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Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytochemicals.

Dean, College of Agriculture
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytochemicals. James E. Robbers, PhD, Varro E. Tyler, PhD, ScD. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.

The new edition of Tyler’s Herbs of Choice is well written, informative and entertaining. The style of the presentation identifying clinical applications of herbs to clinical disorders makes the book very interesting.

An introduction describes the basic principles of herbal nomenclature, quality characteristics, differences between herbs and drugs and general guidelines for the use of herbal medicines. The second chapter reviews the regulatory situation from 1906 to 1962, placing emphasis on efficacy and safety and, most recently, the DSHEA. The authors also make recommendations for reform. The third chapter describes the contents and use of the remaining nine review chapters.

The application chapters are based on the physiological systems and their related disorders: digestive system; kidney, urinary tract and prostrate problems; respiratory problems; cardiovascular system; nervous system disorders; endocrine and metabolic problems; arthritic and musculoskeletal disorders; problems of the skin, mucous membranes and gingiva; and performance and immune deficiencies. Recent references are cited throughout. The authors have merged clinical literature information on medicinal herbs and plant applications with the known phytochemical uses to relieve or cure health problems based on historical and cultural records. The systematic presentation of disorders and the herbal and plant materials used and the clear presentation of potential efficacy and differences in mild problems versus severe disorders are very useful. The key word index is especially thorough, enhancing the ease of locating either a disorder or a specific herbal remedy.

The text will be useful to the consumer and student, since it is easily read, and the health professional, since it is scientifically sound, and useful to both, since it provides current information. The text could be employable in undergraduate nutrition, pre-medicine or pharmacy, or other elective courses, as the basis of a reading discussion interactive course. It is a great complement to Tyler’s Honest Herbal, while providing a more thorough presentation of specific health applications.

A constructive criticism would be that the book does not contain pictures of the herbs or plants to enhance the perspective of the origin of the products being described. Several examples are included on the fly-leaf which serve as an model for a more thorough inclusion.

Those interested in herbal and plant medicines should read this book. They will refer to it often.

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