Handbook of Cannabis Therapeutics: From Bench to Bedside. Ethan B. Russo, MD, and Franjo Grotenhermen, MD. Birmingham, NY: The Haworth Press; 2006. 471 pages, softcover or hardcover, tables and figures, chemical structures, b&w photos, references, index. $39.95 (softcover); ISBN 0-7890-3097-7. $69.95 (hardcover); ISBN 0-7890-3096-9.
Despite the controversial nature of cannabis as medicine, the authors present the medically sound aspects associated with cannabis use. They focus on its pharmacology and pharmacokinetics as they explore its medicinal use from past to present. Topics discussed in depth include the use of cannabis for AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, to name a few. Side effects and toxicology are also addressed.
The Male Herbal, 2nd ed. James Green. Berkeley, CA: The Crossing Press; 2007. 340 pages, softcover, b&w illustrations, resources, glossary, references, index. $16.95. ISBN 1-58091-175-7.
James Green emphasizes health through prevention for men and boys by providing them with customized herbal programs for physical and emotional health based on their health needs, lifestyle, and body type. He provides men with the necessary tools for them to design an herbal program that caters to their needs. Also included are 30 recipes for tinctures, salves, teas, and tonics.
The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy: Drug-Free Remedies to Help You Safely Lose Weight, Shed Fat, Firm Up, and Feel Great. Harry Preuss and Bill Gottlieb. New York, NY: Broadway Books; 2007. 270 pages, softcover, resources, index. $14.00. ISBN 978-0-7679-2407-8.
Written by a medical expert on weight loss, this book addresses nutritional supplements and herbs that can help people safely and effectively lose body fat, maintain or even increase muscle mass, as well as increase energy levels. Also provides guidance on weight-loss supplements that are not safe or are unlikely to provide desired results. A customized program and an easy-to-follow food plan are included; long-term weight control is also addressed.
Botanical Body Care: Herbs and Natural Healing for Your Whole Body. Karin
C. Uphoff. Illustrations by Emily Whittlesey. Ft. Bragg, CA: Cypress House; 2007. 259 pages, softcover, recipes, b&w illustrations, 5 appendices, references and suggested reading, resources, index. $18.95. ISBN 978-1-879384-67-5.
More than 80 natural, plant-based recipes for extracts, salves, tinctures, and teas that can be easily implemented into daily life to maintain health and well-being. Provides guidance on using herbs to relieve stress, strengthen the immune system, and prevent or even treat common illnesses while increasing vitality.
Nutraceuticals. Brian Lockwood. Chicago, IL: Pharmaceutical Press; 2007. 426 pages, hardcover, references, index. $75.00. ISBN 978-0-85369-659-9.
Provides a brief introduction of the relationship between nutraceuticals, foods, and medicine, and 26 monographs on major nutraceuticals. Includes evidence for the use of nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of important disease states. Chapters are defined by different health problems, i.e., joint health, eye health, and mental health. The chapters include adverse effects, mode of action, and references.
Natural Therapies for Emphysema and COPD: Relief and Healing for Chronic Pulmonary Disorders. Robert J. Green Jr. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press; 2007. 196 pages, softcover, references, index, appendices, glossary. $14.95. ISBN 978159477163-7.
Presents natural therapies for respiratory disorders, i.e., detoxification, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, breathing techniques, and exercise. Provides a brief overview of emphysema and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) including anatomy and physiology, understanding the disease, and its diagnosis. A section is dedicated to smoking cessation and herbs that can assist in quitting. The chapter on herbal medicine includes each herb’s main action, parts used, dosage and safety information.
The Incense Bible: Plant Scents That Transcend World Culture, Medicine, and Spirituality. Kerry Hughes. New York, NY: The Haworth Press; 2007. 209 pages, softcover, references, index, resources, appendices. $14.95. ISBN 978-0-78902170-0.
Detailed guide to the spiritual meaning of natural incense and how to use it in prayer, meditation, health, or to connect with divinity and nature. Examines the spiritual and ritual uses of “pure” incense, explores human attraction to fragrance, and explains how to use incense to increase wellness. Includes easily understood technical information, easy-to-use references, history of the use of incense in various countries, and information about specific raw incense material.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ethics, the Patient, and the Physician. Lois Snyder, ed. Philadelphia, PA: Humana Press; 2007. 240 pages, hardcover. $69.50. ISBN 1-588-29-584-2.
As increasing numbers of people use more complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), ethical considerations and challenges are raised for physicians, alternative medicine practitioners, and their patients. This book provides a context for thinking about CAM, its history and definitions, and its place within the scientific method in conventional medicine. It examines the ethical responsibilities of physicians, communication issues, patient education, legal concerns, and risk management.
Tea: The Drink That Changed the World. Laura C. Martin. Rutland, VT: Tuttle Publishing; 2007. 248 pages, hardcover, references, appendices, useful Web sites. $21.95. ISBN 978-0-8048-3724-8.
After water, tea is the second most popular drink in the world. How did this come to be? This book explores the rise of tea around the world. From a harsh, bitter concoction used as medicine to a global power, from a meditation tool to a form of currency, tea has a long and influential history. Full of anecdotes and practical information.
Herb-A-Day. James A. Duke, PhD. Virginia Beach, VA: Eco Images; 2007. 468 pages, softcover, index. $24.95. ISBN 9780-938423-18-8. ABC Item #B547
A compilation of articles written over the past 20+ years describing usage, benefits, and research on more than 150 herbs divided by geographic regions of the world. Includes entertaining, informative anecdotes from Dr. Duke and detailed line-art drawings by his wife Peggy.