PhoenixFalls -
As a newcomer to herbal medicine (and someone with a science background) I really appreciated the philosophy behind this book. It was presented in layman's terms but the copious endnotes attest to the research that went into its production. Even more importantly to me, Peterson went out of her way to emphasize the risks alongside the benefits of using herbal medicine, and passionately exhorted her readers to take control of their own health by doing additional research (she provides some resources in the back to aid in this process) and always obeying the adage of "buyer beware."
This is a book that rewards significant study, a cover-to-cover reading rather than a cookbook-style pick and choose approach to particular herbs and/or injuries. However, Peterson has been careful to layer information so that even readers who try to use the book as a reference manual without reading all the introductory/explanatory sections will still receive the most vital information: the safest and most effective ways to use each herb and any medical contraindications for each herb. She also conveniently notes how much evidence of effectiveness (and she considers both rigorous scientific studies AND traditional practices as evidence, but is always careful to note which applies in each case) there is for each use of a particular herb.
I am neither a martial artist nor a contact athlete, but I do have an active lifestyle, and this book has empowered me to start exploring the field of herbal medicine to aid in recovery from all the aches and pains that go hand-in-hand with that lifestyle.
This is a book that rewards significant study, a cover-to-cover reading rather than a cookbook-style pick and choose approach to particular herbs and/or injuries. However, Peterson has been careful to layer information so that even readers who try to use the book as a reference manual without reading all the introductory/explanatory sections will still receive the most vital information: the safest and most effective ways to use each herb and any medical contraindications for each herb. She also conveniently notes how much evidence of effectiveness (and she considers both rigorous scientific studies AND traditional practices as evidence, but is always careful to note which applies in each case) there is for each use of a particular herb.
I am neither a martial artist nor a contact athlete, but I do have an active lifestyle, and this book has empowered me to start exploring the field of herbal medicine to aid in recovery from all the aches and pains that go hand-in-hand with that lifestyle.
