By: John Chen & Tina Chen ~ This exciting new book is not only the most comprehensive and authoritative text on Chinese Materia Medica to have been published, it is a real value break-through. Each of the 1,266 pages is typeset to deliver the maximum of information in a readable and easily-referenced format. Each of the 670 herbs discussed is treated as a single monograph that presents the nomenclature of the medicinal substance, the Chinese therapeutic actions, dosage, cautions and contraindications, chemical composition, pharmacological effect, clinical studies and research. There are references given for each herb and the author's often add clinically-useful comments. Also discussed are toxicology and herb-drug interactions. The latter subject is of considerable importance now that this topic has been recently (July 14,2003) added to the California license board requirements. The black and white images that accompany each herb discussion also show the substance as professionally prepared for decoction and to scale. The nomenclature includes both traditional and simplified characters for each substance, pinyin, alternate pinyin when applicable, common English name, both the botanical and pharmaceutical latin names for each of the various applicable natural sources. Another excellent feature is the "Using this Book" chapter which details the intent and content of each section of the herbal information. The front matter is completed with a large section of color pictures for herb indentification. The images are of quality substances as they would be found in a professional pharmacy. There is also an overview section that covers the history, nomenclature, classification, growing and harvesting, preparation and processing, characteristics, clinical applications, and the simultaneous use of herbal and pharmaceutical medicines. The remainder of the text is herb-by-herb monographs organized by function: 1. Exterior-Releasing Herbs 2. Heat-Clearing Herbs 3. Downward-Draining Herbs 4. Wind-Damp Dispelling Herbs 5. Aromatic Damp-Dissolving Herbs 6. Water-Regulating and Damp-Resolving Herbs 7. Interior-Warming Herbs 8. Qi-regulating Herbs 9. Digestive Herbs 10. Antiparasitic Herbs 11. Stop-Bleeding Herbs 12. Blood-Invigorating and Stasis-Relieving Herbs 13. Phlegm-Resolving and Coughing- and Wheezing-Relieving Herbs 14. Shen-Calming Herbs 15. Liver-Calming and Wind-Extinguishing Herbs 16. Orifice-Opening Herbs 17. Tonic Herbs 18. Astringent Herbs 19. Emetic Herbs 20. Substances for Topical Application. The text concludes with ten appendices, contemporary and historical bibliographies, a glossary, author biographies and an index. The first five appendices are cross references by T.C.M. diagnoses, biomedical diagnoses, pharmacological effects, single names, and formula names. The last five appendices cover pregnancy-supporting medicinals, cautions and contraindications during pregnancy, dosing guidelines, weights and measures, and endangered species. With contributions by more than fifty academic, clinical, research and regulatory professionals, "Chinese Medical Hebology and Pharmacology" sets a new standard for healthcare professionals, students, educators and researchers. John Chen draws upon his wealth of specialty post-graduate training and experience in herbology as applied in internal medicine in mainland China and on his doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Pharmacy and South Baylo University of Oriental Medicine. He maintains a consulting practice in Southern California. Tina Chen holds certification from the World Health Organization in internal medicine and gynecology. A graduate of South Baylo University of Oriental Medicine, she also earned a B.A. from the University of California at Irvine School of Humanities, in East Asian Language and Literature. She maintains a consulting practice in Southern California.