Herbal Medicine: An Integrated Approach

Herbal medicine, also known as herbalism, is the study of plants which have medicinal uses. It also involves the cultivation of herbs, diagnosis of health conditions as well as the preparation and dispensation of herbal medicines for treating different conditions. There are various forms through which drugs can be administered such as herbal teas, infusions, decoctions and tinctures. Herbal teas are made by decocting herbs in hot water. Infusions are hot water extracts of herbs. Decoctions are long-term boiled extracts of substances like bark or root. Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. Herbal medicine sometimes also includes fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and some specific animal parts. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of herbal medicine. It consists of contributions made by international experts. This book will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field.