A report in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association quests the safety of some ayurvedic herbs, specifically, those called rasa shastra, which combine herbs with gems and metals. Writer and career coach Joanne Mallon reviews a comprehensive book that sets out the hazards and benefits of herbal medicines from a range of traditions.
This is a serious, informative book with ambitious intent. Written by doctors 
experienced in both Western (allopathic) and traditional medicines, it's a compendium of facts about Chinese, Afro-Caribbean, Unani and Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
The book addresses the fact that, whilst more and more of us may be using traditional medicines, we may not fully understand what it is we're taking.
The hazards of herbs
You may assume that if a remedy is natural, then it must be safer than some nasty, icky chemically produced drug.
But that's not necessarily the case - as this book shows when it sets out the benefits and potential hazards of traditional medicines. So if you're taking a herbal medicine and want to find out more about it, this is the reference book to consult.
Structure
It opens with a chapter on common medical disorders, giving a range of both allopathic and herbal treatments.
This is followed by an A to Z guide of commonly used herbs, which is full of surprising information. Did you know pineapple can be used to treat burns? You do now.
There are also separate sections on precautions to take during pregnancy, and how herbs can affect other forms of medical treatment.
One for the professionals
The text is scholarly and serious, so If you are the kind of person who chuckles at the mention of ingredients such as Unicorn Root, then this probably isn't the book for you. The lack of illustration also lets it down slightly and makes it a little less than a totally comprehensive guide.
The thorough index means that you can easily find out information by symptoms or by name of medicine. Over all, this is a handy reference book for practitioners, even those who don't currently prescribe herbal medicines. Chances are your patients may be using them, so you need to know what's what.
Traditional Herbal Medicines - a guide to their safer use by Dr Lakshman Karalliedde and Dr Indika Gawarammana is published by Hammersmith Press priced £19.99.
Joanne Mallon is a life and career coach and writer based in Brighton. She blogs at: http://joannemallon.typepad.com/joanne_the_coach/
Joanne can be emailed at info@joannemallon.com
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