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.

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.

Starting from the premise that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a fascinating and fast-changing area of social life, this book explores the challenging issues associated with CAM in the context of the social, political and cultural influences that shape people's health.
Divided into three parts, the introductory chapter sets out the general context of social change, consumption and debate around the rise of public interest in CAM. The first part goes on to argue for and against different classifications of CAM, leading into a discussion of how CAM developed in a political and historical context. The Reader is invited to critically assess the importance of ethics and values to CAM practice and how these inform what practitioners do. The second part focuses on the question of what people want, the changing and contested nature of health, and the nature of personal and social factors associated with the use of CAM. This leads to a focus on 'therapeutic relationships'. The final part of the book examines the diversity of settings in which CAM takes place and the social, political and economic milieu in which CAM is provided and used.
This book will appeal to everyone who is concerned with or has an interest in CAM. It will be of particular interest to people working in the areas of CAM, health and social care and the voluntary sector. Together with its accompanying text, Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Structures and Safeguards, it forms the core text for the Open University course K221 Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Shoulder: Theory & Practice presents a comprehensive fusion of the current research knowledge and clinical expertise that will be essential for any clinician from any discipline who is involved with the assessment, management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions of the shoulder. This book is a team project-led by two internationally renowned researchers and clinicians, Jeremy Lewis and Cesar Fernandez-de-las-Penas. Other members of the team include over 100 prominent clinical experts and researchers. All are at the forefront of contributing new knowledge to enable us to provide better care for those seeking support for their shoulder problem. The team also comprises the voices of patients with shoulder problems who recount their experiences and provide clinicians with important insight into how better to communicate and manage the needs of the people who seek advice and guidance. The contributing authors include physiotherapists, physical therapists, medical doctors, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, epidemiologists, radiologists, midwives, historians, nutritionists, anatomists, researchers, rheumatologists, oncologists, elite athletes, athletic trainers, pain scientists, strength and conditioning experts and practitioners of yoga and tai chi. The cumulative knowledge contained within the pages of The Shoulder: Theory & Practice would take decades to synthesise. The Shoulder: Theory & Practice is divided into 42 chapters over three parts that will holistically blend, as the title promises, all key aspects of the essential theory and practice to successfully support clinicians wanting to offer those seeing help the very best care possible. It will be an authoritative text and is supported by exceptional artwork, photographs and links to relevant online information.

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.

This is a revised and expanded edition of Jethro Kloss's guide to herbal medicine, natural foods and home remedies. It is a complete guide to unspoiled living, providing tried and tested, safe and inexpensive natural remedies for the prevention of disease and sickness.

People are increasingly looking to alternatives to Western medicine and here is a practical self-help guide to a balanced and positive lifestyle. Tao, the most ancient and fundamental element in the world's oldest civilisation, is as relevant to today's world as to classical China. For the contemporary reader, this accessible book is the first to explore, in the light of the findings of modern Western science, the balanced and holistic system of health care used by Chinese physicians, martial artists and meditators for over 5,000 years. Exploring the ancient teachings of characters such as The Yellow Emperor and The Plain Girl, Daniel Reid lights the path to sexual fulfilment. The instructions of the Way of Yin and Yang 'serve as signposts along the winding road to a woman's orgasm, and' - says the author - 'every man should learn to read them.' In The Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity, Daniel Reid has combined his personal experience with original research and in an accessible, informed and often anecdotal style he presents the issues and answers of practical concern to a Western audience. The book covers every aspect of health with concise information on diet and nutrition, fasting, breathing and exercise, medicine, meditation and sexual yoga.

Contents:
1. Shengmai San - A Renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine 2. Pharmacological Studies on Shengmai San 3. Clinical Studies on Shengmai San 4. Side Effects of Shengmai San 5. Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Component Herbs of Shengmai San 6. Contemporary Applications of a Traditional Formula: Manufacturing of Shengmai San (SMS) Preparations and their Applications

Green tea is the most studied anti-cancer plant over the past 10 years, as more than 5,000 medical studies have been published on the health benefits of tea, with over 1,000 of those focusing on tea and cancer. The NIH stance on green tea is that research indicates it is possibly effective against several types of cancer, clogged arteries, osteoporosis and Parkinson's disease; likely effective in managing high cholesterol; and safe for adults who drink five cups a day. Maria's goal is simple: easily relate to you what she has learned about and experienced with how tea works to help your body's defences against cancer. Maria is not a medical professional, and no statement in this book should be interpreted as direction or prescription, but through her explanations, she breaks down years of her research - her obsession after her own fight with cancer, how tea fights cancer and how you should be drinking it. While humorous in tone, Maria does not intend to make light of the serious research that forms the basis for the understanding. This book is intended to get you on a powerful five-cup a day tea steeping habit, which she passionately believes is one of the best ways to prevent this terrible disease.

This is a concise handbook providing a quick clinical reference on Chinese medicinal treatments for many diseases, based on traditional Chinese medicine theory and practice. Organized by different clinical conditions and diseases, it provides clinicians and healthcare professionals with definitions and recommended treatment methods, especially herbal medicine formulae. In addition to being a comprehensive quick reference source, this handbook also conveys a generalized understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine.