This book is the revised and updated first trade paperback edition of the successful hardback published in 1985. The book aims to provide a concise reference source for both general and professional readers. The work covers herbs in terms of their functional effects on the body, symptoms and diseases - the herbalist's approach and therapeutic classifications of remedies (e.g. astringent, bitter, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory or circulatory stimulant). There is an extensive system of cross-referencing which the reader is encouraged to use.