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 had them reviewed yet.
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 receive a small commission from your order.
< >Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements, 2nd edition, by Linda Skidmore-Roth, RN, MSN, NP. Mosby Inc: St. Louis, MO; 2004. 1073 pp., softcover, index, appendices, bibliographical references, glossary. $37.95 ISBN 0-323-02535-8.
Contains detailed monographs of almost 300 herbal and natural supplements, alphabetized by common name. Also contained in the book are appendices that provide information on drug interactions, pediatric indications, and a botanical atlas, as well as where to find additional useful resources.
Growing and Selling Fresh–Cut Herbs, 2nd edition, by Sandie Shores. Ball Publishing: Batavia, IL; 2003. 483 pp. hardcover, index, glossary. $34.95 ISBN 1-883052-36-X.
Details how to start your own herbal business from the basics of planting to the actual business and marketing aspects. Also included are a fairly comprehensive glossary and an appendix of resources to assist in finding the appropriate supplies.
Natural Remedies: Their Origins and Uses by Finn Sandberg and Desmond Corrigan. Taylor and Francis: New York; 2001. 169 pp., softcover, index, photos and diagrams. $32.00 ISBN 0-415-27202-5.
This is the first English book to use the Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical classification system, which divides medicines into groups depending on what body system they effect and their therapeutic and chemical characteristics. The bulk of the book is Chapter Six, which contains the listing of condition and the herbs suggested for use and their descriptions.
The Miracle of Stevia: Discover the Healing Power of Nature’s Herbal Sweetener, by James A. May. Kensington Publishing Corp.: New York, NY; 2003, 278 pp., softcover, index, bibliographic references, appendices and recipes. $14.00 ISBN 0-7582-0220-2.
This book describes the health benefits of Stevia, its uses, the history behind its discovery, and how it was brought to the United States. Also included are testimonials from doctors and nutritionists pertaining to the efficacy of this all-natural, zero-calorie, zero-carbohydrate and zero-glycemic index sweetener.
The Nursing Mother’s Herbal, by Sheila Humphrey, BSc, RN, IBCLC. Fairview Press: Minneapolis, MN; 2003, 355 pp., softcover, index, bibliographic references and appendices. $16.95 ISBN 1-57749-118-1.
This book describes the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. Topics discussed include: herbal supplements pre and post delivery, what to do if you need more or have too much breast milk, breast problems during breastfeeding, how to wean your child off breastfeeding, how to help your sick baby feel better, and how to return to fertility.
Herbal-Drug Interactions and Adverse Effects, by Richard B. Philp, DVM, Ph.D. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.: New York, NY; 2004. 335 pp., softcover, index, appendices, bibliographical references. $29.95 ISBN 0-07-142153-X.
Provides an alphabetical reference of herbal products used today including a brief description, pharmacological action, indications, adverse effects, contraindications, and complete referencing. Appendices provide charts for quick reference by indication or adverse effect, and simple name conversions from common names to Latin counterparts.
Clinical Guide to Nutrition and Dietary Supplements in Disease Management , by Jennifer Jamison, MBBCh, Ph.D., EdD, FACNEM. Churchill Livingstone: Australia; 2003. 790 pp., hardcover, index, bibliographical references. $49.95 ISBN 0-443-07193-4.
A complete nutritional guide for different disease states, focusing on diet, lifestyle, and herbal preparations. Disease states are listed in alphabetical order, and each chapter includes its own reference information for easy access to relevant sources.
Herbal Vade Mecum by Gazmend Skenderi. Herbacy Press: Rutherford, NJ; 2003. 480 pp., softcover, therapeutic checklist for various disorders, index, glossary of medical and chemical names. $24.95 ISBN 0-9713209-2-6.
This quick-reference guide provides information on the active constituents in botanical products, including properties, uses, contraindications, side effects, and possible drug interactions. Approximately 800 botanical products are covered in short monographs.
Urtica: Therapeutic and Nutritional Aspects of Stinging Nettles , edited by Gulsel M. Kavalali. Taylor & Francis: London; 2003. 83 pp., hardcover, tables, index. $89.95 ISBN 0-415-30833-X.
Provides an overview of various properties of Urtica, including chemical, pharmacological, and therapeutic uses of this botanical—specifically in benign prostatic hyperplasia. A nutrition evaluation is included, as well as information regarding specific products containing urtica.
Dietary Supplements of Plant Origin: A Nutrition and Health Approach , edited by Massimo Maffei. Taylor & Francis: London; 2003. 248 pp., hardcover, tables, appendix, index. $149.95 ISBN 0-415-30835-6.
Designed to provide current research and legislation on plants used as dietary supplements. Information includes phytochemical, physiological and biochemical aspects, as well as effects on nutrition and health, and drug interactions. Contains a chapter detailing drug-like compounds from foods, plants, and spices.
Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy , by Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons, and Elizabeth M. Williamson. Churchill Livingstone: Edinburgh; 2004. 309 pp., softcover, botanical glossary, index. $37.95 ISBN 0-443-07132-2.
This textbook was developed to inform professionals, students, and those interested in the scientific field about fundamental aspects of the study of drugs of natural origin, as well as their therapeutic uses. Sections include in-depth coverage of basic plant biology, natural product chemistry, plant extracts, and medicinal plants. The second half of the text is dedicated to important natural products and phytomedicines used in pharmacy and medicine, and is divided according to various systems and organs of the body.
Healing with the Herbs of Life, by Lesley Tierra, L.Ac. Crossing Press: Berkeley, CA; 2003. 438 pp., softcover, index, glossary, tables. $24.95 ISBN 1-58091-147-1.
Examines the healing properties of selected herbs in three parts. Part One focuses on educating the reader about the fundamentals of herbs. In Part Two, the etiology and treatment of selected illnesses is addressed. Part Three discusses the interrelationships of diet, seasonal changes, and alternative therapies in overall health. This book presents a large amount of information in well-organized tables and simple language. The combination of Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbology discussed in this book is appropriate for beginning herbalists or trained professionals.
Vitex The Women’s Herb , by Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac. Healthy Living Publications: Summertown, TN; 2003. 95 pp., softcover, tables, list of recommended reading, appendices, references. $7.95 ISBN 1-57067-157-5.
This book examines the medicinal uses of vitex in the treatment of a variety of women’s health issues. A unique appendix summarizes the botany, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and cultivation of vitex, as well as condenses the results of clinical studies using vitex into easy-to-read tables. There is also a discussion on the safety and efficacy of synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Designed for consumers and professionals alike, this book is an excellent source for women who need help with female hormone balance.
Vine of the Soul , by R.E. Schultes, R.F. Raffauf. Synergetic Press: Santa Fe, New Mexico; 1992. 282 pp., softcover, numerous photographs, drawings. $29.95 ISBN 0-907791-31-x.
Concentrates on the medicine men of different tribes in the Colombian Amazon. Reviews the ritualistic preparation and uses of botanicals located in the region. Picture or drawing of explained topic on almost every page. Subject matter includes Indian beliefs, sacred dances, abodes of spirits, births and contraception, art and architecture, hunting and fishing rituals, and plants.
Plant-Derived Antimycotics, edited by M. Rai, D. Mares. Food Products Press: Binghamton, NY; 2003. 587 pp., softcover. $67.97 ISBN 1-56022-927-6.
Includes antimycotic potential of plant extracts and essential oils against fungal infections in humans, animals, plants, and food. The emphasis is on antimycotic plants in Central America, India, Nepal, Fiji, and China. Includes detailed description of the process used to determine antimycotic potential and potency. Comprehensive book including chemistry and mechanisms of action; probably more useful for trained professionals.
Breeding Research on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, edited by C.B. Johnson, C. Franz. Haworth Herbal Press: Binghamton, NY; 2002. 435 pp., softcover. $49.95 ISBN 0-7890-1973-6.
Divided into four sections including “Conventional Breeding,” “Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Genetics and Physiology,” “Biodiversity and Conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Resources,” and “Economical, Ethical and Legal Aspects.” Included are a few tables, graphs, drawings, and pictures of topics discussed. Provides information on over 35 aromatic and medicinal plants.
This Way Forward for Chinese Medicine , edited by K. Chan, H. Lee. Taylor and Francis: New York, 2002. 472 pp., softcover. $79.95 ISBN 0-415-27720-5.
Published for use by practitioners of Chinese and orthodox medicine as well as other interested health care professionals. Includes some tables and illustrations. Begins with the evolution of Chinese and orthodox medicine in China, and their philosophical aspects. Second section focuses on the practice of Chinese medicine. Section three deals with the progress of Chinese medicine and related practices in other countries. The final section contains a few chapters on concluding issues such as how to teach and train Chinese medicine in English.
Botanical Latin, 4th ed . WT Stearn, Timber Press Inc.: Portland, OR; 2004. 546 pp. softcover. $29.95 ISBN 0-88192-627-2.
Fourth edition in this series of botanical guides that summarizes the grammar and syntax of botanical Latin. Also covers the origins of Latin and Latinized geographical names, symbols, abbreviations, descriptions and diagnoses, and the formation of names and epithets. First edition as a softcover.