4 stars (Important work if one understands its place) - This is an important work, helping to document the validity of herbal medicine. However, it is not an all-encompassing work and obviously isn't referenced. Nevertheless, the German Commission E's method of publishing monographs based on the information gathered from companies, researchers, and practitioners (but apparently kept confidential) serves a useful purpose. It is always helpful to consult this text to get some solid conformation for common traditional uses. Every practitioner and researcher should have this book, though it certainly cannot be used in a vacuum. 2 stars (Huge Disappointment!) - I had hoped this book could be my benchmark for herbal information. What I found was a book that was hard to use with little useful information. ... Otherwise, Facts and Comparisions' Review of Natural Products is a better choice. 5 stars (The Most Solid and Dependable Work on the Market) - I have worked with herbs for many decades and have shelves and shelves full of works on Herbs and Healing. The German Commission E Monographs is still an often used Reference that in my oppinion belongs on everyone's shelf who works with Herbs. True, it does not cover all that the herbs are capable of and due to lack of proof, many wonderful herbs are not approved, BUT, and this is most important, whatever you find in this book is scientifically proven and you can believe it. I VERY strongly recomend this book, and the CD as well. Whenever you explore a new herb, or need to know facts, check it out in the Commission E Monographs. Then you have a very good outline from where you can start to work with, and together with other herbals get to know and experiment to arrive at your own conclusion. And that is not to mention the inclusion of interaction with other drugs, side effects, mode of administration, active composition for each monograph and different chapters that cover all that is important. A MUST for every practition... Lippincott Williams - Wilkins :: Therapeutic use :: Materia medica :: Vegetable :: Herbs :: Herbal Medications :: Health&Fitness :: Health & Fitness :: Germany :: Food Content Guides :: Diet & Health & :: The Complete German Commission E Monographs- Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines
5 stars (The Chinese medicinal products bible - required reading) - At last, Bensky et al. third edition is finally out and what a vast source of knowledge it is. For anyone using Chinese medicinal products, this really is your bible. Massively expanded from the 2nd edition, there are hundreds more many medicinal products included. Wonderfully categorised, excellently explained, beautifully illustrated and well indexed, this text allows all readers to easily source detailed information on hundred of medicinal products used in Chinese medicine. Required reading for all Chinese medicine doctors and those wanting to learn more about Chinese medicinal products. Can't wait for Bensky et al. `Formulas and Strategies' 2nd edition! ... Eastland Pr :: Therapeutics :: Science&Mathematics :: Science :: Medicine :: Chinese :: Medicinal plants :: Materia medica :: China :: Chemistry - General :: Lilian Lai Bensky :: Andrew :: Chinese Herbal Medicine- Materia Medica- Third Edition