By (author) Dylan Warren-Davis
A brilliant restoration of the symbolic, philosophical, and spiritual foundations of the practice of herbal medicine
Expansive and ambitious in scope, Dylan Warren-Davis’ book chronologically follows the practice of physic from Hippocrates in the classical world up until the modern day. He posits an essential argument for a return to the metaphysical underpinnings of herbalism that were central to the art of working with plants for centuries prior.
The Metaphysical Physician explores concepts central to the practice of physic throughout history, such as the elements, the hermetic three worlds, the signs of the zodiac, alchemical principles, the tree of life, and metaphysical fusion. Dylan Warren-Davis expertly weaves these concepts through different period of history, focusing on key moments and figures, such as Galen, monastic culture, the black death, witch hunts, Culpeper, the Elizabethan period, the enlightenment, and more – up until the twenty-first century.
The Metaphysical Physician provides a foundational backdrop to understanding the rich history from which physic was born, and derives a vital path forward for a richer appreciation of working with plants. It is essential reading for any herbalist wishing to deepen their practice, or indeed any person interested in the fascinating and complex history of herbal medicine
By (author) Dylan Warren-Davis
Dylan Warren-Davis, a second generation herbalist, qualified with NIMH as a medical herbalist in 1982. Additionally, he has been involved with yoga and meditation for more than forty years.
From the time he qualified as a medical herbalist, having seen the serious limitations of the pharmacological explanation of the way herbs work, Dylan has sought out the metaphysical knowledge upon which the Western Herbal tradition has been based. It was a lengthy journey, spanning several decades of research, through Hermetic, Cabalistic, Alchemical and Astrological knowledge. Now retired from practicing herbal medicine for over 35 years he is now ready to present this long forgotten and much needed foundation of the Western Herbal Tradition.
By combining traditional herbal wisdom with the latest insights of quantum biology, glycobiology, epigenetics and cellular communication, whole herbs can be seen offer so much more therapeutic potential than isolated drugs. Rather than just being sources of drugs, herbs should be seen as having a multitude of different properties ranging from supplying specific components of nutrition to orchestrating genetic expression and harmonization.
Dylan has travelled widely, studying the floras of the British Isles, Mediterranean and Australasia.Dylan has also been involved with commercial tincture manufacture and has been a consultant to the herbal industry. Now focusing on teaching and writing, Dylan can be contacted on d.warren-davis@outlook.com.
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"Too few people realize that the Western world has its own tradition of holistic medicine, comparable to Indian Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine. Despite too many years of often vicious suppression, the humoral medicine of the West remains a live option today, and Dylan Warren-Davis has written a lucid and thoughtful guide to its history, philosophy, and practice. It's hard to describe this book without stumbling over superlatives, so I'll simply say: if you have any interest at all in natural healing or the spiritual side of human health, get it and read it." John Michael Greer, author of The Secret of the Five Rites and The Life Force Workbook
"Inscribed into architecture, art, literature, music, mathematics and medicine, the wisdom of the ancients is still very much at large for those who have eyes to see it. Dylan Warren-Davis leads the reader on an odyssey of rediscovery, from the cradle of European history to the present day, unveiling the metaphysical propositions through which, should we be inclined to learn and practise them, healing can still flow. This book is a historiographic oracle, orientated principally towards the practice of herbal medicine, but with the power to reinfuse our broken culture once more with inspiration and meaning." Peter Jackson-Main, author of The Medicine of Plants and Natural Healing
"If marooned on a desert island, this is one book I would take with me. Beyond its exquisite illustrations, it offers a wealth of practical and historical wisdom on herbal healing, from Hippocrates to the present day. Dylan draws on decades of clinical experience to illuminate the history of natural medicine, revealing how the spiritual and energetic principles, often overlooked by today's scientific establishment - including Humoral theory, sacred geometry, and common sense, were once woven together to restore a healthy balance on all levels. Truly, this masterwork has filled vital gaps in my knowledge I never knew were missing." Sharon Knight, astrologer
"As a qualified herbalist with a desire to really deepen my understanding of herbs I jumped at the chance to learn from Dylan Warren-Davis, and the course has not disappointed. What Dylan is offering is decades of research distilled for the participants into sections which are easy to digest and comprehend. We are looking at topics which are not always easy to research, dealing with abstract ideas that have often been left scattered throughout history and require a kind of piecing together like a jigsaw to understand in full. Humoral medicine and herbal energetics in the western tradition can be difficult to grasp, but Dylan's personal experience in astrology, alchemy, cheiromancy and his extensive experience of herbal therapeutics as a second generation herbalist give a precious insight that forms a rich tapestry from all the loose threads, which he has carefully woven for his students. I can honestly say that I have learned more in the last few sessions with Dylan about herbal energetics than I have in my own research since graduating as a herbalist 15 years ago. These lessons also stand alone regardless of your level of herbal knowledge however and I cannot recommend this course enough. It's exactly what is needed- someone who can bring the Living History of Western Herbal Medicine to life." Claire MacKay, herbalist
