PDR for Herbal Medicines

In my interest in learning and understanding the medicinal qualities and uses of herbs for my own personal use (and without any formal medical training), I've purchased many books on 'herbal medicine' and 'homeopathic medicines/remedies'. While there are some good books out there, there is NOTHING I've come across that is as complete as this reference book (4th Edition, 2007). Some of the most exciting parts of this book for me have been the color photos of the plants (and not just a black and white sketch, or lack thereof, included with some of my other books), the description of the medicinal PARTS of the plant, the pharmacology of plant, and the references (or literature citations) provided that allow me to research further on my own. This PDR provides you with: 1) An ALPHABETICAL INDEX (in the front): Lists all scientific and common names found in the herbal monographs. 2) THERAPEUTIC CATEGORY INDEX (i.e. acne preparations. migraine preparations, to wound care products): Groups herbs by therapeutic or medicinal category. Listings are alphabetical by category and accepted common name. Herbs deemed effective by Commission E are flagged for quick reference. 3) INDICIATIONS INDEX (i.e. abdominal cramps, relief of flatulance, to superficial wounds): Lists herbs by their primary indications. Entries are alphabetical by indication and accepted common name. Herbs deemed effective by Commission E are specially flagged. 4) HOMEOPATHIC INDICATIONS INDEX(i.e. aches, muscular, induction of sleep, to relief of symptomatic wheezing): Catalogs herbal applications in homepathy. Entries are alphabetical by indication and scientific name. 5) ASIAN INDICATIONS INDEX: Groups herbs by their thereuptic uses in Chinese and Indian medicine. Listings are alphabetical by indication and accepted common name, with the scientific name shown in parentheses. 6) SIDE EFFECTS INDEX: Groups herbs by the adverse reactions with which they have been associated. Listings are alphabetical by indication and accepted common name, with the scientific name shown in parentheses. 7) DRUG/HERB INTERACTIONS GUIDE: Lists problem combinations alphabetically by the name of the drug and the name of the interacting herb, and provides a brief description of each combination's potential effect. 8) SAFETY GUIDE: Lists herbs that must be avoided while pregnant or nursing, and herbs that should be used only under professional supervision. Includes scientific and common names. 9) COMMON HERBAL TERMINOLOGY: Provides familiar, as well as less common terms that appear in scientific literature regarding herbal medicines. 10) HERB IDENTIFICATION GUIDE: Permits rapid, positive identification of botanicals. Includes over 300 full-color photos. 11) HERBAL MONOGRAPHS: Profiles of more than 700 medicinal herbs, including description, actions, clinical trials, indications, contraindications, precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, overdosage, dosage, and literature citations. Organized alphabetically by accepted common name and cross-referenced with scientific name. 12) NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT MONOGRAPHS: Profiles some of the most common supplements, including description, actions, clinical trials, indications, contraindications, precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, overdosage, dosage, and literature citations. Organized alphabetically by accepted common name. Anyone serious about learning and understanding the wonderful amd natural healing properties of herbs, NEEDS to include this reference manual in your library. The foreward by David Herber, Professor of Medicine an dPublic Health, Director, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and UCKA Botanical Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA) explains it all. I hope this book is as helpful for you as it has been for me. In response to post dated September 10, 2008, I'd like to add that this book is 'exhaustive and informative, as well as a reference' as stated by another customer and yes, not all herbs are FDA 'approved', but they have been around and used effectively a lot longer than synthetic versions created by pharmaceutical companies. Which, by the way, also have to go through clinical trials, but generally don't have the same long-term usage data as herbs. Secondly, physicians also use a PDR for prescription drugs based on the same information provided in this publication. It is up to the healer (doctor or herbalist) to use common sense and continued education, as well as an informed patient, to decide on the best treatment for an ailment. Further research by both parties is always recommended.

One of the best books for factual information on herbal medicines. Unlike a lot of books written by quacks, this was written by doctors for doctors. Much of the information was provided by the Commission E, part of the German equivalent of the FDA but specializing in traditional, folk, and herbal medicine. The text does get a bit technical at times, and you'll probably need a dictionary if you're not familiar with terms like "inotropic", "diaphoresis", or "syncope". It's too bad that this was the last edition of this book, as they no longer publish any physical edition of the Physician's Desk Reference books. I recommend purchasing this book along with the second (and final) edition of the PDR for Nutritional Supplements, as the two subjects complement each other nicely.

This book is great for anyone interested in medicine, in herbs, or in holistic healing. There is so much to know about even the weeds in our yards. I got this book because I needed relief from heavy menstrual periods and wanted to see what herbal remedies were available that the FDA finds safe. All these herbs have been tested, and the results and chemical properties are all listed here in this book. SO WORTH THE PRICE! I found an herb called shepherds purse that grows all over my yard, it ended up being just what I needed. This book is awesome.

I do alternative allergy testing for many veterinarians and many are now getting on the "herbal" bandwagon in the past number of years, things that some of us have known about and have been using since the 1970's. What many do not know is that there are certain herbs that do not mix or have a diluting effect on pharma meds. This is a great way to show them in black and white why certain things should be used with caution. It is also great for people who are not that familiar, walk into a health food store and buy things off the shelf again not knowing certain herbs and medications do not mix. If you are a DIY herbal person without a degree in herbs, useful purchase.

Very good book. No other book like it that collects all the research about different plants in one place. However, I wish they would come out with a 5th Edition. The book is 7 years old and there's a lot of new research that isn't included. Can sometimes be hard to find the plant you're looking for. The plants are listed alphabetically by common name but if the common name you know the plant by isn't the name it's listed under, it's hit and miss as to if there's a listing for the name it is actually listed under ex. 'Mint- see Spearmint or Peppermint'.

Having been in the dental industry for years and now embarking on my Ayurveda Certificate, I had to have this book. It is very well written and easy to follow. I highly recommend it for people looking for herbal medicinal guidance.

This book is fantastic - gives you all of the herbal supplements, their uses in different types of treatments, references to studies that have been done, what dosages to use etc. Incredibly thorough and easy to use. Also has a list of ailments so you can look up treatments for any condition.

Excellent reference. Must have for any professional using herbal medications. Gustave A Matson MD

This book contains valuable information. The quality of the book is worse than shown on the picture and it arrived dirty, which is disappointing. As a Canadian customer, I had to pay $30 custom fees.

Sia che la Vs professione lo richieda, sia che siate degli studiosi di erboristeria, questo testo non dovrebbe mancare dalla vostra biblioteca. É un ottimo testo di riferimento e di consultazione diaria

Il testo scientifico di riferimento per che bolgia indagare con evidenza gli effetti terapeutici della fitoterapia e dell'erboristeria. E' spettacolare e diviso in ordini tematici differenti. Presenti anche elenco di foto delle piante.