Product Description

A practical guide to the traditional herbalism of Thailand, written for the beginning herbalist, or for the general reader with a curiosity about the fascinating topic of holistic health and Asian medicine. Contains an overview of the history, theory and spirituality of traditional Thai medicine, with a focus on the application to modern Western life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59228 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 196 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781844090044
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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From the Author
This book is the result of 5 years of research and hands-on study with Thai healers in and around the Chiang Mai area of Northern Thailand. Chapter 2, a detailed introduction to the theory of Thai medicine, is the result of reasearch at the Bangkok National Library. With the exception of Chapter 2, which can get a bit technical, this book is readable and accessible to even those with no prior experience in herbal medicine.

About the Author
C. Pierce Salguero is a member of the American Herbalist Guild, and an accredited instructor of Thai Massage. He lived in Thailand for many years, apprenticing under several renowned traditional Thai healers. He is currently the director of the Tao Mountain School of Traditional Thai Massage and Herbal Medicine.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Introduction to the Collection

Traditional Thai medicine—the combination of massage, acupressure, herbal therapy, and dietary regimens—is a colorful art form that reflects Thailand's wide range of cultural influences. The practice is part of a holistic system of traditional medicine that has been practiced in Thai villages and royal courts for millennia, and which 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 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. 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, Ayurveda, 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 yet lie unknown. The healing 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
Sept. 20, 2002
Charlottesville, Virginia

Customer Reviews

A beautifully inspiring book!
As a Thai Massage Practioner I have found "A Thai Herbal" to be an excellent addition to my library & my practice. This book is perfect for people with any level of knowledge in herbology, from basic to advanced. It looks at Traditional Thai Healing systems from the holistic standpoint, discussing not only the Materia Medica of Thai Herbs but also the Thai traditions of use for them. Pierce guides the reader on a journey of using Thai herbs thru diet, massage, herbal compresses and bodycare/household products that ends with the reader feeling they have really been taught from a traditional viewpoint. It also contains a very helpful resource section for those wanting to learn more about these healing plants.

Ancient Traditions Brought Alive
I spend my weekends in the Thai countryside at a place called Kung Wiman and am amazed at the local knowledge about Thai herbs which they use in their everyday lives. My husband, who is Thai, taught me quite a lot, but it's been difficult because he only knew the Thai names for plants and herbs. So C. Pierce Salguero's book has been a huge help, as it gave names in Thai as well as common and Latin names along with explanations and context. It has helped me to identify plants and their uses. I am trying them out for myself and have had a good experience so far. By the way many of these herbs are now available in other countries and there are also parallels with traditions such as Ayurveda and Chinese. My only small criticism is that I would like to see the names written in the Thai script as well. I recently bought another of his books on spiritual healing which is also very good. These ancient healing techniques are unique and very much alive today and it is fantastic that C. Pierce Salguero is introducing them to a wider audience.

Outstanding Book!!! A must read!!!
This book combines information not available anywhere in the English language. This book can be useful to a reader just curious about herbs to the expert herbal practitioner. Pierce has unlocked the secrets of ancient Thailand recipes that have existed for over 2000 years. Its also helpful for Thai Massage Practitioners to understand how to incorporate herbs into your massage routine.