New Book Profiles
Anatomia Sambuci: The Anatomy of the Elder: Revised Edition 2010. Martin Blochwich. Appenzell, Switzerland:BerryPharmaAG 2010. Hardcover, 113 pages. ISBN: 978-3-9523693-0-2. $124.95.
This small 31-chapter book is a revamped edition of a 17th century physician’s volume about the many therapeutic uses of elder (Sambucus spp., Caprifoliaceae), produced for its historic relevance. This more easily understood publication paints an important historical picture of health and wellness, and is divided into sections by ailment as well as treatments using specific parts of the elder. A glossary has been amended at the end to help retain some of the historic language throughout the book.
Phytotherapy Essentials: Healthy Children: Optimising Children’s Health with Herbs. Rob Santich and Kerry Bone. Warwick, Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press; 2008. Paperback, 218 pages. ISBN: 978-0-646-48616-1. $45.00
This book addresses a multitude of possible childhood health problems, such as fever, infections, allergies, as well as digestion, respiratory, central nervous system, urinary tract, skin, and endocrine disorders. The book discusses herbs used for infant to school-age children, and includes safety information and dosing. Actual case reports with the prescribed formulations are also included to help the reader differentiate among common disorders and how they are treated.
Drugs of Natural Origin: A Treatise of Pharmacognosy, 6th Revised Edition. Gunnar Samuelsson and Lars Bohlin. Sweden: Swedish Pharmaceutical Press; 2009. Hardcover, 776 pages. ISBN: 978-91-976510-5-9. $149.95.
This 6th edition textbook further expands on the previous edition, the leading text on pharmacognosy used in Scandanavia, which has been available in English since the second edition. Like earlier versions, this edition covers developments of drugs from plants and other natural materials, including new research on “genomics, proteomics and metabolomics,” while also expanding on previous information that has now been updated. The subjects are arranged by biosynthetic processes and highlight many important vitamins, herbs, drugs, and disease states. The mechanistic approach gives a step-by-step depiction of metabolism, intermediate constituents, and how the formations of final medicinal products are constructed.
The Healthy Gut Workbook: Whole-body Healing for Heartburn, Ulcers, Constipation, IBS, Diverticulosis & More. Victor Sierpina, MD. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.; 2010. Paperback, 184 pages. ISBN: 978-1-57224-844-1. $21.95.
This book functions as an owner’s manual to a healthier gastrointestinal tract. Its interactive approach helps the reader take charge and track health progress by journaling through it. It is divided into 2 parts—the first addressing the gut, and the second, discussing helpful gut treatments. It covers prevention as well as treatment for a healthier GI tract, while also defining natural treatments for acute and chronic GI complaints.
Microgreens: How to Grow Nature’s Own Superfood. Fionna Hill. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books; 2010. Paperback, 107 pages. ISBN: 978-1-55407-769-4. $17.95.
This colorful book will make any reader hungry as it guides through the description of microgreens—edible greens and herbs that have “produced at least two ‘true’ leaves after the cotyledons appear”—and ends with mouthwatering recipes. It explains how to cultivate microgreens and provides individual descriptions and pictures of many popular crops. Even the most skilled growers can experience problems with their crops, so there is a chapter in the book to help with planting troubles. There is even a chapter for children who are interested in growing microgreens themselves.
Principles & Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine, Volume I: Botanical Medicine Monographs. Anthony Godfrey and Paul Richard Saunders, with Kerry Barlow, Cyndi Gilbert, Matthew Gowan, and Fraser Smith. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: CCNM Press Inc; 2010. Hardcover, 568 pages. ISBN: 978-1-897025-26-0. $119.95.
This book provides an in-depth look at botanical medicine laid out in 3 different parts: Introduction to Naturopathic Botanical Medicine, Botanical Medicine Monographs, and Course in Naturopathic Botanical Medicine. The book’s detailed botanical monographs are organized by relevance to different body systems (e.g., respiratory, cardiovascular, immune), allowing for ease of navigation. A color photograph accompanies each plant and fungus. Monograph information includes TCM and historical indications in addition to constituents, pharmacology, actions, toxicity, and contraindications. Sample cases and recommendations close the book, challenging the reader to apply knowledge gleaned from the book to hypotherical situations.