Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals.

Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals

Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999, paperback, 300 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7890-0160-8, $19.95.

This book is an excellent resource for clinicians and patients who are interested in knowing more about the therapeutic uses of herbs. Unlike other books, this volume is devoted principally to phytomedicinals, now considered to be most useful for treating particular diseases or syndromes. Following a brief introduction of the pathophysiologies of several conditions, the authors discuss various useful herbs for treating those disorders, with solid scientific evidence to support the preparation, dosage, and effectiveness of different herbs. One of the book's strongest points is that the material is comprehensive and sophisticated, yet accessible to both professionals and the general public.

The text is organized into 3 major sections: chapter 1, "Basic Principles"; chapter 2, "The Herbal Regulatory Dilemma"; and chapters 3 through 12, which cover the therapeutic uses of herbs for different disorders. The first chapter provides in-depth information about the definitions of herbs, their relationships with other drugs, herbal qualities, paraherbalism, homeopathy, and rational herbalism. It also offers general guidelines in the use of herbal medicines, herbal dosage forms, and herbal medicine information sources. This chapter contains excellent background information on terminology, general principles of herbal medicine, and guidelines for using herbs as medicine.

The second chapter addresses dilemmas and controversies in herbal regulation. Topics include the regulatory "Tower of Babel," a history of drug regulation from 1906 to 1962, problems in implementing safety and efficacy regulations, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) herbal regulatory initiative, and reactions to the FDA's herb regulations. It also contains detailed information on the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act and other proposals for reform. Chapter 2 provides a historical perspective on the development of herbal medicine in the West and links them to some of the more important current issues in using herbal medicine. The material is straightforward and enjoyable to read.

Chapter 3 provides a clear and concise introduction to the third section of the book, which is concerned with the therapeutic uses of herbs for a variety of disorders. Its principal role is to lay out the organizational structure of the remainder of the text, which is divided into major body systems, their disorders, and the treatment of those disorders.

The body systems are as follows: digestive system (chapter 4); kidney, urinary tract, and prostate (chapter 5); respiratory system (chapter 6); cardiovascular system (chapter 7); nervous system (chapter 8); endocrine and metabolic systems (chapter 9); arthritic and musculoskeletal disorders (chapter 10); problems of the skin, mucous membranes, and gingiva (chapter 11); and performance and immune deficiencies (chapter 12). Each chapter lists a number of different medical problems or disorders. In each case the authors first discuss the pathophysiology of the condition and then list the herbs most useful in treating those disorders. Classifications of phytomedicines in this book are based on their principal therapeutic use, and numerous references are included in the discussions of the various herbs. The information is well presented and includes useful discussions of the efficacy, pros and cons, and the safe use of phytomedicines.

This is a unique book, one that provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic use of phytomedicines, with substantial literature and references. Its organization as well as its content is cohesive, comprehensive, and straightforward. Its use of systems and disorders as the basis from which to discuss the use of herbs makes it a more practical reference for clinicians or patients than many books previously published on the subject.

This text is a worthy successor and companion to Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies, 4th edition, an alphabetically arranged classification of phytomedicines. Together, the 2 works provide a solid reference source for clinicians and patients who are interested in particular herbs and their medicinal uses.

Bob Chen, PT, PhD
New York University
New York, NY

Dr Chen is Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. He teaches classes on critical inquiry and clinical decision making, human movement, and kinesiology.