Culpeper's medicine - Graeme Tobyn

Drawing on the writings of Nicholas Culpeper, 17th-century herbalist, apothecary and astrologer, this book translates his work into a holistic medicine guide in modern English, and combines it with the practical experience of the author.;The book traces the development of Western holistic medicine from its origins in the natural philosophy of Ancient Greece to the work of Culpeper. It explains the relationship between the four elements, the four humours and the four constitutional types - sanguine, choleric, melancholic and phlegmatic. As well as detailing the functional relationships of organs and body systems, the book describes the interconnectedness of "psyche" and "soma", mind and body, and the influence each exerts on the other.;The self-help approach of the book looks at the preservation of health and the prevention of disease, with explanations of the various disease states, their diagnosis and treatment. A section includes dietary suggestions and lifestyle changes, as well as the use of culinary herbs. Reference tables aid diagnosis, and a study of 20 common herbs gives information on their preparation and dosage.