Physicians' Desk Reference For Herbal Medicines. - Review - book reviews

Nutrition Health Review, Wntr, 1997

PHYSICIANS' DESK REFERENCE FOR HERBAL MEDICINES First Edition Published by Medical Economics. Montvale, NJ. 1998

The Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines is the first book published by the medical community in reference to herbs as therapy. Publication is a sign that herbal medicine is being accepted in mainstream medicine and will probably continue to be used by professionals. With the increasing popularity of herbal remedies, Physicians' Desk Reference decided to publish a manual that would clear up the confusion surrounding herbs and their medicinal uses. The book is an indication of the growing importance of alternative options to chemical medicine. Herbal remedies provide a natural route to many afflictions.

This book is instructional as well as educational. It provides the reader with the names, uses, and detailed descriptions of the herbs as well as actions, indications, contraindications, precautions, possible reactions, dosages, and overdosage. The photographs of the herbs are presented before the text begins. The information is well organized and easy to read. Beginners will be able to study herb lore for possible treatment of themselves and their families.

The use of herbal medicine is becoming popular. This book provides extensive information on the topic. Before the development of chemical medicines, herbs were the only medicine our ancestors had for reliving their ailments. With the help of herbals, the general public may be able to become less dependent on the medical community and more self-sufficient in treating illnesses. One could say that through herbal medicine we are going back to our roots.