A single-source reference on the most important and best-investigated Ayurvedic herbs This book examines the clinical information available on more than 60 Ayurvedic herbs to determine how their use in traditional Indian medicine is supported by modern scientific study. Plants are grouped according to body systems and each entry includes a description, information on the source plant, distribution and traditional use, active chemical constituents, relevant pharmacology, and details of clinical studies and safety findings. This unique book also includes a brief history of Ayurveda, examines the history of drug development and evaluation in ancient India, and identifies current trends resulting from scientific investigation. Worldwide interest in Ayurveda is growing quickly, especially in the United States, Europe, and Japan. But until now, information on Western-style clinical trials on Ayurveda herbs has been scattered and no single source for descriptions, comments, and references has existed. Ayurvedic Herbs presents the first critical validation of Ayurvedic medicine, extensively referenced for physicians and clinicians interested in alternative and adjunctive therapies. This unique book is essential for making informed choices on herb use, offering clinical trial data, results of pharmacological studies, and safety information. Ayurvedic Herbs examines: gastrointestinal agents hepatoprotective agents respiratory tract agents cardiovascular drugs urinary tract drugs antirheumatic agents skin and trauma care agents gynecological agents antidiabetic agents CNS agents rasayana drugs dental and ophthamological agents and much more Ayurvedic Herbs includes cross-references to chapters when a particular plant has more than one indication and watercolor illustrations of twelve major herbs.

The spiritual art of working with herb bundles has become a worldwide phenomenon, with celebrities, business executives, and modern spiritual seekers embracing the simple and powerful practice. Sacred Herb Bundles for Energy Cleansing is all about simplifying the process of creating custom herb bundles and applying them to all areas of life. With beautiful color photography throughout, this book includes thirty aromatic herb bundle recipes and simple rituals to help them work. Author Kiera Fogg shares the details of twenty different plants that can be used in herb bundles, including sage, palo santo, cedar, and cinnamon. She also gives detailed instructions for creating your own blends and advice for burning the bundles in a ritual. Last, she provides blend ideas and rituals for more than twenty specific uses, including romance, self-clearing, home blessing, space cleansing, and calling angels.

Western Medicine as seen today has a strong scientific basis in its development. The pathogenesis of most diseases and their symptomatology and physical signs are well studied and understood. The management of patients is based on firm understanding of these disease processes. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine came about through the experience of many generations of practitioners over thousands of years. Undoubtedly, many of these treatments have proved to be effective in their own way, however, firm scientific basis is still lacking.

While most Western Medicine advocates control of disease by eradication of pathogens and surgical removal of diseased organs as in the case of cancer, Traditional Chinese Medicine seeks to improve resistance against disease. There is probably a great wealth of therapeutic value in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has not been discovered or explored fully. By combining the knowledge of both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, one might be able to improve the results of efficacy of treatments and the survival of patients. The integration of Medicine from East and West will take time to evolve and will need interested physicians from different parts of the world to work closely together to realize such a possibility.

This book is an attempt to bridge the medical world of two great and ancient civilizations in their approach to the treatment of disease. It is informative with a detailed account of the history of medical development. It is highly recommended for those medical practitioners from both East and West who are interested to explore alternative medicine and research new areas of the medical frontier.

Lead Molecules from Natural Products: Discovery and New Trends provides the reader with a thorough overview of current discoveries and trends in Natural Products research.
This book consists of 22 chapters from well known scientists all over the world, with topics ranging from Natural Product Chemistry and Phytochemistry in their most basic form, to Molecular Biology and "in silico" drug design. Contributors describe their own laboratory experiences, revealing their findings, the legal issues encountered.
The chapters, all of equally high quality, summarize years of extensive research in each area, and provide insight in the new themes of natural product research. The information will help to predict promising leads, useful for physicians in the treatment of different diseases and disease manifestations.
* Explains the effects of plant extracts on gene expression profiling.
* Details medicinal plant research from around the world
* Explores a variety of medicinal uses of plants from traditional remedies, to anti-cancer agents and anti-salmonella agents.

The first book to deal with the history and source of complete superstitions which exist, or have existed among British people throughout the world. They are presented in encyclopaedic form, so that any individual superstition, or collective superstitions related to one particular subject, can be found under a specified heading. Some 2300 superstitions are listed in a work of over 230,000 words. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Tea is the product of Camellia sinensis, a unique non-alcoholic drink that cares, cures and, of course, cheers. It does fascinating things for the human body. Tea is grown in the countryside, in an ambience that is totally ecological, apart from being a renewable natural resource. Even the processing is basically natural, despite inevitable technical infringements that have only speeded up the process rather than changing the basic concept. Although the therapeutic values of tea have been known for ages, current research, epidemiological studies and clinical evaluation have unequivocally established the superior abilities of tea compounds in preventing and curing a plethora of human diseases, some as dreadful as cancer. Interestingly enough, quality components of tea, coupled with its anti-oxidant properties, make tea a unique beverage. The purpose of this book is not to publicise tea, but create an awareness the multiple benefits of drinking tea.

Learn how traditional herbal practitioners are responding to the sudden, massive popularity of herbal medicine! Herbal Voices: American Herbalism Through the Words of American Herbalists examines how herbal practitioners who started in the 1960s and 1970s are reacting to the mainstream popularity of herbal medicine today. This unique book features interviews with 20 of America's most prominent herbalistsfocusing on their careers, their beliefs, and their perspectives on the contemporary herbal product boom in recent years. Also included is important information on herbal organizations, publications, schools, and companies where seeds and rootstock of endangered medicinal plants can be obtained, as well as a list of the United Plant Savers' At Risk and To Watch medicinal plants. Herbal Voices synthesizes the words of a representative group of herbalists into a compelling picture of modern American herbalism as they offer their opinions on the roles of science, folklore, and spirituality in herbal medicine. This timely resource addresses controversial issues that arise within the herbal community, such as the endangered plant crisis, professionalism and licensure, and shifting the American consciousness toward a more Earth-centered way of life and health. In Herbal Voices, you'll hear from many well-known herbal practitioners, including: Rosemary Gladstarfounder of The California School of Herbal Studies and United Plant Savers, co-founder of Sage Mountain Herbs, and author of Herbal Healing for Women and of the Sage Healing Way series James Greenformer Director of The California School of Herbal Studies, a member of the advisory committee for United Plant Savers, and author of both The Herbal Medicine-Makers Handbook and The Male Herbal David HoffmannFellow of Britain's National Institute of Medical Herbalists, former President of the American Herbalists Guild, and author of The New Holistic Herbal, An Elder's Herbal, and Therapeutic Herbalism Richo Cechherbalist, owner of Horizon Herbs, executive board member of United Plant Savers, and author of Growing Your Garden Pharmacy Sharol Tilgnerlicensed naturopathic physician, founder and current President of Wise Woman Herbals, Inc., editor of Herbal Transitions, associate editor of Medical Herbalism, and author of Herbal Medicines From the Heart of the Earth For the first time, these leading educators, clinicians, and business owners share the joys and pitfalls of practicing an age-old healing tradition in modern America. This rich resource of reflections fills a gap in the existing literature that will be useful for herbalists, herbal enthusiasts, historians, anthropologists, popular culturists, and holistic/alternative medical practitioners.

A modern reference guide on the benefits of incorporating traditional Chinese medicine into modern-day therapies! The Healing Power of Chinese Herbs and Medicinal Recipes is an easy-to-follow introduction to the history of traditional Chinese phytomedicine. This useful guide clearly explains the basics of this unique medical system and describes in detail the therapeutic properties and use of medicinal herbs and herbal recipes. The book includes a bibliography, glossary, contact information for herbal dealers and Oriental medicine schools, and an indexed list of 300 commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs and 245 herbal recipes. In The Healing Power of Chinese Herbs and Medicinal Recipes, you will find the fundamentals, evolution, and development of the herbal formulas of the 4,000-year-old Oriental Materia Medica, also known as ben cao. The book contains 11 sections documenting the therapeutic applications, dosages, precautions, and modern research findings of 138 of the most popular medicinal herbs. In addition, this resource provides 101 of the most frequently prescribed master recipes by famous ancient physicians, including their origin, ingredients, actions, indications, and modern clinical uses. The Healing Power of Chinese Herbs and Medicinal Recipes offers an in-depth education on: tonic herbs herbs that adjust the yin and yang of the body herbs that invigorate circulation of vital energy, qi, and blood herbal tranquilizers herbal diaphoretics herbal expectorants, antitussives, and antiasthmatics herbal pain killers herbs which regulate digestion and elimination herbal diuretics herbal antipyretics, antimicrobials, and detoxicants antitumor herbs The Healing Power of Chinese Herbs and Medicinal Recipes provides up-to-date information on the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as how to use Chinese medicinal herbs in conjunction with Western conventions. This comprehensive reference will benefit healthcare practitioners who want to include Oriental medicine in their practice, and anyone who is interested in Chinese herbs or patients for whom conventional medicine has offered no relief.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an emerging and increasingly popular group of treatments, therapies and philosophies of health and wellbeing. It is a fascinating and fast-changing area of social life, which also poses an interesting challenge to current healthcare delivery and policy making. This reader presents a lively and engaging collection of classic, controversial and new readings on CAM and covers issues including: changes in the way CAM is developing and being delivered holism and what this concept means to CAM practice changes in consumption and the health consumer that have lead to increased interest in CAM the safety and effectiveness of CAM treatments how integration is being achieved in contemporary society. The text provides insight into many of the current and complex issues surrounding CAM, and will appeal to everyone who is concerned with, or who has an interest in, complementary and alternative healthcare. The book will be essential reading for students of CAM, health studies, nursing, medicine and allied health subjects, as well as medical sociology and modern health policy.

An extraordinary compendium of information on herbal medicine, Medicinal Plants of the World, Volume 3 comprehensively documents the medicinal value of 16 major plant species widely used around the world in medical formulations. The book's exhaustive summary of available scientific data for the plants provides detailed information on how each plant is used in different countries, describing both traditional therapeutic applications and what is known from its use in clinical trials. A comprehensive bibliography of over 3000 references cites the literature available from a wide range of disciplines. This book offers an unprecedented collection of vital scientific information for pharmacologists, herbal medicine practitioners, drug developers, medicinal chemists, phytochemists, toxicologists, and researchers who want to explore the use of plant materials for medicinal and related purposes.

First published in 1983. Beginning with the period of the early expansion of Western missionary medicine, this account covers the chaotic years of Nationalist rule to the foundations of the People's Republic in 1949. It trances the major influences on health care since then and describes the conflicts of State bureaucracy, Party and medical profession in their attempts to match political objectives in health care to resources available. An outline of the theory of Chinese traditional medicine, together with detailed accounts of acupuncture and plant drugs are also discussed, as are specific features of the health care system, such as population control, medical education, nutrition and psychiatry.

An important overview of the state of the art in naturally occurring antimycotics!Here is a comprehensive and innovative examination of the antimycotic potential of essential plant oils and extracts against fungal infections affecting humans, animals, plants, and foodstuffs. Plant-Derived Antimycotics emphasizes the antimycotic activity of plants found in Central America, India, Nepal, Fiji, and China--areas rich in phyto-diversity and traditional botanical/medical knowledge.From editor M.K. Rai: "Since the inception of human civilization men have been using herbs against various mycotic infections. In the recent past, several antimycotic agents have been introduced into the market due to their rapid curative properties. Still, the quest for new antifungal agents of a fungicidal rather than fungistatic nature continues. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic increase in the new spectrum of fungal infections known as opportunistic fungal pathogens. Consequently, plant-derived antimycotics are gaining importance, being natural, cheaper, safer, eco-friendly, and within the reach of the common man."With a distinguished list of contributors from around the world, Plant-Derived Antimycotics explores: antifungal compounds that strengthen plant-defense systems traditional herbs that have revealed their antifungal properties newer, faster methods of screening and evaluating antifungal drugs natural antimycotics derived from plants in Croatia, South America, South Africa, China, India, and Fiji the mechanism of herbal antimycotic action the diversity of antimycotic efficacy in Asteraceous and Meliaceous plants new bioactive antifungal molecules Plant-Derived Antimycotics is an essential reference for pharmacologists, microbiologists, clinical mycologists, oncologists, immunologists, drug manufacturers, botanists and ethnobotanists, phytochemists, herbalists, and everyone searching for a natural remedy for the new spectrum of opportunistic fungal infections generated by the immunocompromising difficulties encountered by AIDS and cancer patients. Color illustrations, photographs, charts, tables, and graphs make the information easier to absorb and understand.

This work examines the counselling approaches and techniques used by Yoruba traditional healers of Nigeria. It also describes the functions performed by Yoruba traditional healers when they work within the Yoruba cultural milieu. The information elicited from Yoruba traditional healers though videotape and interview was analyzed by a Nigerian woman from the Yoruba ethnic group. The results of the volume support the premise that culture plays a significant role in the kind of healing methods and counselling techniques used by professionals and traditional healers, as well as in the type of professionals chosen by clients for consultation concerning their problems.

When approaching the multiplicity of the spiritual experiences of healing, ethnographers are often presented with ideas of the existence of "other" worlds that may intersect with the so-called "material" or "physical" worlds. This book proposes a sensory ethnography of healing with a focus on ethnographic knowing as embedded in an embodied epistemology of healing. Epistemological embodiment signals that personal scholarly experience of the "unknown"-be it in the form of trance, or as the embodiment of an "other"-shapes the concepts of healing, body, trance, self, and matter by which ethnographers craft out analysis.

What is complementary medicine? Where is the evidence to support its use? What can orthodox medicine learn from holistic principles? Providing a sound introduction to the range of treatments and philosophies usually termed "complementary and alternative medicine", this book offers a systematic explanation of the philosophies and practices that underpin modern complementary medicine. The book examines the rise in popularity of complementary medicine and discusses the challenges of developing a more integrated system of health care.;Drawing on recent research, the text explores the development, application, evidence, contraindications and appropriateness of a wide range of traditional systems of medicine and healing modalities, including: herbal medicine; massage; osteopathy; traditional Chinese medicine; aromatherapy; chiropractic; Ayurveda; yoga; and meditation. Written by researchers, academics and experienced practitioners, it is designed to be used as a reference for students and practitioners in a range of health professions.

"The Herbal Encyclopedia: A Practical Guide to the Many Uses of Herbs" is a valuable resource for those seeking more than the usual aspects of learning about our planet's valuable medicinal herbs. Besides medicinal information, included is also information regarding the spiritual uses, and growing information for those who wish to grow their own natural medicines. Compiled by a nationally certified Naturopathic Doctor, this guide is a valuable addition to any reference library.Want to learn how to feed your body naturally? Want to learn how to grow your own medicinal herbs? Want to learn ways to incorporate herbs into your worship? Want to learn how to get healthy and stay that way? Then this book is for you!

How do plant compounds affect our bodies? Plants defend themselves from other organisms through the production of bioactive metabolites. Introduced to the body, these compounds bind to particular biochemical targets, most notably to proteins involved in signalling by hormones and neurotransmitters. This, essentially, is the basis for the effects of herbal medicine. Though whilst herbal medicine preparations may act by complex synergistic interactions, molecular explanations of herbal medicine efficacy and side-effects will ultimately require definition of the biochemical targets of individual plant bioactive constituents.
This volume is a comprehensive and user-friendly reference guide to biochemical targets of plant defensive compounds. It presents a mine of succinctly summarized information relating to bioactive compound structures, plant sources, biochemical targets and physiological effects which can be readily accessed via the plant genus index and chemical compound index. With introductory chapters providing reviews of the structural diversity of plant defensive compounds and biochemistry, Biochemical Targets of Plant Bioactive Compounds is an invaluable reference for biomedical professionals in the fields of complementary medicine, natural product chemistry, toxicology and pharmacology.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203013719

Find all the information you need on herbs and spices in one place Herbal Medicine and Botanical Medical Fads is an A-to-Z reference book written in a straightforward style that's informative enough for library use but informal enough for general reading. This essential guide takes a practical look at the popular uses of herbs and spices, presented in an easy-to-use format. The book is a refreshing alternative to the how-to guides, cookbooks, and picture books usually found on the subject. From alfalfa to ginseng to yellow dock, more than 100 entries are included, featuring historical backgrounds, popular and practical uses, folklore, and bibliographies. Herbal Medicine and Botanical Medical Fads also contains related listings and essays that range from alternative medicine to food preparation and nutrition to herbs in wedding celebrations. Detailed enough for reference use by academics, the book has a natural tone that appeals to garden club members, herb and spice experts, hobbyists, and others. Herbal Medicine and Botanical Medical Fads also includes information on: herb growing and marketing herbs and spices in literature medicinal herbs and spices federal regulations on herbs and spices horticulture therapy An everyday guide for enthusiasts and a perfect place to start for newcomers, Herbal Medicine and Botanical Medical Fads is an easy-to-use handbook with wide-ranging appeal. It combines the comprehensive information you'd expect from a reference book with a casual and colorful look at the histories and backgrounds of herbs and spices, both commonplace and exotic. As a vital resource or an occasional reference, this book is unique in its scope and invaluable in its usefulness.

Americans seeking herbal medicines now face confusion and even danger. There is great potential for these medicines to improve the health of consumers--if current regulations can be revised!Herbal Medicine: Chaos in the Marketplace is a prize-winning critique of the regulation and business of herbal medicine in the United States. It is the first book that examines the big picture issues-it tells the story of how the present situation developed, looks at what it means for consumers, compares approaches taken in other industrialized countries, and recommends where we need to go from here. Convenient reference tables provide easy access to information.Concerns about herbal medicines are hitting the headlines regularly, yet no other book has examined the core issues in depth from a public health perspective. Herbal Medicine: Chaos in the Marketplace fills that gap. It is highly relevant today, and you'll find it will continue to be indispensable reading for years to come as the situation plays out.This balanced, unique, and insightful volume will add to your knowledge of herbal medicine regulation and its impact on consumer health by: framing the limitations of the current situation with brief examples reviewing the regulatory history of herbal medicines in the United States placing the situation in an international context by also examining regulations in Canada, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom illustrating the practical implications of U.S. regulations with six examples that demonstrate how herbal medicines could contribute more to consumer health--and the public health risks associated with the current regulatory situation analyzing the public health issues related to safety, research, clinical practice, consumer interests, business, media, and federal government offering key, high-impact recommendations for future policyConsumers, health care professionals, business people in the domestic and foreign herb industries, researchers, health plan executives, food and drug attorneys and policymakers, as well as educators and students, will all find this book essential to their understanding of the workings of the herbal medicine industry. Visit the author's website at http://www.herbalchaos.com

Answer patients'questions about botanical supplements quickly and easily This informative book is a compendium of detailed scientific research on 34 of the most popular dietary supplements used in North America and Europe. Its coverage of pharmacological studies on the main medicinal plants used in clinical practice and sold in pharmacies in the Western world is more extensive than any other publication of monographic reviews available. The way Botanical Medicines: The Desk Reference for Major Herbal Supplements, Second Edition. is organized (standardized topic formats are used in each monograph) makes it easy for you to locate relevant information quickly and to compare corresponding sections between different entries. This book is an invaluable tool for pharmacists, physicians, and other health care professionals who need detailed, scientifically accurate information on appropriate use, safety, dosages, and similar issues related to botanical dietary supplements. Each entry in Botanical Medicines: The Desk Reference for Major Herbal Supplements, Second Edition. covers botanical data (classification and nomenclature, common names, geographic occurrence, and botanical characteristics), plus: history and traditional uses chemistry therapeutic applications pre-clinical studies clinical studies recommended dosages safety profiles (including toxicology) side effects and contraindications drug interactions and special precautions safety recommendations during pregnancy and lactation This extensively referenced volume includes appendixes with information on the major provisions of DSHEA (the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994) and on the criteria and procedures for assessing the quality of botanical products.