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I was not quite sure what to expect when I volunteered to take this book. Part of me was expecting to receive a book of spells and potions. I was wrong. This hardcover book is very scientific in its approach to educate the reader. So scientific in fact, it comes off a bit dry and at times hard to read. Nonetheless, it is packed with answers to all of your questions regarding studies of herbal remedies, chemical break down of the plants, and proper dosing. The interesting more anthropological part of the book lies in its descriptions of indigenous peoples and their use of the plants. I even used it to look up some of the remedies I learned about through my family, stemming from Mexico.
Working in biomedical research I can be very skeptical of this type of treatment, but was put at ease throughout the book with the very detailed and evidence-based descriptions. The book also covers logistical and legal considerations as both editors cover preclinical safety testing in Chapter 4. From there the book is broken down geographically into remedies used in various parts of the world, such as the North Americas, South Africa, Asia, and many more. Going from thinking this book was going to be some sort of magic book to a very respectable resource I give this text 3 out of 5 stars. The information might not be used every day, but in a world that is turning to organic and holistic remedies, I can see it becoming increasingly more valuable to the veterinary practitioner. In the least it will be a good reference for the clients that come in and may have already been treating his/her pet with a traditional remedy and is looking for something more. For the veterinary technician or technician student interested in holistic medicine, this may be a good reference manual.
Publisher: CRC Press, 2010
ISBN#: 978-1-4200-4560-4
VIN Bookstore: Currently Unavailable