Advance Praise for Western Herbs for Martial Artists and Contact Athletes
In this one volume you can access accurate and dependable Western herbs that are safe and effective treatments for sports injuries. Dr. Peterson has done a wonderful job of organizing the information and presenting it in an understandable and usable way. As a writer, I can only imagine the hundreds, no, thousands of hours that went into this volume.
—Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., from her foreword
Generated out of a sincere interest to assist other martial artists in making wise choices about how and when to use or not to use herbal treatments to augment their martial arts practices, the author has utilized her considerable expertise in research and her natural flair for writing to create a book destined to become an instant classic both for herbalists and martial artists.
—David H. Price, L. Ac., M.O.M., B.A., from his foreword
A well researched and concise treatise on the herbs used to treat trauma and sports injuries. Provides an accessible alternative to Chinese herbal medicine for the athlete and martial artist.
—Tom Bisio, L. Ac., author of A Tooth From The Tiger’s Mouth, The Essentials of Ba Gua Zhang, Zheng Gu Tui Na
A well-researched guide that is practical, helpful and informative. This book will be especially useful for Westerners without much background in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Western Herbs for Martial Artists and Contact Athletes has earned a place on my bookshelf.
—Jennifer Lawler, martial artist, author of Martial Arts for Dummies, Dojo Wisdom, The Self Defense Deck
Such a practical, wise and well-researched guide to successfully using herbs! This book selects herbs from both Western and Easter traditions and provides information on safety, dosage, usage and all things valuable on each plant. This book will be treasured by martial artists and health professionals of all traditions. Destined to be a classic!
—Brigitte Mars, A.H.G, Professor of Herbal Medicine, brigittemars.com, author of Rawsome!, Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, Beauty by Nature, Addiction Free Naturally
Herbs can be a great way to help heal bruises, scrapes, swellings and other injuries from all kinds of contact sports. Since ancient times, martial artists in China have been using herbal treatments. Peterson’s book is unusual in that it looks at herbs readily available in the West rather than Eastern remedies.
—Bruce Fratzis, Taoist lineage holder, author of Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body, The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Chi
While much has been written about traditional Asian remedies, many of which are challenging to come by in many parts of the world, this is the first time I have seen a treatise on Western herbs. Peterson’s examination is methodical and comprehensive, documenting findings in a way that makes the subject matter highly accessible for martial artists (and athletes of any type). Specifically, readily available herbs that can help with bruises, scrapes, cuts, sprains, breaks, dislocations, breathing, adrenaline management, and other issues and ailments common to those who practice the fighting arts are discussed in detail. Her nine principles for using medicinal herbs safely set the context, while descriptions of affects, dosages, dangers, risks, and usefulness of each plant round out the information. Western Herbs for Martial Artists and Contact Athletes is a unique and interesting tome, a valuable contribution to the serious practitioner’s bookshelf.
—Lawrence A. Kane, martial artist, author of Surviving Armed Assaults, Martial Arts Instruction, The Little Black Book of Violence, The Way to Black Belt, The Way of Kata
Western Herbs
for Martial Artists and Contact Athletes
Western Herbs
for Martial Artists and Contact Athletes
Effective Treatments for Common Sports Injuries
Susan Lynn Peterson, PH.D.
YMAA Publication Center
Wolfeboro, NH, USA
YMAA Publication Center
Main Office: PO Box 480
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
1-800-669-8892 • www.ymaa.com • [email protected]
ISBN-13: 978-1-59439-197-2
ISBN-10: 1-59439-197-1
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
Copyright ©2010 by Susan Lynn Peterson, Ph.D.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Cover design by Axie Breen
Edited by Susan Bullowa
Photos by the author unless otherwise noted.
Publisher’s Cataloging in Publication
Peterson, Susan Lynn, 1957-
Western herbs for martial artists and contact athletes: effective treatments for common sports injuries / Susan Lynn Peterson. — Wolfeboro, NH: YMAA Publication Center, c2010.
p.; cm.
ISBN: 13-digit: 978-1-59439-197-2; 10-digit: 1-59439-197-1
“For bruises, sprains, strains, breathing, dislocations, adrenaline, and more”—Cover.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
1. Herbs—Therapeutic use. 2. Martial arts injuries—Alternative
Treatment. 3. Sports injuries—Alternative treatment. 4. Martial
Artists—Nutrition. 5. Athletes—Nutrition. 6. Herbals. I. Title.
RM666.H33 P48 2010 2010933226
615/.321—dc22 1009
Warning: Readers are encouraged to be aware of all appropriate local and national laws relating to self-defense, reasonable force, and the use of weaponry, and act in accordance with all applicable laws at all times. Neither the authors nor the publisher assume any responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book.
Nothing in this document constitutes a legal opinion nor should any of its contents be treated as such. While the authors believe that everything herein is accurate, any questions regarding specific self-defense situations, legal liability, and/or interpretation of federal, state, or local laws should always be addressed by an attorney at law.
When it comes to martial arts, self defense, and related topics, no text, no matter how well written, can substitute for professional, hands-on instruction. These materials should be used for academic study only.
Printed in Canada.
To Laura Westbrooks
