The Encyclopedia of Complementary and Alternative Medicine provides a comprehensive source of definitions, explanations, case studies, and perspectives on homeopathic therapies from ancient times to the present. According to a Stanford University National Survey, 69 percent of Americans have used non-conventional therapies in recent years. Additionally, 60 percent of physicians have referred patients to complementary care practitioners, and 64 percent of medical schools offer training in alternative treatments. Interest in the subject is at an all-time high in the United States, and many health care providers have begun including such treatments as part of their standard coverage. The Encyclopedia of Complementary and Alternative Medicine includes more than 400 entries, written for general readers but authoritative enough to be of use to the professional. It provides detailed descriptions of alternative practices, how they work, who developed them, anecdotal evidence, and what to look for when seeking a professional. The author, a journalist, presents the information objectively and allows readers to decide if complementary medicines are right for them. Appendixes include a directory of organizations, a bibliography and sources for further research, a list of herbs and supplements, and a timeline of complementary and alternative therapies.