Due to economic considerations and the natural evolution of book marketing and sales, the American Botanical Council is adding to its catalog very few of the good new books that are being published. However, we do intend to keep our readers informed of books of particular interest that have arrived in our offices. In this ongoing feature, we only describe these new books; we have not yet had them reviewed.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these books or those that have been reviewed fully, and you want to help ABC at the same time, please go to the online version of this article on our website <www.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/deptarticlelist.asp?d=11> and click on the "Order from Amazon.com" button. ABC will get a small rebate from your order.

Mosby’s Handbook of Drug-Herb and Drug-Supplement Interactions, edited by Richard Harkness, Pharm, CDM, FASCP, and Steven Bratman, MD. Mosby: St. Louis, MO; 2003. 478 pp., softcover. $34.95 ISBN 0-323-02014-3.

Organized alphabetically by drug name, there is an entry for each drug-herb and drug-supplement combination where evidence concludes there is an interaction. Information covered within each entry includes related drugs, interaction summary, discussion of the interaction, management suggestions, and references.

Women and Cannabis, edited by Ethan Russo, MD, Melanie Dreher, PhD, Mary Lynn Mathre, RN, MSN. The Haworth Press Inc.: New York; 2003. 187 pp., softcover, index, bibliographical references, charts and photos. $24.95 ISBN 0-7890-2101-3.

Eleven articles focusing on the effects of medical marijuana in female-specific conditions with emphasis on reproductive issues. Also discussed is the use of cannabis in Jamaica by women trying to kick cocaine habits and the effects of cannabis in treating multiple sclerosis, dysmenorrhea, fibromyalgia, migraine, and rheumatoid arthritis in women.

The Healing Trail: A Guide to the Health Benefits of the Essential Oils of Madagascar, by Georges M. Halpern, MD, PhD, with Peter Weverka. Basic Health Publications Inc.: North Bergen, NJ; 2003. 172 pp., softcover, index, bibliographical references, appendices, and photos. $14.95 ISBN 1-59120-016-4.

This book discusses the essential oils that can be found in the rainforests of Madagascar. Eight essential oils are highlighted with histories and the chemical and botanical makeup of each explained. The essential oils’ role in aromatherapy as well as in the perfume, cosmetic and food industries is also included. Emphasis is placed on the need to conserve the rainforests from which these valuable oils are obtained.

The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions, by J.T. Garrett. Bear & Co.: Rochester, VT; 2003. 274pp., softcover, illustrations, bibliography and medicine formulas. $15.00 ISBN 1-8791-8196-7.

This book is a practical guide based on Cherokee herbal medicine. Discussing the use of more than 450 North American plants and their use in the treatment of more than 120 conditions. Also included are traditional teaching stories used by the Cherokee for generations to explain the origin of illnesses, animal myths connected to medicine, and how plants were named.

Shamanism and Tantra in the Himalayas, by Surendra Bahadur Shahi, Christian Rätsch, Claudia Müller-Ebeling. Inner Traditions Intl. Ltd.: Rochester, VT; 2002. 320pp., hardcover, index, bibliographical index, photos and illustrations. $49.95 ISBN 0-8928-1913-8.

Filled with beautiful photographs of traditional Himalayan artwork and shamanistic ritual, this book gives a rich and detailed look at the shamans and tantricas of Nepal. Drawing from 18 years of field research by the authors, and the help of five shamans, this book explores the psychological, cultural, and historical facets of herbal medicine and healing in this remote part of the world.

Treating Cancer with Herbs: An Integrative Approach, by Michael Tierra LAc, ND, AHG. Lotus Press: Twin Lakes, WI; 2003. 528pp., softcover. $27.95 ISBN 0-9149-5593-4.

This book examines the benefits of herbal medicine in cancer treatment when used with other techniques to attend to the whole patient, not just the cancer. Minor diagnosis steps, plant description and use suggestions, and additional methods of treatment are included.

Healing Plants of Peninsular India, by John A. Parrotta. CABI Publishing, CAB International: New York; 2001. 994pp., hardcover, index, glossary, photos. $140.00 ISBN 0-8519-9501-2.

Descriptions and medicinal uses of more than 500 plants found in Central and Southern India. In addition to the scientific name of plants, common names are provided in more than 14 different languages.

Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing and Hallucinogenic Powers, by Richard Evans Schultes, Albert Hofmann, Christian Rätsch. Healing Arts Press: Rochester, VA; 2002. 208pp., illustrated, photos. $29.95 ISBN 0-8928-1979-0.

This revised and expanded edition of the 1992 book of the same name explores the medicinal and ritual use of more than 90 types of plants. The botanical and phytochemical characteristics of these plants are laid out in charts and illustrations and photographs.

300 Herbs: Their Indications & Contraindications (A Materia Medica & Repertory), by Matthew Alfs. Old Theology Book House: New Brighton, MN; 2003. 216pp., softcover. $25.00 ISBN 0-9612-9644-5.

The first part of this book offers an introduction to the theories and practices of the four major systems of herbal medicine, the Unani Tibb, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and American eclecticism. Throughout the second section, references are made to these systems in the list of 300 herbs and the conditions they can be used for. The third section is a list of conditions, with specific subcategories, and the herbs that can be used to treat them. Common names are used for plants in both sections, but there is an index of plants by their scientific name.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Clinic Design, by Robert A. Roush, PhD. Haworth Integrative Healing Press: New York; 2003. 158pp., hardcover, charts. $39.95 ISBN 0-7890-1803-9.

An overview of different systems of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and marketing information from patients, physicians and holistic practitioners to guide directors of clinics in the use of the systems to the highest advantage to patients. Systems included are Mind/Body Interventions, Biological-based, Energy/Metaphysical, and Manipulative/Body-based Therapies.

Plant Medicine in Practice: Using the Teachings of John Bastyr, by William A. Mitchell, Jr., ND. Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone: St. Louis, MO; 2003. 458 pp., hardcover. £42.99 (US$61.50) ISBN 0-4430-7238-8.

This practical herbal text is based on the teachings and practice of John Bastyr, the famous naturopathic physician. Organized by uses for plants, such as antibacterials, digestants, fungicides, and sedatives, then lists the plants recommended by the author, it stresses practical experience with herbs rather than relying on data from studies. It also suggests dosages different from what is usually prescribed and suggests herbs that are not usually found in studies or books.

Dietary Options for Cancer Survivors, edited by Glen Welden. American Institute for Cancer Research: Washington, DC; 2002. 166 pp., softcover, index, references, glossary. $15.95 ISBN 0-9722522-0-7.

Information is provided for dietary practices that can affect the chances of recurrence of cancers. For each type of supplement or food, research supporting or contradicting it is presented. This book is designed to give cancer patients clear and useful information to aid in dietary decision making.

Textbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, edited by Chun-Su Yuan, MD, PhD, Eric J. Bieber, MD. CRC Press: New York; 2003. 404 pp., hardcover, index, references, illustrations, charts, glossary for each chapter. $99.95 ISBN 1-84214-134-1.

Designed as a CAM overview for non-CAM practitioners, this textbook covers information about a variety of CAM methods, a few of which are herbs, homeopathy, meditation, biofeedback, prayer, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine. Attention is paid to how methods are used in a clinical setting and interactions with conventional medicine.

Potter’s Herbal Cyclopedia, by Elizabeth M. Williamson, BSc, PhD, MRPharmS, FLS. The C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.: Essex, United Kingdom; 2003. 503pp., softcover, index, illustrations. $39.95 ISBN0-85207-361-5.

First published in 1907, as Potter’s New Cyclopedia, this book has been a source of valuable herbal information for scientists, medical and herbal practitioners and laypersons. This new printing has been expanded with the latest information for 700 plants, with details on a plant’s habitat, medicinal uses, and preparation and dosage.

Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine, by Barbara Griggs. Healing Arts Press: Rochester, Vermont; 1997. 432 pp., softcover, index, notes. $19.95 ISBN 0-89281-727-6.

This book examines the people, ideas, and discoveries that have molded Western herbal medicine, discussing the use of herbs stretching back to prehistoric times. Attention is paid to forces in society and industry that have harmed and helped herbal medicine, with emphasis on appreciating herbal medicine in this era of manufactured medicines.

Clinical Botanical Medicine,by Eric Yarnell, ND, RH, Kathy Abascal, BS, JD, Carol G. Hooper, MD, MPH. Mary Ann Liebert Publishers: Larchmont, New York; 2003. 418pp., hardcover, index, charts, photos. $99.00 ISBN 0-913113-95-6.

Designed for medical practitioners, this book contains both historic and scientific background to support the use of certain herbs. Organized by illness or condition, the chapters have a listing of suggested herb and a description of studies done to support this suggestion.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach, by John W. Spencer, PhD, Joseph J. Jacobs, MD, MBA. Mosby, Inc.: St. Louis, Missouri; 2003. 632pp., softcover, index, references, charts. $49.95 ISBN 0-323-02028-3.

This comprehensive, evidence-based resource examines current clinical research on complementary and alternative medicine. It includes updated material and new chapters on legal and ethical issues; integration of clinical practice; and medical training with complementary, alternative and evidence-based medicine. A useful reference for physicians, healthcare providers and scientists.