A Thai Herbal by C. Pierce Salguero

ISBN: 978-1-84409-004-4
A Thai Herbal introduces the basic principles of this unique form of healing in simple and clear terms, and presents over 150 individual herbs with their uses in Thai, Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbalism.

182 pages paperback

Based on the holistic principles of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, Thai herbalism is a vibrant ancient tradition that was preserved over a millennium in the monasteries and temples of Bangkok, and which continues to be practiced in villages throughout Thailand to this day.

Of interest to herbalists and massage therapists alike, A Thai Herbal introduces the basic principles of this unique form of healing in simple and clear terms, and presents over 150 individual herbs with their uses in Thai, Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbalism. This book is informative and practical, translating ancient ideas into a modern context and providing helpful tips and recipes for experienced and beginning herbalists. Best of all, this book is fun, offering easy recipes for home remedies, beauty products, and cuisine that will make the world of Thai tradition come alive in your home.

A Thai Herbal also places the popular practice of Thai Massage in its native context, as an integral part of a holistic healing system. The book also introduces the traditional practice of Thai herbal compress massage, a treatment that is enjoying increasing popularity in Western spas. Acupressure charts provide guidance for Thai energy meridian work, and suggestions for treatment of specific ailments.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter I: The Tradition of Thai Medicine

    History of Thai Medicine
    The Two Traditions
    The Circle of Life
    The Branches of Thai Medicine
    Holistic Healing
    Traditional Thai Medicine Today and in the Future
Chapter II: The Theory of Royal Thai Herbalism
    The Four Body Elements
    Four Element Diagnostics
    The Ten Tastes
    Classification of Herbs by Action
    Western Classification of Herbs
Chapter III: Every-day Herbs
    Food Therapy, or Every-day Medicine
    The Energetics of Food
    Global Recommendations
    Dietary Regimens for Health and Longevity
    Dietary Regimens for the Seasons
    Dietary Regimens for Specific Disorders
    Thai Recipes for Health and Harmony
    Herbs in Cosmetics
    Herbs in the Household
Chapter IV: Herbs in Traditional Thai Massage and Sauna
    Sauna and Steam Bath
    Herbal Compresses
    Sample Compress Recipes
    Hot Compress in Thai Massage
    Thai Acupressure Points for Hot Compress Massage
Chapter V: Herbs in Traditional Thai Medicine
    Methods of Preparing Herbs
    Herbal Mixtures
    Shelf-Life of Herbs
    Collecting Herbs
    Special Medicinal Recipes
Chapter VI: A Compendium of Traditional Thai Herbal Medicine

Appendices

    Studying in Thailand
    Thai Herbalism Courses and Suppliers in the U.S.
    Herbal Medicine Contacts in the U.S.
    Herbal Medicine Contacts in Europe
    Herbal Medicine Contacts in Australia and New Zealand
    Bibliography and Further Reading
Indices
    by Ailment
    by Action
    by Latin Name
    by Common Name
    by Thai Name
    General Index

excerpt

Introduction

Traditional Thai medicine, a combination of yoga, acupressure, herbal therapy, and dietary regimens, is a colorful art form that reflects Thailand's wide range of cultural influences. A holistic system of traditional medicine practiced in Thai villages and royal courts for millennia, it continues to grow and evolve to this day.

The healing systems of Southeast Asia (including Thailand) have been studied by ethnobotanists and anthropologists for decades, but only recently have Western holistic health practitioners taken an interest in learning more about these rich traditions. We are realizing that the traditional medicine of China and India although the most popular are not the only vibrant healing traditions in Asia. The analysis of new medical systems is a vital field of study, a crucial addition to the world's stock of medical knowledge, and a breath of the fresh air of ancient wisdom in the modern age.

Thai medicine, like most of the Eastern medical traditions, is not only about curing disease; it is about taking control of one's health, promoting wellness, and improving quality of life. In Thailand, herbs are a part of a holistic system of wellness that takes into account the whole self, mind, body, and spirit, and puts medical knowledge into the hands of the patient. Thai medicine teaches us that with appropriate understanding of herbs, we can learn to live in harmony with the changing seasons and the changes in our lives. With a handful of medicinal plants, we can successfully treat the most common ailments we are likely to encounter in daily life. With herbal tonics, we can strengthen our bodies and immune systems in order to prevent disease in the first place. With traditional recipes, we can lessen the toxic effects of pollution and pesticides we ingest, enhance our energy levels, immunity, and sexuality, and increase our longevity and happiness.

This collection is the product of my research in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, over a period from 1997 to 2001. I have arrived at the latest incarnation of this collection by analyzing over 150 herbs, determining how they are used by traditional Thai healers and how they are regarded by other systems such as Western, Ayurvedic, and Chinese herbalism. (My sources for these comparisons are listed in the bibliography.) This collection is a large and informative compendium of the medicinal herbs used in Thailand, but I have taken much care to ensure that it is a readable and practical guide for beginning and professional herbalists alike. I have attempted to translate traditional ideas into a modern context, hoping to bring this ancient wisdom into the realm of daily life. Most of all, I have tried to make the subject of traditional medicine fun, offering easy recipes for remedies, cosmetics, and cuisine that will make the world of Thai tradition come alive in our homes.

Many of the therapeutic herbs in this collection have been used in Chinese, Ayurvedic, or Western herbalism, and are available to modern herbalists and patients in the grocery store or herbalist shop. Sometimes, however, there is no correspondence. Some of the herbs in this collection are difficult to procure in the West, and several have no common names other than in the Thai language. Sometimes, the name exists, but the herbs remain far outside the scope of the familiar traditions. This, for me, is the most fascinating part of this endeavor. I believe that many treasures of traditional medicine still lie unknown. The medical systems of Southeast Asia are ancient repositories of healing wisdom, but they remain largely unstudied in comparison with other Asian traditions. What medicinal gems may be growing undiscovered in the mountain villages of Thailand? What secrets may the old-growth rainforests of Southeast Asia reveal? The process of discovery has only begun, and I hope that this collection encourages professional and amateur herbalists alike to experiment with new vistas.

C. Pierce Salguero
Dr. C. Pierce Salguero has a Ph.D. in the History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and is a researcher of Asian medical traditions. Dr. Salguero has authored five books on multiple aspects of Traditional Thai Medicine, which have been translated into Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, and Estonian, and have been published in English-Thai editions in Thailand. The first edition of The Encyclopedia of Thai Massage has been the number one best-selling book on Thai massage on Amazon.com since shortly after its publication in 2004. His other books include A Thai Herbal: Traditional Recipes for Health and Harmony (Findhorn Press, 2003) and Traditional Thai Medicine: Buddhism, Animism, Ayurveda (Hohm Press, 2007). Dr. Salguero teaches advanced courses on Thai Massage and Traditional Thai Medicine at the Thai Institute of Healing Arts, where he also serves as Director of Research. (www.PierceSalguero.com)

This book reveals the depth of the practice of herbal treatments and remedies in Thailand, complete with recipes and recommendations. I regard this book as a valuable reference. You will find an accurate account of the herbal compress massage, which is certainly not regarded as a new spa treatment in Thailand! Instead, it is a vital part of Thai herbal healing. A great book and a good resource on the subject of Thai herbs and their place in traditional Thai medicine.

— A. Mcfarlane, Portland OR.




Read Anne McIntyre's review in Positive Health here


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