Enhanced Herb Guide Accredited Through 2008: Free CME for Physicians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Release

(Austin, TX, November 30, 2005) The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs (© 2003 American Botanical Council) has been enhanced with the addition of a new chapter on Elder berry (Sambucus nigra L.), an herb primarily used for symptoms associated with influenza and colds. Further enhancements to this reference book and continuing education module include the extension of credit for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and dietitians. In addition, CME credits for physicians are now offered at no charge by the new accredited provider, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and the American Botanical Council. Previously, the CME credits were $20.

The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs answers key questions physicians and other health professionals have about the relevance of herbs to modern medicine. The work features a comprehensive monograph on each herb including a table of clinical studies, a clinical overview for quick reference to key issues regarding safe, therapeutic use, and a simplified information sheet for consumers and patients that includes descriptions, uses, cautionary information, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosages. A separate chapter covers 13 proprietary herbal products that have undergone clinical studies.

Physicians earn up to 13.5 Category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Pharmacists earn up to 12 contact hours through the Texas Pharmacy Association and approved by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. Nurses earn up to 10 contact hours provided by the Texas Nurses Association. Dietitians earn up to 12 CE hours provided by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association, through Texas State University - San Marcos. Naturopathic physicians are also eligible to receive continuing education credit.

The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs is available for $69.95 plus shipping and handling directly from ABC (members receive 50% off of all ABC Publications), or through ABC’s exclusive worldwide trade distributor, Thieme New York, 800-782-3488 or 212-760-0888, Fax 212-947-1112, www.thieme.com.

About the American Botanical Council

Established in 1988, the American Botanical Council (ABC) is the leading nonprofit, member-based international organization working to educate consumers, healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, industry, and the media on the safe and effective use of herbs and medicinal plant products. ABC is located on a 2.5 acre site in Austin, Texas where it publishes HerbalGram, a peer-reviewed quarterly journal. More information is available at http://www.herbalgram.org/.

Reference:

New Reference Book Clarifies Safe and Effective Use of Herbal Medicines for Disease Prevention and Treatment [press release] Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; May 2, 2003.

Editor’s Note: Mark Blumenthal is available for interviews. Please contact Nancy Moon for scheduling.

AMERICAN BOTANICAL COUNCIL
P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX 78714-4345
Phone: 512-926-4900 x121; Fax: 512-926-234
Contact: Nancy Moon
Email: the American Botanical CouncilWeb site: http://www.herbalgram.org/