Both these books set out to show what is known about herb remedies as used in western herbal medicine. Herbs of Choice starts out by defining herbal medicines as drugs in an impure form, where in some cases the active ingredient has not been identified. The authors encourage the use of the pure extract or a synthetic substitute because the dose and effects are more predictable. For example, aspirin is better than an infusion of willow bark. The problems of variability in samples of herbs is described. Different strains of the same species can vary, and even from the same strain there are variations over the seasons. The method of drying and storage conditions can also affect the amount of active ingredient. What the authors call “Paraherbalism”, that is the hype, the false claims, and the antagonism to standard drugs and drug companies that typifies many books and articles on herbal medicine is described. The book then covers common conditions of each of the major body systems, and comments on the effectiveness of various herbal treatments. The conditions covered are those that are likely to be self‐treated. Major conditions, even if there is a herbal remedy, are not dealt with in detail.
The Honest Herbal is a series of monographs on herb plants for which there is at least some evidence of effectiveness for some conditions. Each of the over 130 monographs has a bibliography. There is an index covering conditions, common names and botanical names.
The books are partly a response to the current unsatisfactory situation in the USA where herbal remedies can only be sold as foods, so have no details of use or dose on the packet. The only source of this information is books, many of which contain unproved and doubtful advice. This problem is discussed in Herbs of Choice. This local slant, however, does not detract from the value of the information on the herbs and their use and usefulness. The medicine here is at least to some extent evidence‐based, and there is no hype and no special pleading. Although I have reviewed the two books together they both stand in their own right. People who use herbal medicines may find all they want in Herbs of Choice; those interested in the use and biochemistry of plants will find a lot of information in the Honest Herbal. The books are aimed at the general public, so they are suitable for public library stock. There should also be some sales to herbalists, ethnobotanists, medical practitioners and others interested in general medicine or the use of plants.
