PDR for Herbal Medicines, 4th Edition
by Thomson Healthcare
Perfect, But Not For Herbalists
The most authoritative resource on herbal medicines
Seeking to separate scientific from anecdotal evidence, the new PDR for
Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition provides healthcare professionals with an
updated reference so they can better advise patients who ask about
specific herbal remedies.
Based on information culled from the PhytoPharm U.S. Institute of
Phytopharmaceuticals and Thomson Micromedex s comprehensive
alternative medicine database, the Physicians Desk Reference, PDR for
Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition will provide over 700 botanical

monographs and a wealth of indices for scientific and common names,
indications and therapeutic categories.
PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition provides the latest scientific data
in the most comprehensive herbal reference compiled, including
Commission E indications, the closest thing to an approved usage guide in
the world of herbal medicines. Key monographs have been updated to
include recent scientific findings on efficacy, safety and potential
interactions; clinical trials (including abstracts); case reports; and meta-
analysis results. There are also updated sections on enhanced patient
management techniques and nutritional supplements.
As the complicated world of herbal and complementary medicine evolves,
there is only one complete and trusted clinical and diagnostic manual for
learning how to prescribe herbal medicines that medical practitioners can
turn to, the PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition.
Personal Review: PDR for Herbal Medicines, 4th Edition by
Thomson Healthcare
In my interest in learning and understanding the medicinal qualities and
uses of herbs for my own personal use (and without any formal medical
training), I've purchased many books on 'herbal medicine' and
'homeopathic medicines/remedies'. While there are some good books out
there, there is NOTHING I've come across that is as complete as this
reference book (4th Edition, 2007).
Some of the most exciting parts of this book for me have been the color
photos of the plants (and not just a black and white sketch, or lack thereof,
included with some of my other books), the description of the medicinal
PARTS of the plant, the pharmacology of plant, and the references (or
literature citations) provided that allow me to research further on my own.
This PDR provides you with:
1) An ALPHABETICAL INDEX (in the front): Lists all scientific and common
names found in the herbal monographs.
2) THERAPEUTIC CATEGORY INDEX (i.e. acne preparations. migraine
preparations, to wound care products): Groups herbs by therapeutic or
medicinal category. Listings are alphabetical by category and accepted
common name. Herbs deemed effective by Commission E are flagged for
quick reference.
3) INDICIATIONS INDEX (i.e. abdominal cramps, relief of flatulance, to
superficial wounds): Lists herbs by their primary indications. Entries are

alphabetical by indication and accepted common name. Herbs deemed
effective by Commission E are specially flagged.
4) HOMEOPATHIC INDICATIONS INDEX(i.e. aches, muscular, induction
of sleep, to relief of symptomatic wheezing): Catalogs herbal applications
in homepathy. Entries are alphabetical by indication and scientific name.
5) ASIAN INDICATIONS INDEX: Groups herbs by their thereuptic uses in
Chinese and Indian medicine. Listings are alphabetical by indication and
accepted common name, with the scientific name shown in parentheses.
6) SIDE EFFECTS INDEX: Groups herbs by the adverse reactions with
which they have been associated. Listings are alphabetical by indication
and accepted common name, with the scientific name shown in
parentheses.
7) DRUG/HERB INTERACTIONS GUIDE: Lists problem combinations
alphabetically by the name of the drug and the name of the interacting
herb, and provides a brief description of each combination's potential
effect.
8) SAFETY GUIDE: Lists herbs that must be avoided while pregnant or
nursing, and herbs that should be used only under professional
supervision. Includes scientific and common names.
9) COMMON HERBAL TERMINOLOGY: Provides familiar, as well as less
common terms that appear in scientific literature regarding herbal
medicines.
10) HERB IDENTIFICATION GUIDE: Permits rapid, positive identification
of botanicals. Includes over 300 full-color photos.
11) HERBAL MONOGRAPHS: Profiles of more than 700 medicinal herbs,
including description, actions, clinical trials, indications, contraindications,
precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, overdosage, dosage, and
literature citations. Organized alphabetically by accepted common name
and cross-referenced with scientific name.
12) NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT MONOGRAPHS: Profiles some of the
most common supplements, including description, actions, clinical trials,
indications, contraindications, precautions, drug interactions, adverse
effects, overdosage, dosage, and literature citations. Organized
alphabetically by accepted common name.
Anyone serious about learning and understanding the wonderful amd
natural healing properties of herbs, NEEDS to include this reference
manual in your library. The foreward by David Herber, Professor of
Medicine an dPublic Health, Director, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition

and UCKA Botanical Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at
UCLA) explains it all.
I hope this book is as helpful for you as it has been for me.
In response to post dated September 10, 2008, I'd like to add that this
book is 'exhaustive and informative, as well as a reference' as stated by
another customer and yes, not all herbs are FDA 'approved', but they have
been around and used effectively a lot longer than synthetic versions
created by pharmaceutical companies. Which, by the way, also have to go
through clinical trials, but generally don't have the same long-term usage
data as herbs. Secondly, physicians also use a PDR for prescription drugs
based on the same information provided in this publication. It is up to the
healer (doctor or herbalist) to use common sense and continued
education, as well as an informed patient, to decide on the best treatment
for an ailment. Further research by both parties is always recommended.
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