The Contemporary Herbalist: Understanding Chinese Herbal Medicine Part II

This book is part two of a simplified and condensed materia medica of Chinese herbal medicine, containing the categories regulate qi through dispel wind, stop tremors for a total of 13 categories. Part one contains the categories disperse the surface through resolve food stasis for a total of 15 categories. Both books are a compilation of information from my initial education, teaching materials, and my clinical experience in the use of Chinese herbal medicine. This compilation reflects and includes my professional use and expression of information provided in the academic texts, Chinese herbal medicine: Materia Medica, by Bensky, Clavey, & Stöger (2004), Formulas and Strategies 2nd Edition by Scheid, Bensky, Ellis and Barolet, and Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology by John and Tina Chen, highlighting key points of each herb covered.

I have condensed and summarized the information in such a way as to promote learning and embracing Chinese herbal medicine in a practical, simplified way for beginning students as well as seasoned practitioners and educators. I have selected specific herbs from each category that are commonly found in formulas used today, prioritizing categories into primary herbs (most effective, most often used) and secondary herbs (less commonly used, but useful).

In addition, I have included relevant theoretical, diagnostic, clinical information and “treatment tips” for each category of herbs covered, and have provided documented and academically agreed upon cautions and contraindications for categories of herbs and individual herbs.

The information contained in this book is specific to the study of Chinese herbal medicine and is presented as an educational tool for students and practitioners of Chinese medicine.