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Alternative Health/Herbs

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Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
PB; 1998; 545 pages.
As an herbalist I am often asked for the best book for a beginner. This is the one of those I recommend. The book is beautifully illustrated and touches on all the most important aspects of herbalism: medicinal, culinary, cosmetic, craft, each one's history and an important list of herbs which are dangerous for home use.








The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
Valerie Ann Worwood; PB; 1991; 423 pages.
One of the best books I've seen on this subject and well worth the price. The author covers every area of essential oil use in the home including medicinal.








Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses
Deni Brown; HC; 1995. This is the other book I recommend for beginners, but belongs on the expert's shelf as well. Herb books don't get any more comprehensive than this offering sponsored by the Herb Society of America. More than 1500 herb photographs combined with descriptions of well over 1000 species, varieties and cultivars. Sections include garden design, myth, folklore and an A to Z encyclopedia that will answer any herb question you may have.








An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children & Infants
Mary Bove, N.D.; PB; 1996;
Authoritative books dealing with alternative health for infants and children are not in abundance. I really like this one. It's set up in the easy to use A to Z encyclopedic system and full of sound remedies with a good nutritional basis.








Prescription for Nutritional Healing
James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; PB; 1996 2nd edition.
One of the most used books on my shelves. Written by medical professionals and the cover says it all: A practical A-Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs and food supplements.








Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
Richard H. Pitcairn; PB; 383 pages; 1995.
For holistic veterinary care there are two books I turn to on my bookshelf and this is one of them. Every aspect...from birth onward is covered. And if you're concerned about commercial dog foods, there are plenty of good recipes too.








Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
Michael T. Murray/Joseph E. Pizzarno.
This is not just another encyclopedia. This one really is encycloped-ic. Full coverage on all major and minor health issues that will confront a family.








The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat
Juliette De Bairacli Levy. This is the other holistic veterinary book that I keep on my shelves. Ms. Levy is considered to be the Grande Dame of holistic animal care in Great Britain....the land that loves it's animals. I love the way this one is set up and the full instructions for dealing with all problems you may encounter. I also like the way she has the herbal Materia medica indexed. It's not always a given that you can give a dog or cat the same herbs that you can give a human so her expertise in this area is invaluable. My copy is an old edition and well worn now which means I use it...a lot.








New Low Blood Sugar and You Carlton Fredericks; PB; 253 pages.
Hypoglycemia aka low blood sugar is a condition which is still not generally recognized by the medical community. As a result someone suffering from this condition will receive either no help or very little help. This book fills the gap with great information on the causes and remedies. I have a family member who suffers from this and this book made the difference between leading a normal life and fear of having a recurrence.









©1998 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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