Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine

by Barbara Van Der Zee and Barbara Griggs

Book Overview

An eloquent and engaging account of the use of herbal medicine from prehistoric times to the present. Newly revised to include the latest developments in the field of herbal medicine, this classic bestseller presents a fascinating account of the ideas that have shaped the course of medicine and pharmacology in the Western world.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892817275
• ISBN13: 9780892817276
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A must read book!

This book is a must read for every one, not only interested in herbal medicine, but any kind of profession related to medicine. It explains in detail where the aggressiveness and ignorance of todays medicine comes from and it gives a clear understanding of where todays battles with diseases, cure all medicines and the hidden folk medicine emerged from and that we have tampered with the same problems for several hundreds of years. This book finally gives me an understanding of that what seems to be latent in the human persona, is to find that one quick fix and that one miracle drug that immediately cures the problem and that applies to conventional as alternative alike (of course not all). Wonderful reading, I truly enjoyed it and learned tons and this book should be read in the schools. Thank you.

Easy to read and comprehensive

This is a wonderful easy read about the history of western herbalism. It is very thorough without becoming dry or overbearing, and is written in a very pleasant style.

Fabulous book

This book is a must read for anyone interested in medicine and/or herbal medicine. It covers an incredible amount of history, presented in a very easy to read and engaging style. I couldn't put it down!

Finding affordable medicine

The sick and suffering in the USA who are appalled by current high prices for their medication will be amazed to learn this struggle has been unceasing throughout human history. Barbara Griggs describes how for many centuries inexpensive herbal remedies were fostered by women who were unable to afford the costly medicines or services of established doctors. For current times, the author explains,"The quiet revolution which is gradually bringing plants back to centre-stage is patient rather than doctor-driven. It is patients who may be bankrupted by the cost of medical treatment, if they are not lucky enough to be clients of a generous national health service"pg.369 An outraged public is making this a major concern of the presidential election. To intelligently deal with our current medical dilemma, read and absorb this studiously prepared history of ways of healing.

An Excellent Resource!

Ms. Van Der Zee has written a book that is quite fascinating! For me this particular book was required reading, but Im actually glad that it was because I learned a great deal about the history of herbal and general medicine throughout the millenia. The history and facts are interesting and higly readable. Ms. Van Der Zee makes you want to keep reading. Green Pharmacy is a book that is not only a "must read" but a definite "must own".