Books on Herbal Medicine: Suggestions for your Reading
Herbal medicine is one of the hot topics of the past 20 years. As consumers, you might be wondering where to go next for information. A brief list of books on herbal medicine with short descriptions is presented below. Some of the most thorough guides are rather expensive, but should be available at local public and university libraries. Several low-cost, but well-researched and thorough books on herbal medicine are also include on the list.
General reference books on herbal medicine
The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies by Joe and Terry Graedon. Published in 1999 by Graedon Enterprises, New York. This book is a reference guide to the home and herbal remedies used in the United States, Europe and Australia. It includes descriptions of each herb's active ingredients, common uses and proper dosage, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs. Price: $7.99 USD
PDR for Herbal Medicines (4th Ed.) by Thompson Healthcare. Published in 2007 by Thompson, Montvale, NJ. This book describes over 700 herbal remedies and their therapeutic uses in terms of both Western and Chinese medicine. Entries include information about chemical composition and clinical mechanisms, dosage, side effects, potential interactions with other drugs as well as scientific research on safety and efficacy. Also includes color photographs of some herbs. Price: $59.95 USD.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (9th Ed). Published in 2006 by Therapeutic Research Faculty, Stockton, CA. This item definitely appears to be the top-of-the-line in books on herbal medicine. Over 2000 pages of entries include information on pharmacological mechanisms, clinical uses, scientific and alternate names. Additionally, the authors create a research-based safety and efficacy rating for each herbal medicine and each associated clinical use. Extensive citations to scientific research literature are provided. Price: $92.00 USD. The database is continually updated and web and PDA access can also be purchased.
Special topic books on herbal medicine
Pocket Handbook of Chinese Herbal Medicine by Zong Lan Xu. Published in 2000 by Wacloin International, Inc. Commonly used Chinese herbal medicine remedies are indexed by their Chinese names, English names, and their mechanism of action in the traditional Chinese Medicine. Price: $24.95 USD.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (3d Ed) by Dan Bensky. Published in 2004 by Eastland Press. This reference guide describes the proper therapeutic use of herbs commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine. Entries include information about the theory underlying the mechanisms of action of the herb in the theory of Chinese traditional medicine. Price: $125.00 USD.
Herbal Medicines in Pregnancy and Lactation: An Evidence-Based Approach by Edward Mills, Jean-Jacques Doquoa and Dan Perri. Published in 2006 by Informa Healthcare. USD. This guide includes detailed research-based information about safety and risk issues regarding the use of herbal medicines by pregnant or nursing women. Price: $129.00
The Expectant Mother's Guide : To Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs, Vitamins, Home Remedies, and Herbal Products by Donald L. Sullivan. Published in 2001 by St. Martins. This guide includes information about safety and dosage of herbal supplements during pregnancy and breast feeding. Price: $14.95 USD.
