Herb and Dietary Supplement Information

The H.E.R.B.A.L. Guide will greatly assist clinicians in counseling patients about use of herbal and dietary supplements and integrating these supplements into the comprehensive clinical management of common conditions. The opening section offers practical advice on the clinician-patient dialogue about supplements. Subsequent chapters discuss key issues regarding labeling, dosing, regulation, interactions and reactions, efficacy, clinical trials, and the role of each member of the health care team in management of supplements. Major sections present case studies of patients with common conditions and quick reference guides to the use of natural medicines in clinical management of specific disorders.

Whether you initiate alternative therapies for children, or simply need to respond when asked for information or advice, it's crucial to have the most current, evidence-based information so that you can safely and effectively integrate CAM therapies with conventional treatment. This innovative and reliable reference is the ideal resource to have at hand. With its focus on integrating conventional medicine with the best complementary therapies for children, it familiarizes you with the scientific evidence and rationales for various CAM therapies, and clearly describes how to use them, in conjunction with conventional medicine. You'll find the information you need to distinguish among those therapies with good evidence, those that are safe but not yet proven to be effective, and those contraindicated for certain conditions. Covers a wide range of complementary and alternative therapies, focusing on those most often utilized with children: mind-body approaches (hypnosis, mind/body, probiotics, spirituality); manual therapies (chiropractic, massage, osteopathy, psychological); lifestyle approaches (nutrition, Qigong); alternative systems (homeopathy, naturopathy); energy medicine (acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal, laser, magnets); and biological agents (Chinese and Western herbs and probiotics). 57 of the most common pediatric conditions are comprehensively discussed, first with a focus on conventional diagnostic and treatment information, then with authoritative information on the most effective and evidence-based CAM therapies available for treatment of the condition. Presents an integrative approach, combining conventional and alternative therapies. Helps you answer questions relevant to today's patients, such as giving echinacea for a cold, the use of acupuncture to treat ADHD, and which alternative therapies may be used to avoid side effects of conventional medication.