The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines

"The monographs lack any sort of scientific references. A true reference manual should list references so the reader can verify the conclusions made."
~ Written on 1999-09-04

"I love this book. I have yet to come across such a comprehensive manual that covers all of what we know about herbs to date. The German Commission E has been the leading group to study and report the beneficial effects and bad side effects, in some cases, of herbs since the 70's. With the explosion of alternative medicine in America, and with everybody and their brother claiming to be a nutritionist or herbalist (whatever that means) and understand herbs, we need a manual like this that tells the truth. This book also standardizes what the appropriate dosages of certain herbs are to help with certain ailments. I don't know about you, but I get a different dosage recommendation on every bottle and from every so called herbalist I meet. This is because the FDA does not require studies to be done on herbs and supplements in the US. Thus, we can only turn to what Germany has been doing for over 20 years to study these wonderful plants, because Germany does require that their use, dosage information and side effects be studied before they can be given to the public. Just because someone claims wonderful benefits from an herb or that it has been used for years does not mean there are no side effects. Marijuana and cocaine are natural and have been used for years too - I think the side effects have been well demonstrated. It is nice to have a reference that puts my mind to ease about whether what I'm putting in my body will help or harm me."
~ Written on 1999-06-25

"If you want to know how German doctors use herbs as alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, this is the book for you. If you are an herbalist, or just want to understand the wonders of medicinal plants, don't bother with this book. For example, yarrow, known to be a favorite of herbalists the world over, is listed with "not recommended" due to lack of research, even though it has been used for over 3000 years in multiple cultures, and has over a dozen medicinal therapeutic actions. Save your money."
~ Written on 1999-04-12

"This English translation of the German Commission E monographs belongs in every hospital drug information center. Its high price probably prohibits many people from buying it for their personal libraries. The monographs are relatively short; each includes a section of composition of the drug, use, contraindications, side effects, interactions with other drugs, dosage, mode of administration, duration of action, and actions. Depending on the drug, some monographs include information on pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, use in pregnancy/lactation, and (I like this as a special section!) "effects on operators of vehicles and machinery". In addition, products which are NOT recommended for use have a final section entitled "Evaluation", which explains the reasoning. There are many charts and tables laying out uses/approved indications, taxonomic references, side effects, etc etc etc. This is not exactly your light bedtime reading, but it's a great reference."
~ Written on 1999-01-24