The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook: Forty Natural Prescriptions for Perfect Health

Not in opposition to, but (surprisingly) in conjunction with impressive advances in the medical sciences, growing numbers of people are seeking gentle botanical methods for treating illnesses. Coauthors David Simon, M.D., and Deepak Chopra, M.D., attribute this "herbal renaissance" to our thriving information age and the resulting self-empowered "patients" who aren't nearly so patient as they once were. In celebration of this integrated healing approach, one that involves treating the mind and spirit as well as the body, Simon and Chopra fully describe the 40 most frequently herbs used in their Chopra Center for Well Being in La Jolla, California.

Simon and Chopra's approach draws heavily on Ayurveda, India's ancient medical system that honors the dynamic exchange of energy between humans and the entire universe. They discuss their holistic approach to healing, provide a self-guided test to assess current health, and offer insights on treating problems related to digestion, emotion, metabolism, energy, and more. These thoughts easily carry over into the second part of the book, the herb guide. Simple pencil drawings of each leafy specimen accentuate the written details: scientific research substantiating the herb's healing properties, ancient and modern uses, current available forms, doses, and wise precautions. Along with such practical information, the authors offer an Ayurvedic perspective, briefly outlining each herb's effects on pitta (metabolism/"fire"), kapha (structure/"earth"), and vata (motion/"wind"). Throughout the book, the two authors beautifully interweave fact, anecdote, and analogy to make for an informative, delightful collection. --Liane Thomas