Ethnomedicine encompasses the aspects of anthropology, sociology, biology and medicine, and is embraced by a cultural, sectoral or regional frame. Primarily it deals with the study and practice of traditional medicines, not only the written sources. In countries where the leading health care system is based on allopathic medicine, or where traditional medicine (TM) has not been incorporated into the national health care system, TM is often termed complementary , alternative or non-conventional medicine. Against this backdrop, the present book has been conceived with the objective of providing a practical know-how of the global perspectives in Ethnomedicine. The focus of this book is the perception and context of use of traditional medicines, and their main aspects of interest, according to the countries or regions where they originate from and are being practiced. Traditional systems of treatment, based on medicinal plants, are playing an important role in providing health care to a large section of population, especially in the developing countries. Interest in them and utilization of herbal products based on them are increasing in developed countries also. To obtain optimum benefit and to understand the way these systems function, it is necessary to have a minimum basic information on their different aspects. The book is expected to be of use for development professionals, especially those dealing with the development issues pertinent to indigenous communities, over and above healthcare administrators, researchers including economists, applied anthropologists and other social scientists.