( 5 reviews )
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( 1 of 4 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 2 2002
Very instructive book. Easy to follow instructions and a list of available stores which supply the herbs. I have my warrior tonic aging as I speak.
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( 14 of 16 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 18 2000
After reading the review by James Ramholz, I'd like to make a few comments. He is correct in stating that all of the herbal formulas used in this book were taken from other sources that are readily available on Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, all of the sources for formulas used were written by professional Chinese medical practitioners for Chinese medical practitioners. Meaning, they were highly confusing to the layman. The purpose of writing the book the Warrior as Healer was to introduce herbal formulas to martial artists in a comprehensive informative and user-friendly fashion, it was not written for other medical professionals.All of the formulas in the book were offered in their original traditional forms. Mr. Ramholz's comments about a particular ingredient (Zhu Sha) or cinnabar while true, have only come to light subsequent to the writing of this book. I might add that I share his concerns and agree that Zhu Sha can be left out of the formulas without compromising the efficacy of the formula.In the last 2 years it has been my experience that once the toxicity of Zhu Sha was confirmed, the great majority of Chinese herb shops no longer sell this particular ingredient.As for the comment regarding Hu Gu/tiger bone I devoted a chapter to the discussion of this ingredient, going into detail about the pros and cons of using tiger bone and other animal by-products. The only divergence of opinion appears to occur with his recommending the substitution of raccoon and pig gallbladder for bear's gallbladder. My personal position and the general policy of my Chinese herb company (Treasures From the Sea of Chi) is that I reject the killing of any animal for harvesting organs and body parts without exception.
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( 6 of 10 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 14 2000
This book essentially collects herbal formulas that are already in the public domain from other sources. While it presents a nice survey, I feel there are some needed cautions the author should have included for the general public.The most important caution is the prohibition of the use of cinnabar, a mercury compound, for internal formulas. It should never be used in any herbal formulas by amatuers because of its well-known toxicity. Even highly processed cinnabar will contain traces of mercury; extended use will increase the exposure. It can simply be left out of the formulas in the book without much loss of efficacy.The use of real Tiger bone besides being unethical would also be prohibitively expensive. The Chinese always substitute other animal bones (horse, dog, ox, among others). Some modern herbal practitioners have even used a combination of Calicium citrate and magnesium citrate. While none of the substitutions are that close in energy to real Tiger bone, they can be functional substitutions.The same problems extend to the unethical use of Bear gallbladder. Substitutions such as racoon gallbladder, pig gallbladder, or commericially available bile sales may be used. And, again, while not the same energy as Bear gallbladder, they are ethical and functional substitutions.Outside of these cautions, the book presents a nice mixture of classical, unique, and patent herbal formulas that have been used for hundreds of years. It makes a good starting place for martial artists who are interested but unfamiliar with herbal medicines.
