The complete natural medicine guide to the 50 most common medicinal herbs /

Boon (Univ. of Toronto) and Smith (Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine) wrote this well-researched book for patients and health care professionals interested in "current and authoritative scientific information to improve understanding of the medical properties of common herbs." The authors, both licensed pharmacists, discuss legislation that impacts the regulation of herbs in both Canada and the US. Following this are chapters discussing each of 50 medicinal herbs, arranged alphabetically. A thumbnail sketch of each herb's common uses, active constituents, adverse effects, cautions and contraindications, drug interactions, and doses is substantiated by published scientific research. The references are presented in order of citation, and are organized by herb name in the back of the book. The authors are to be commended for their thorough investigation of the scientific literature. They present conflicting results clearly and allow readers to make informed decisions about the potential benefits or concerns regarding each herb. This book is an excellent resource for health practitioners, students, and well-informed consumers. The language and scientific content, however, may be a bit academic for the casual reader. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. All levels. A. P. Boyar CUNY Herbert H. Lehman College