This is the first chapterbook on herbal medicine for doctors , it will not cover other alternative therapies. The intention of the book is intended to clarify what herbal and other plant therapy has been proven effective and what is wishful remains conjecture. Information comes from a variety of sources including traditional use, scientific study, folk use and anecdotal accounts. All too often the testimonial approach or pseudo science is used to promote a new trend in herbal prescribing. These approaches do make us sceptical of the whole concept of herbal therapy. We should however remember that many orthodox treatments are of plant origin and that traditional treatment, which has evolved over thousands over yearof years, is likely to have benefit. With improved and standardized herbal medicine production scientific studies are now being carried out. It is likely that some herbal treatments will be proven effective and adopted into mainstream medicine. Key features: * Written from a medical viewpoint * Provides scientific background to herbal medicine * Covers diverse medical subjects such as rheumatology, cardiology, dermatology and oncology and many others * Provides much needed information for doctors whose patients may be self prescribing herbal medications * Provides the latest information on evidence based tests