Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers a practical introduction to pharmacists about the rapidly expanding arena of complementary and integrative medicine. It could easily serve as an introductory textbook for pharmacists because it features clear writing, bullet points, and numerous charts and graphs that lend themselves to learning, memorizing, and preparing for multiple-choice tests.
The content is divided into 4 major parts: an overview of concepts in complementary and alternative medicine (including definitions of “integrative” medicine, the more current term); natural products such as homeopathic remedies, herbs, aromatherapy, and flower remedies; traditional healing practices from China and India; and manual and mind-body therapies. Extensive resources are provided in each section, making it easy to find the professional organizations and Internet sites for each type of therapy. Kayne does an admirable job of maintaining a balanced, neutral stance—neither an advocate nor a critic, yet an insightful, engaging, clear teacher.