Janet Zand, ND, OMD, LAc, is the cofounder and formulator of ZAND Herbal Formulas. She is a nationally respected author, lecturer, practitioner, and nutritional product developer whose work has helped thousands of people achieve better health. She is a naturopathic physician, a doctor of oriental medicine, and a board and nationally certified acupuncturist. Ms. Zand lectures across the country, speaking on natural medicine to both health-care professionals and the general public. Allan N. Spreen, MD, CNC, received his medical degree from East Tennessee State University Medical School. Dr. Spreen later established a successful nutrition therapy practice in Jacksonville, Florida, where he provided alternatives for patients intolerant of or unsuccessful with conventional drug therapies. He then went on to found The Nutrition PhysicianTM, a nutrition therapy information service that offers guidance for those seeking drug-free nutritional alternatives. He now writes, speaks, and consults full time to disseminate nutrition therapy information. Dr. James B. LaValle, RPh, DHM, CCN, is a nationally recognized figure in the field of natural therapeutics. He served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati College for fourteen years and currently serves as Adjunct Professor in Metabolic Medicine at the University of South Florida Medical School. He has written and developed hundreds of articles and seminars for health-care professionals and is the author of seventeen books.
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 ills - ranging in severity from black eyes to melanoma - the 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 throughout - these 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. (Kirkus Reviews)