Ayurveda is an ancient system of health care that developed in India several thousand years ago. Allied with the spiritual philosophy of Hinduism, Ayurveda is a practical and inclusive system of health care orientated to the prevention and treatment of disease through the observation of important principles found in biological systems. This unique one-of-a-kind book is a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of Ayurveda, and discusses the practical use of therapies such as diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, and herbal remedies. The book also includes detailed information on Ayurvedic pharmacology and pharmacy, clinical methods and examinations, and general treatment protocols. The final section provides a comprehensive materia medica of 50 Indian herbs that include botanical descriptions, traditional Ayurvedic knowledge, constituent data and latest medical research, as well as clinical indications, formulations and dosages. Helpful full-color insert containing photos of the 50 herbs covered, alongside a ruler for scale, allows the reader to quickly identify herbs correctly. Includes useful appendices, including information on dietary and lifestyle regimens, Ayurvedic formulations, Ayurvedic weights and measures, glossaries on Ayurvedic terms, and medical substances. Unique contributions include a discussion of pathology, clinical methods, diagnostic techniques, and treatment methods from an Ayurvedic perspective.

The concept of 'food as medicine' is rooted in our most ancient of traditions, including Greek, Indian and Chinese medicine. If we consider the anthropological evidence it is very likely that our hunter-gatherer ancestors learned about medicinal herbs by observing wild animals deliberately eating certain plants in their diet as a way to treat different health issues. For all of nature and throughout the history of traditional medicine there has never been any real separation between food and medicine, and the present work aims to restore this connection. Informed by the theory and practices of Ayurveda and scientific research, Food As Medicine: The Theory and Practice of Food provides a practical and lucid model of what food is, how it impacts your health, and how to make the best choices in your diet - depending on your individual needs. Includes meal plans and recipes. Todd Caldecott is a trained medical herbalist and practitioner of Ayurveda, in practice since 1997. He is a registered professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, author of the textbook Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life, and editor of a new text on Nepalese ethnobotany called Ayurveda in Nepal. Todd lives in Vancouver B.C. with his family where he practices and teaches herbal medicine and Ayurveda. Check out his website at www.toddcaldecott.com to get free information on natural health and healing.