than 350 of the bestknown medicinal plants of the world and their uses, in a compact, colourful and scientifically accurate reference text. It provides quick answers to the most obvious questions: Where does this plant originate? What does it look like? In which culture is it traditionally used? What is it used for? Which chemical compounds does it contain? How safe is it? What is known about its pharmacological activity? What evidence is there that it is effective? The authors also provide short overviews of the various health conditions for which medicinal plants are used and the active compounds (secondary metabolites) found in the plants and their modes of actions.

Designed to be a go-to reference for assessment and treatment planning in the clinic, this is a clear and concise handbook for students and practitioners of dry needling, or medical acupuncture. It includes: * Comprehensive medical illustrations demonstrating trigger point locations and associated pain referral patterns * Easy-to-follow instructions and photographs demonstrating musculoskeletal dry needling points and electroacupuncture techniques * Dedicated section on the acupuncture treatment of tendinopathy * Vital information on palpation and correct needling techniques * Practical guidance on best practice, safety and treatment planning * Overviews of the history and key principles of Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture * Up-to-date research on the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of MSK conditions, myofascial pain, trigger points (MTrPS), fascia and pain. The book will be an essential aid for osteopaths, physiotherapists, sports rehabilitators, chiropractors, massage therapists, as well as traditional acupuncturists wishing to understand a Western approach on acupuncture. Other health professionals incorporating, or looking to incorporate dry needling into their treatment programme, will also find this book an invaluable resource.

This path-breaking book reinterprets Chinese medicine using the approach of the philosophy of science in a manner that strikes common ground with biomedical science. It strips Chinese medical theory of the mystique and metaphysical pretentions that too often plague the discipline, presenting this theory as being derived from empirical observations and clinical findings. Concepts like qi and phlegm and vital organs like the shen (kidney) are interpreted, not as physical entities with defined measurable properties, but as constructs to facilitate the application of models for diagnosis and therapy. The author evaluates the five-element model and the diagnostic-therapeutic paradigm of Chinese medical syndromes, and suggests how these heuristic models can be subjected to clinical trials. Principles governing the use of herbal, acupuncture, tuina and qigong therapies are elucidated and critically examined. Written for medical professionals, philosophers of medicine and discerning readers interested in alternative therapies, the book also has practical chapters on the placebo effect and Chinese medical treatment of chronic illnesses, and a useful compilation of common Chinese herbs and formulations.

Mistletoe is a parasitic evergreen plant that lives on trees such apple and elm. Modern complementary therapies for cancer increasingly make use of mistletoe preparations. However, because mistletoe grows on many different trees, the properties of the plant vary according to the host tree. For the first time, this book presents an important reference for practitioners on the characteristics of each type of mistletoe, and what kind of cancers they are best suited to treat. Thirteen host trees are described, covering all aspects from mythology and botany to homeopathy and flower essences. The author then pulls the various characteristics together to provide a unique guide to which patients might benefit most from the different types of mistletoe. The results will be useful not only in treating cancer but also in prevention. The book includes specific case-studies as well as notes on supplementary therapies using metals.

Cancer is one of the leading killers in the world and the incidence is increasing, but most cancer patients and cancer survivors suffer much from the disease and its conventional treatments side effects. In the past, clinical data showed that some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) possessed anticancer abilities, but some clinicians and scientists have queried about the scientific validity of CAM due to the lack of scientific evidence. There is great demand in narrowing the knowledge gap to explore the scientific and evidence-based knowledge of CAM in the anticancer field. With this aim, an unparalleled undertaking of a book series is launched to structurally consolidate this area.

Although acupuncture and moxibustion have been practiced for millennia, they have come under scientific investigation only recently. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been used clinically to treat cancer-related symptoms (e.g. cancer pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia), manage treatment-induced side effects (e.g. hot flashes, nausea and vomiting) and enhance immunity (e.g. blood cell count, lymphocyte and natural killer cell activity). This is the first book manages to provide comprehensive and updated scientific evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion intervention for cancer care. Laboratory and animal studies have uncovered the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion for cancer therapy. Promising results of most clinical trials show the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion in cancer management. This book consists of fifteen chapters which address a range of important aspects that will impact on the application of acupuncture and moxibustion. An overview of the safety and side effects of acupuncture and moxibustion for cancer care are also covered. In addition, the integration of acupuncture with Western medicine in cancer treatment and recent clinical trials are included as well.

Opinion leaders around the world have teamed up to pursue a thorough and up-to-date review of the area, this volume will contribute great to the cancer, clinical and academic community by providing evidence-based information on the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion as an anticancer therapy."

Early modern almanacs have received relatively little academic attention over the years, despite being the first true form of British mass media. While their major purpose was to provide annual information about the movements of the stars and the corresponding effects on Earth, most contained a range of other material, including advice on preventative and remedial medicine for humans and animals. Based on the most extensive research to date into the relationship between the popular press, early modern medical beliefs and practices, this study argues that these cheap, annual booklets played a major role in shaping contemporary medical beliefs and practices in early modern England. Beginning with an overview of printed vernacular medical literature, the book examines in-depth the genre of almanacs, their authors, target and actual audiences. It discusses the various types of medical information and advice in almanacs, preventative and remedial medicine for humans, as well as 'non-commercial' and 'commercial' medicines promoted in almanacs, and the under-explored topic of animal health care. -- .

For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has helped countless people with their health, and is still widely sought after today-especially by those all over the world who are intrigued by natural healing and healthcare. The culture underlying TCM is broad and the information incredibly extensive, which means it can be difficult to know where to start for those who are interested in learning. This book does just that, providing both an encyclopedia of knowledge in the field, while also acting as a practical manual to guide readers to greater health. It offers an effective, easy-to-learn set of daily TCM skills and expert advice on how to use them. Through this book, you can learn: Basic concepts such as yin-yang, the five elements, meridians and acupoints, qi, blood flow and constitution How to judge your own health status through constitution tests and develop a personalized health plan for yourself How to make external adjustments for your health through TCM practices such as acupressure, cupping, scraping, heat treatment, acupuncture, massage and other methods TCM methods of natural internal adjustments including food therapy, herbal medicine, breathing techniques, sleep, meditation, qigong and other practices that will enhance your physical and mental health from the inside out A twelve-hour regimen with adaptations for each of the four seasons, stages in life, times of day, and place where it is practiced, allowing readers to customize the plan to their lives

This is a modern, practical guide on how to grow and make your own skincare products, no matter how big your garden. This handbook enables you to switch from toxic to nourishing skincare products that are better for you and the environment. Harness the therapeutic power of plants and natural ingredients to look after your skin - the body's largest organ - simply, gently and effectively. Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Skin - understanding what the skin is and how we take care of it; Chapter 2: Plotting My Skincare Garden: What to grow and how to arrange it; Chapter 3: Choosing Skincare Plants: The top 22 skincare plants to grow and forage for and their beneficial properties; Chapter 4: The natural skincare garden through the seasons: What to do to maintain your garden through the year and how to harvest and store your plants; Chapter 5: Basic formulations and 30 skincare recipes, including skincare teas cleanses, oils, creams and more; Sustainability - how to make a Natural Cleaning Spray and Botanical Household Soap. Silvana takes you on a holistic journey, guiding you through planting the seed in the soil to growing harvesting, storing, creating and bottling your home-made herbal skincare.

A full-color illustrated guide to the natural history of plants with medicinal properties Of the nearly 400,000 plants that have evolved on Earth, around seven percent of them have been used in traditional herbal medicine or as local remedies. More recently, scientific studies have revealed how plants may be sources of important medicines, often in the form of single isolated compounds. Plants That Cure explores these critical compounds and the plants that produce them. This richly illustrated book, filled with color photographs and diagrams, is organized by body system, which feeds into a discussion of the compounds and plants employed for particular conditions, including heart and circulatory problems, fatigue and dementia, nausea and indigestion, respiratory infections, arthritis and joint movement, eye conditions, reproductive issues, and types of cancer. This detailed book examines the mechanisms of action for these plants and also explains how some of their chemical compounds contribute to the functioning and survival of the plants themselves. Essential for herbalists, botanists, and anyone interested in natural remedies and drug discovery, Plants That Cure is the indispensable resource for understanding how medicinal plants work. Provides an authoritative natural history of the most important medicinal plants Features hundreds of color photos and illustrations Explores the roles of plants in different systems of traditional medicine throughout the world Looks at specific body systems and the phytochemical compounds used to treat or alleviate systemic conditions, from heart ailments and respiratory infections to reproductive issues

"The New Chinese Medicine Handbook" is an essential guide to achieving total health in body, mind, and spirit. Explore the powerful benefits of Chinese medicine--particularly acupuncture, massage, nutrition, meditation and herbs--along with other Eastern healing arts. This practical guide totraditional Chinese medicine can help you take control of your healing process and maintain orrestore wholeness and harmony in all aspects of your life.Dr. Misha Ruth Cohen, an internationallya recognized practitioner, lecturer, leader and mentorin the field of Chinese medicine, offers comprehensive healing plans for a wide range of ailmentsincluding digestive problems, stress, anxiety, depression, cancer support, liver health, gynecological problems, PMS, fertilitymenopause, and more.This comprehensive guidebook combines Chinese dietary guidelines with Western medicine, plus various other Eastern and Western healing therapies including: Basics of Chinese medicineAcupuncture and moxibustionQi Gong: Chinese exercise and meditationDietary practicesChinese herbal therapy"The New Chinese Medicine Handbook" keeps esoteric information to "need to know" basics andshows you how to use Chinese medicine for different conditions from pain to infertility to various illnesseslike cancer and diabetes. Take the first steps to natural healing remedies and a longer, healthier life."

Practiced for more than 2,000 years, acupuncture was once restricted to the realm of alternative medicine. It was thought to be based on mythical elements and not easily understood by those in the scientific community. Acupuncture: An Anatomical Approach, Second Edition dispels these notions and brings this once backroom therapy into the forefront-explaining it in terms that can be easily comprehended by all medical professionals. Presenting a scientific, anatomical approach to acupuncture, this volume discusses: The basics of the nervous system Acupuncture points located in the head and face, formed by the cranial nerves The cervical plexus, which forms acupuncture points in the neck region Acupuncture points formed by the brachial plexus in the upper limbs, spinal nerves in the body trunk, and the lumbar-sacral plexuses in the lower limbs The anesthesia effect of biochemical substances in the nervous system The measurement and quantification of pain Applications of acupuncture in clinical practice, from cases easy to treat to those more challenging Theories on the future of acupuncture The treatment of pain, in general, is controversial, as many therapies have unintended consequences and side effects. Acupuncture provides a therapy that is quick, easy to perform, and requires no medications. This volume enables physicians, osteopaths, pain specialists, chiropractors, and other health professionals to perform this effective treatment for their patients who experience both chronic and acute pain.

First published in 1983. Beginning with the period of the early expansion of Western missionary medicine, this account covers the chaotic years of Nationalist rule to the foundations of the People's Republic in 1949. It trances the major influences on health care since then and describes the conflicts of State bureaucracy, Party and medical profession in their attempts to match political objectives in health care to resources available. An outline of the theory of Chinese traditional medicine, together with detailed accounts of acupuncture and plant drugs are also discussed, as are specific features of the health care system, such as population control, medical education, nutrition and psychiatry.

Syzygium is a well-known source of the globally traded clove as well as the widely cultivated jambolan, water apple, rose apple, wax apple, mountain apple, and several other underutilized species. These plants have multiple uses as edible fruits, medicine, spice, food colorants, and flavorings. The Genus Syzygium: Syzygium cumini and Other Underutilized Species provides an updated, comprehensive account of S. cumini and other underutilized species from a multidisciplinary perspective. This book covers all relevant aspects including the botany, systematics, phylogeny, life history, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacology, pharmacopeia standards, horticulture, genetic resource conservation, biocontrol, and bioremediation values. It demonstrates how Syzygium cumini and other underutilized species hold great prospect for global pharmaceutical and horticultural trade. The Genus Syzygium will serve as the standard reference for a broad range of researchers interested in the various uses of S. cumini and eight underutilized Indo-Malaysian and Australasian species of Syzygium.

The genus Phyllanthus has over 1,000 species distributed worldwide, many of which have been used indigenously for the treatment of a variety of ailments for generations. Researchers have developed ways to analyze the potential of these plants and demonstrated the pharmacological action and various chemical entities present in each of them. They have validated the folklore claims and used this knowledge to design cost-effective and reliable sources of medicine.

The first book to exclusively examine the genus Phyllanthus, Phyllanthus Species: Scientific Evaluation and Medicinal Applications begins with a systematic classification and identification manual for various plants in the genus, followed by the scientific evaluation of the species for modern medicinal use. This reference compiles cutting edge research from countries around the world, including the UK, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Spain, Cuba, and China. Topics covered include phylogenetic analysis of Phyllanthus, chemistry of the genus, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and chemo- protective effects, genotoxicity, clinical trials involving Phyllanthus, and various formulations containing different plants from the genus Phyllanthus.

Phyllanthus Species: Scientific Evaluation and Medicinal Applications describes in detail the taxonomy, cultivation, and marketing, identification of geographic and genetic hot spots, chemistry, scientific evaluation, and clinical trials of various species of Phyllanthus. Written for researchers and educators in academia, industry, agriculture, and the interested general public, this book's up-to-date references make it a powerful resource providing first-hand information on Phyllanthus.

This important volume provides a comprehensive overview of hepatotoxicity and medicinal plants used for protecting the liver and for curing liver toxicity and liver diseases. To date, there has been no extensive resource on the plants that are used in this capacity, both in traditional medicine and in modern medicine. This book fills that gap. It presents information on the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine (both codified and noncodified) and in ethnomedicine, including the plant parts used and methods of use and dosages. The phytochemicals extracted from medicinal plants,screened and used in modern medicine for liver protection and curing liver problems, are given in detail, and the methods of screening are given as well. Methods of assay for screening the medicinal plants are also presented. Key features: * Provides complete information on plants that show hepatoprotective properties * Lists and discusses the phytochemicals useful for liver protection and cures * Considers traditional uses and ethnomedicinal plants for liver protection * Details the plant parts and the extracts that have protection properties and the active principles showing hepatoprotection

The effective yet gentle 'Sukshma' technique, for working with the Marma points at the emotional as well as on the physical level, is fully described in this book. Marma Therapy - the art of treating specific vital points on the human body - is one of the greatest healing secrets of Ayurveda. It can be used to detoxify, strengthen and revitalize the body, for rejuvenation and relaxation or to release blocked energy. The authors explain the theoretical basis of Marma Therapy, and then provide a detailed, fully illustrated guide to its use. For each Marma point, the authors provide information about its significance, the Ayurvedic element it relates to, the most appropriate oils to use, and what it can be used to treat. Clear step-by-step instructions and photographs illustrate the techniques, and advice is also included for self-treatment. The authors explain how to strengthen the Marmas through yoga and use mudras to support and complement Marma treatment. Finally, they describe how to treat common physical and emotional conditions, from headache and back pain, to exam nerves and insomnia.