Resources for Practitioners
BOOKS
Ernst, E. (Ed).
(2001) The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine:
An Evidence-Based Approach. New York: Mosby.
An excellent text. In addition to the typical list of herbal remedies, this book provides a section on diagnostic methods in CAM as well a section on the use of herbs in various conditions (e.g. AIDS, anxiety, asthma, etc). About $40.
Fetrow, C. and
Avila, J. (2004) Professional's Handbook of Complementary and
Alternative Medicines. New York: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Although the title alludes to CAM broadly, it is in fact a book of herbs. This is an excellent handy reference for the practitioner who needs quick answers to patient questions. Each herb is listed with its commonly used other names, taxonomic class, common trade names, common forms, source, adverse reactions, interactions, contraindications and precautions, points of interest and a commentary. References are provided. About $40.
Freeman, L.
(2004) Mosby's Complementary & Alternative Medicine: A Research-Based
Approach. St. Louis: Mosby.
An excellent compilation of the wide range of CAM. It begins with a discussion of the physiology of mind-body communication, psychoneurology and immune function. Another chapter focuses upon the impact of relationships and life event on health. Sections on mind-body interventions, alternative professionals, complementary and self-help strategies and energetics and spirituality follow. Appendices include a list of web sites and organizations. The chapter on herbal remedies is limited to the most commonly used herbs. About $70.
Rotblatt, M.
and Ziment, I. (2002) Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine. Philadelphia:
Hanley & Belfus, Inc.
Well-written text. An excellent first chapter provides an introduction to herbal medicine, including quality assurance mechanisms, dosage forms and the chemistry of herbal medicine. Sixty-five selected herbs are then discussed, including use, pharmacology, clinical trials adverse effects, interactions, cautions, preparations and dosages, followed by a summary evaluation. The third chapter focuses specifically on Chinese, Ayurvedic and Mexican herbs. Essays and commentaries on aromatherapy, as well as the placebo effect and herbs are included in the fourth chapter. Appendices provide additional resources for information. Between $35-$40.
WEB SITES
Rosenthal Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Columbia University
http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/rosenthal
Tufts University
Nutrition Navigator
http://navigator.tufts.edu
Complementary
and Alternative Medicine Program at Stanford
http://scrdp.stanford.edu/camps.html
March of Dimes
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals
Office of Dietary
Supplements, National Institutes of Health
http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov
U.S. Food and
Drug Administration
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov
CAM on PubMed
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html
The Cochrane
Library
http://www.cochranelibrary.com/cochrane
National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
http://www.nccam.nih.gov