Prior to the discovery of penicillin and the birth of what was then known as new medicine, all medical doctors were versed in herbal methods. Since then, with the rise of the powerful pharmaceutical industry, medical herbalism has been termed an alternative medical practice. Focusing largely on the digestion and metabolism of the individual, and using natural substances in the same way that a medical doctor would use medicines, herbalism places emphasis on eradicating the cause of illness, rather than merely controlling the symptoms, as is often the case in modern medical practice. The author explains what herbalism is, how and where it is practised and what it is useful for. He also delves into the intriguing world of Chinese herbalism as well. By the author of Poisoned Harvest.