Ten Lectures on the Use of Medicinals

By Shu-De Jiao
Translated by Craig Mitchell
Hardcover Book
ISBN 9780912111629
730 pages

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This text is a fine example of how clinical medicine can be successfully delivered to students and practitioners. During more than 60 years of clinical experience, Jiao Shu-De taught a range of students from barefoot doctors to advanced graduates of China’s top traditional medical schools, and developed considerable skill in transmitting Chinese medicine. His lectures and numerous published works give students and practitioners access to the knowledge and clinical insight of one of the most eminent teachers and writers in the field.

Dr. Jiao discusses approximately 300 Chinese medicinal substances in practical terms. Each section begins with basic information such as taste, temperature, and entering channels, followed by a discussion of functions and indications. He details specific practical applications for each medicinal, including representative formulas, preparation methods, dosages, and comparisons with related substances.

Ten Lectures supplements standard Chinese materia medica with extensive clinical applications drawn from personal experience — information not available in other English-language materia medica. Comparisons among medicinals with similar functions help practitioners refine clinical decision-making. Dr. Jiao also discusses specific medicinals in the context of well-known formulas and explains underlying theory within practical clinical discussions.

The Preface provides critical guidance on studying materia medica and using prescriptions. The final chapter discusses formula organization with examples drawn from Dr. Jiao’s clinical experience. While emphasizing modern scientific research, Dr. Jiao insists such findings be viewed within the framework of traditional medical theory. He cautions against losing sight of classical principles and advocates research that “carries on tradition, chooses the strong points, highlights distinguishing traits, and develops new ideas.”

Publication Status: This is a legacy Paradigm Publications title that is currently out of print. While not scheduled for immediate reprint, reader interest and waitlist requests help inform future printing decisions.