This book covers the principles and issues of safety relating to herbal medicine, and examines the relevant safety data for over 70 commonly used or contentious herbs. With contributions from leading international experts, the book covers issues of quality, interactions, adverse reactions, toxicity, allergy, contact sensitivity and idiosyncratic reactions. Provides the most current information on safety issues in herbal medicine. Presents authoritative and credible safety information from two experienced herbal practitioners. Combines theoretical chapters with 125 well-researched monographs, making it the most thorough and comprehensive text on the market for herbal safety in practice. Provides clear information using the most current evidence-based reviews, covering factors that influence herb safety, including the negative placebo effects (nocebo), various types of unpredictable effects, the basis for interactions between herbs and drugs, and quality issues. Uses an established grading system for assessing safety in pregnancy and lactation that is realistic and appropriate to herb use. Thoroughly critiques the dominant misinformation in the media and medical journals on herb safety issues. Contains 83 documented case studies on hepatoxicity and the effects in relation to kava. Kava safety is a hot topic. Includes two useful appendices detailing herbal references for pregnancy and lactation considerations.

The authoritative and comprehensive modern textbook on western herbal medicine - now in its second edition This long-awaited second edition of Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy covers all major aspects of herbal medicine from fundamental concepts, traditional use and scientific research through to safety, effective dosage and clinical applications. Written by herbal practitioners with active experience in clinical practice, education, manufacturing and research, the textbook is both practical and evidence based. The focus, always, is on the importance of tailoring the treatment to the individual case. New insights are given into the herbal management of approxiately 100 modern ailments, including some of the most challenging medical conditions, such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and other complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, and there is vibrant discussion around the contribution of phytotherapy in general to modern health issues, including health ageing. Fully referenced throughout, with more than 10, 000 citations, the book is a core resource for students and practitioners of phytotherapy and naturopathy and will be of value to all healthcare professionals - pharmacists, doctors, nurses - with an interest in herbal therapeutics. 50 evidence-based monographs, including 7 new herbs Rational guidance to phytotherapeutic strategies in the consulting room New appendices provide useful information on topics such as herbal actions, dosage in children and reading and interpreting herbal clinical trials Comprehensive revision of vital safety data, including an extensive herb-drug interaction chart. 50 evidence-based monographs, including 7 new herbs Rational guidance to phytotherapeutic strategies in the consulting room New appendices provide useful information on topics such as herbal actions, dosage in children and reading and interpreting herbal clinical trials Comprehensive revision of vital safety data, including an extensive herb-drug interaction chart.