The everything guide to herbal remedies : an easy-to-use reference for natural health care
(Book)

Top ten ways to ease herbs into your health care routine -- Introduction -- I. What is herbal medicine? (The history of herbal healing -- Principles and traditions -- The chemistry of plants -- The evolution of herbal medicine -- How herbs can complement conventional medicine -- Other healing (herbal) modalities -- Healing foods -- Why herbal medicine works) -- 2. Herbs and their actions (Types of herbs -- Tonics and adaptogens -- Analgesics : natural pain relief -- Fighting inflammation -- Infection-fighting antimicrobials -- Herbal antioxidants -- Herbs to aid digestion -- Natural cough relief -- Sedatives and stimulants -- Mood boosters) -- 3. Herbs for women (Women are different -- Herbs for women's health -- Breast health -- Menstrual issues -- Female-specific infections -- Sexual health and fertility -- Pregnancy -- Menopause) -- 4. Herbs for men (Men are different -- Men's herbalism -- Sexual functioning -- Fertility and infertility -- Prostate health -- Sleep problems) -- 5. Older adults (Living longer, and better? -- Seniors and health -- Cardiovascular concerns -- Maintaining your vision -- Healthy bones and joints -- Keeping your mind sharp) -- 6. Caring for kids (Children and herbal remedies -- Common kids' concerns -- Bringing up Baby -- Children's skin conditions -- Tips for toddlers -- Emotional and behavioral problems -- Kids, colds, and flu -- Other childhood infections -- The grade school years -- Teenagers) -- 7. Chronic diseases and conditions (The problem of chronic disease -- How herbs can help -- Cardiovascular disease -- The epidemic of diabetes -- Liver disease -- Cancer -- "Mystery" diseases) -- 8. Treating aches and pains (The anatomy of an injury -- Herbal helpers -- Chronic inflammation -- Back pain -- Muscle aches, sprains, and strains -- Headaches) -- 9. Taming allergies and asthma (What's behind the symptoms? -- The allergic response -- Allergic rhinitis -- Skin allergies -- Food allergies -- Asthma) -- 10. Managing psychological and emotional issues (A complex problem -- The mind/body connection -- Conventional versus herbal treatment -- Handling stress -- Halting anxiety -- Depression and other mood disorders -- Attention difficulties -- Alcohol and other addictions) --

11. Improving digestion (The details of digestion

Acid indigestion and heartburn

Ulcers

Gas and flatulence

Constipation

Diarrhea

Nausea and vomiting

Food intolerances

Chronic digestive disorders)

12. Strengthening immunity (Immunity and the immune response

Immune function and disease

Herbs : your immune system's best friend

Sneezes, sniffles, and sore throats

Common viral infections

Bacterial infections

Fungal infections

Immunodeficiency disorders)

13. The herbal medicine chest (Building a better medicine chest

Pain relievers

Better cold and flu remedies

Tummy treatments

Preventing sunburns

Beating sleeplessness

Soothing skin inflammation

Oral care)

14. Emergencies and first aid (Hurry! Do something!

Herbal alternatives

Bumps and bruises

Burns and sunburns

The travails of travel

Scrapes, cuts, and other abrasions

Sprains and strains

Itching and scratching)

15. Self-care and beauty (How herbs can help your looks

Healthy hair 101

Basic, and better, hair care

Coloring and styling

Dealing with dandruff

Too oily? Too dry?

Halting hair loss

Acne and oily skin

Saving face)

16. Diet, exercise, and weight management (Weight (and overweight)

You do the math

Herbs for weight loss

Building strength and endurance

Energy to burn

Herbs and a healthy diet)

17. Safety and efficacy (Regulation : who's minding the (herb) store?

What is, and isn't, on the label

Research and scientific proof

The question of standardization

Medical concerns

Special groups

Actions and interactions

The issues of allergies

How to stay safe)

18. Putting herbs to work (How herbs are sold

Many considerations

Know what the pros know

Smart shopping

Working with a professional

Putting the pieces together

Practical advice)

19. Making your own herbal remedies (Homemade healing

Therapeutic teas

Sweet-tasting syrups

Tinctures

Infused oils and ointments

Beauty blends)

Appendix A. Common health concerns ; Appendix B. Popular herbs A-Z.