Scientific, Fact-Filled Alternative Medicine Handbook

This is one large book (870 pages!), filled with massive amounts of information regarding vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other nutrients, and their effect on various diseases. Keep in mind this is a reference guide, primarily for clinicians, so it is not a book one would read through cover-to-cover.

The first section consists of nutrients, listed in alphabetical order. After each nutrient Null lists different diseases that a particular nutrient treats, backed by summaries of various scientific studies. He also provides the references, so one can easily look up the studies for him or herself. The studies come directly from scientific journals. For instance, looking under Zinc, we find that Zinc is beneficial for acne, and Zinc Sulfate and Vitamin A "significantly reduced" the number of papules, pustules, and infiltrates within 4 weeks. This is from a 1977 study found in "Arch Dermatol," i.e. the "Archives of Dermatology" journal.

The next four sections are: Herbal Superstars (well-known herbs), Additional Herbs, Therapeutic Amino Acids, and Essential Amino Acids. These are laid out just like the first section.

The next section consists of various fruits and vegetables and their phytochemical content. For instance, cabbage has over three pages worth of chemicals listed, from 1-cyano-2,3-epithiopropane to Zirconium (at anywhere from 1.4 to 203 ppm). Then Null lists each phytochemical alphabetically referenced to its therapeutic properties. Then he lists different herbal properties (such as "antiviral") followed by herbs that fall under that category.

Appendix A lists anti-aging nutrients (listed in the same manner as section one). Appendix B consists of recommended dosages of various nutrients and herbs. Finally appendix C consists of studies showing the potential misuse of supplements, and what overdoses might look like.

Overall, this book will be useful primarily to the clinician, but others may be interested as well. I am not a clinician, but interested in alternative medicine and the science behind it. No other health book has satisfied my interest as well as this book. My only complaint is that Null sometimes overlooks negative studies, but appendix C does remedy this to some degree.

Rating:


Exceedingly useful reference

One of the problems in the natural medicines industry is the lack of peer reviewed, clinically proven information. The book is an excellent reference for anyone working in the natural medicines field. We find it especially useful in cutting down research time.

Rating: