This Month's Book Reviews

50 MOST COMMON MEDICINAL HERBS:
The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs by Heather Boon, PScPhm, PhD, and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND. (Robert Rose Inc., Toronto, Canada, 2004, $19.95, 352 pages)

It seldom happens that one discovers a book equally appropriate and useful for both medical professionals and the everyday reader. This is such a book. Written by licensed pharmacists, this work provides “reliable and authoritative information on the medical use of the most popular herbs found in your local pharmacy or health food store.”

Research has shown that large numbers of people today use various forms of complementary or alternative medicine. Common herbs, once only available in specialty health stores, are now readily available in most supermarkets and drugstores. It becomes imperative that consumers, doctors, and pharmacists learn as much as possible about herbal products. This book is so clearly and simply organized, it is easy for consumers to locate pertinent information about herbs. Its research-based information, including some 75 pages of reference articles, makes it equally useful for pharmacists and doctors.

The authors begin with information about their research sources, legislation related to botanical medicines, and botanical dosage forms (such as capsules, teas, etc.). For both the medical professional and the consumer, a simple “glossary” helps the reader understand botanical medicine terms (like “adaptogen,” “carminative,” “choleretic,” etc., words not in most people’s everyday vocabulary). They also provide a chart that identifies which herbs are traditionally recommended for specific health conditions.

Each of the 50 most common medicinal herbs is presented in an identical, alphabetical format that makes it easy to locate appropriate information. A “front page” names the herb and its Latinate term, and displays a drawing of the botanical. Also here is an outline and summary of the discussions to follow, which include: common uses, active constituents, adverse effects, cautions and contraindications, drug interactions and doses. The book ends with a helpful index. This book is one I intend to keep on my reference book shelf.

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

NO TIME TO LOSE
A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva by Pema Chodron Shambhala Publications, Inc., 2005, 386 pages. $24.95

When Pema Chodron, a Buddhist nun, decided to write a commentary on Shantideva’s text; The Way of the Bodhisattva, she prefaced it by saying according to tradition “one must have advanced spiritual realization or have been directed in a dream to compose such a treatise. Since I unfortunately have neither qualification, I simply offer this teaching with the sincere aspiration that it may help new readers to benefit from Shantideva’s text as much as I have.” With that introduction she begins to tell the story of an ancient Buddhist monk and the timeless wisdom he shared.

The book’s main theme, or Way if you will, is bodhichitta, a Sanskrit term translated as “awakened heart.” It refers to the determined desire to alleviate all suffering, our own first so that we can help others do the same. Shantideva discusses attachments and how we can free ourselves “To bring about the benefit of beings.” He advises attentiveness as a way to recognize our confused emotions, the source of our distress, and then lists the practices that will help lead us to enlightened activity; generosity, discipline, patience, enthusiasm and meditation.

Chodron follows along, explaining and giving current context to the old sage’s work of words. She spends time on the concept; “Practice the equality of self and others.” By contacting our feelings we realize that these same feelings are shared by everyone, they are “just like me.” She illustrates her ideas with stories and quotes from wise individuals who have influenced her over the years. The technique illuminates what could otherwise be a rather difficult text to understand. Chodron even succeeds in her effort to encourage readers to adopt Shantideva’s formidable teachings as part of their practice to live an awakened life—reminding us there is No Time To Lose.

The book closes with beautiful verses of Dedication. Shantideva dedicates any merit he has accumulated from composing the text for the benefit of not only himself but all other beings. Chapter 10, Verse 55 is said to be a favorite of the Dalai Lama:

“And now as long as space endures,
As long as there are beings to be found,
May I continue likewise to remain
To drive away the sorrows of the world.”

Reviewed by Roseann Gabrys
 

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