Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook

From The Critics

Reviewer: Corinna L Rizzi, RN, MA, CS(Private Practice)
Description: This is a reference guide providing practical information on close to 300 herbs used today. In a quick and easily accessible format, the herbs are listed in alphabetical order by their commonly known names. Each monograph highlights information on actions, uses, dosage, adverse reactions, and herb-drug interactions.
Purpose: This nursing handbook is intended to be used as a readily accessible resource that can be consulted during patient assessments. It is designed for patient teaching purposes so that nurses can educate patients on the herbs they may be using and any possible interactions with prescribed medications. Since the use of herbal medicine is so widespread, this handbook is an essential and much needed comprehensive guide that allows nurses to immediately locate important factual information on all aspects of herbal medicine.
Audience: It is written for nurses in all practice settings at all levels and specialties who provide patient care. Noteworthy experts in herbal medicines, consultants and contributors, pharmacists and nurses wrote and reviewed this book.
Features: The handbook covers most any herb the nurse will encounter, along with providing helpful patient-teaching advice to give to patients. Each herb is listed alphabetically according to popular name followed by other alternative popular names and common trade names. Herb monographs include nine headings. Under the heading, "How supplied," is a description of the forms in which the herb is available, for example, capsules, tablets, elixirs, teas, tinctures, along with ranges of dosages and strength. "Actions and components" covers mechanism of action. "Uses" addresses purpose of the herb and why used. "Dosage and administration" gives information on forms of herb as well as reported efficacious dosage. "Adverse reactions" that may occur are organized according to body systems. "Interactions" are categorized by herb-drug, herb-herb, herb-food, and herb-lifestyle. "Cautions" are potential contraindications. "Nursing considerations" highlight cautionary and life threatening toxicity and effects with a special "ALERT" logo as well as cautionary tips. Lastly, the patient teaching section focuses on educational points for patients taking the specific herb. The book concludes with tables on supplemental vitamin and minerals, herb-drug interactions, herbs by common uses, a unique table on the monitoring of laboratory values for patients using herbs, and appendixes on references, herbal resource list, glossary, and index.
Assessment: Every nurse needs to have this superbly done compendium of herbal medicine. It includes the most essential information to educate, advise, and guide patients on their use of herbs. How remarkable to find detailed information literally at your fingertips!

5 Stars! from Doody