Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults 

by Janet Zand, Allan Spreen, James B. Lavelle
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews
A particularly comprehensive, well-laid-out addition to the spate of recent guides to medical and alternative health resources. This covers conventional medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, Bach flower remedies, acupressure, aromatherapy, and therapeutic nutritional measures. Naturopath Zand (also trained in Oriental medicine and acupuncture), physician Spreen (whose particular interest is nutrition as therapy), and pharmacologist LaValle explain the history and philosophy underlying each therapeutic modality. Dr. Edward Bach's system of flower remedies originated at the turn of the century, for instance, on the theory that ``physical problems were secondary to emotional problems that physical illness was a manifestation of emotional imbalance.''. Then, for each of an exhaustive list of illsranging in severity from black eyes to melanomathe authors provide comprehensive suggestions for help. For instance, Lyme and other tick-borne diseases must be treated by conventional medicine with antibiotics first of all, but dietary measures will help (high fluid intake, plenty of well-cooked whole grains and fresh vegetables), calcium and magnesium supplements may help relieve achiness; and possible herbal supports include cat's claw, garlic, goldenseal, and oregano. There are appropriate cautions throughoutthese together with the wealth of possibilities make clear the need for the assistance of a knowledgeable health practitioner. Thorough and understandable, this is a useful all-purpose reference. (First printing of 100,000; $250,000 ad/promo) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. 

Book Description 
Smart Medicine for Healthier Living opens with an overview of the history, fundamentals, and uses of conventional medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupressure, diet, and nutritional supplements. The core of the book is a comprehensive listing of health ailments, from the common cold to tuberculosis. Each problem receives a clear explanation and specific advice on various approaches to treatment. Highlighted emergency treatments are included for quick reference, and readers are advised when... read more 

If you only buy one book on Natural Medicine, this is it!, January 4, 2001 
Reviewer: Vicki M. Pasterik (see more about me) from Mars, PA USA
We have both this book and the Healthier Child book. They are now dog eared from being used so much. Very well written in a format that is easy to use. I recommend this to everyone. It has saved us a lot of money on doctor visits!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
Great all-around resource, August 30, 1999 
Reviewer: Hillari Dowdle (see more about me) from Knoxville, Tennessee
I'm a fan of books about health, and have quite a large collection. This has quickly become one of my favorites, due to its well-balanced combination of traditional (allopathic) and alternative medical advice. It's unique in this way-most other health books are either all alternative, or all traditional (despite the fact that the majority of Americans are combining the two approaches). I consider this book an information integrator that helps me see all our choices for health and wellness, to weigh the merits of very different approaches and make informed decisions. It will be under the Christmas tree for many of my friends and loved ones this year. 

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
This Book Is A "Must-Own", July 14, 1999 
Reviewer: dosamigos11@home.com (see more about me) from San Diego
This book is superior to all other nutrition books I have read. It addresses the most modern health issues, the newest scientific studies, and the "hottest" nutrition crazes in a clear and concise manner. Other books tend to ignore these topics or are simply too outdated to rely on. If you're interested in health (which everyone should be) then this book will be your bible. 

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Dr. Zand has done it again!, June 28, 1999 
Reviewer: A reader
Dr. Zand has done it again!! Dr. Zand, a naturopath, has teamed up with Allan Spreen, an MD, and James LaValle, a pharmacist, to offer the bridge between conventional western medicine and natural medicine that so many of us are eager to cross. Incredibly thorough, amazingly concise, Smart Medicine for Healthier Living delivers valuable information in an open, thoughtful manner that is encouraging for the beginner as well mentally stimulating for veteran students and users of complimentary medicine. 

In the first segment of this three-part book, the authors give a "nuts and bolts" description of various natural and conventional healing modalities, such as conventional drug therapy, aromatherapy, nutrition and acupressure, just to name a few. Part two offers an extensive list of common health problems, listed alphabetically, along with the ideal drug, herbal, nutritional, and homeopathic remedies to treat each complaint. Part three discusses how to apply different therapies and procedures, both natural and conventional, such as administering an acupressure treatment, or taking your temperature. This book is as easy to use as it is informative and engaging. It is simply a must for every one who wants to create a healthier life!