Plant Medicine

Plant Medicine delivers an uncommon depth of experience-based practical information. Based in the Physiomedical and Western humoral medical traditions, with reference also to Chinese medicine, it offers well-discerned clinical monographs on contemporary materia medica, and practical therapeutics by body systems and patient groups, documenting the authors’ mastery over six decades of busy clinical practice between them in medical herbalism. A must-have for professional and student alike. Paul Bergner, director of the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism and editor of The Medical Herbalism Journal Christopher Hedley is unforgettable to so many of us who knew and loved him, a kind and caring man, clever and unique, lively, funny, and inspiring. He was able to offer exceptional empathy and support to his many patients, understanding their physical and emotional needs and using his skills to heal and restore. He was a celebrated herbalist and naturalist with an extensive knowledge of herbal history and traditional practices which he skilfully interpreted into his own practice and shared with his students and colleagues. His teachings continue to offer a valuable and unique resource to all who study them. Dr Julie Whitehouse, principal lecturer at the University of Westminster (retired) There is a beautiful ease in the way Herbal Medicines are able to help the human body. However, learning the craft properly can be tricky. So many names and terms to learn and then every plant seems to be able to do everything, as you begin to learn the living language that is Herbal Medicine. What you really crave along this path of learning is someone to say, ‘I have used this plant in this way and for these reasons to restore health and my experience shows this to be effective.’ Non and Christopher personified that ethos and this book shines with it. Keith Robertson MSc. FNIMH, director of education at the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, Isle of Arran, Scotland The words “brilliant”, “magical” and “legendary” are often used and misused when describing books, art, films, music and people. In this case, the collected works of herbalists Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw actually are all three and probably more. It is difficult for a book to convey the humour, humility, profound wisdom and astonishing insights that Non and Christopher brought to their work and teachings, but I believe it succeeds brilliantly, giving you the reader entry into their herbal world, one that more people should know and undoubtably appreciate. David Winston RH(AHG), DSc(hc), author of Adaptogens, Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief. Christopher and Non inspired a whole generation of herbalists towards ‘being plant’. This collection of their teachings, placed in context by thoughtful contributions from their friend and colleague Guy Waddell, has that same ability to convey profound understanding with lightness and humour. Deep knowledge of the traditions of herbal medicine is placed alongside careful study of its science, all informed by their intensely creative artistic insights. Every now and then a seemingly simple turn of phrase will stop you in your tracks to absorb the new perspective that it opens up. It is a joy to hear these much loved voices again. Robyn Soma, President of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. Christopher's writings give you deep herbal wisdom in an easy to read form. Plant Medicine contains an introduction to humoral theory, an extensive materia medica, and a section on herbs for various organ systems with case histories. So very illuminating. So many insights! Such an exquisite book. Thank you Christopher and Non, for all you did. Henriette Kress, herbalist, Finland, and author of Practical Herbs The herbal legacy of Chris Hedley and Non Shaw (who both died in 2017) has been secured in two Aeon books beautifully edited by Guy Waddell. It is the lasting recognition Chris and Non deserve. Together these books are perfect sources for anyone wanting a home study course in modern western herbalism. The same applies if you are a formal herbal student at any level or indeed a practitioner. Plant Medicine (2023) is the theory and detailed materia medica you need, and The Herbal Book of Making and Taking (2020) the practical guidance to make any herbal remedy. Listen to these voices of experience and trust their wisdom! All those in the herbal community should be grateful to Aeon for backing and producing these two defining books. Matthew Seal & Julie Bruton-Seal, co-authors of Hedgerow Medicine, Eat your Weeds! and other herbal titles