Home Health Books

This book wasn't what I expected. I wanted homemade cleaning supply recipes made with essential oils along with some of the recipes listed. The book is written in a way that is harder to understand than I expected as well. I wish I would have gotten another one.

With this book on your shelf you'll have an invaluable source of information on the endless uses for essential oils. With helpful examples of everyday-situations Valerie Ann Worwood gives insight on the riches we can get from the plant-kingdom, thanks to the powerful essence we can put to use for most anything. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to share in the secrets of essential oils.

Fanatastic resource book for any one working with Essential Oils and Natural Products! I refer to it as the Bible! Yes, it is that helpful! I make homemade soaps and this book has been an invaluable tool along with several others! I Highly recommend it!

This is a good reference book for the physical aspects of aromatherapy. However all positives stop there. She does not explain the oils and their function or contradictions. There is nothing about the effects of the oils on emotions or moods. The recipes include too many oils as I was taught the more simple the recipe the more effective, I.E no more than three E.O's, this book has recipes that have over 6 different oils, and she fails to explain why the oils in the recipe work. Not one mention of Rosewood or Ylang ylang. I disagree with the selection of oils. Over all I was disappointed with this book. It's a good book for a home remedy kit. Not a good book for an Aromatherapist.

I LOVE essential oils. I started using them after I went into the health food store with a headache I couldn't shake and came out feeling great. I talked with the owner and she told me the names of the essential oils she was using in the store that day and I bought both. I now have probably thirty or more and I have a plastic chart that tells me what each of the oils will do. My little chart is better and easier to read than this book. The index is horrible. I wanted to know about the oils and this book does not do that. Go inside the book, click on the index, and see how many names of oils are there. I tried her remdies for several things---didn't work.

I read the low reviews on this book but I did not listen to them because there were so many great reviews. Now I am back looking for a book on the oils, not on her thoughts. She even goes into the morality of having oils that your employer might use in the air system to get you to behave a certain way. I HATED that---I just want to know about the oils, what they do, what combines well with what---and let me decide how I want to use them. If you want information on oils, this is not the book.

This books was first published in 1981 and again in 1991 and 1999. When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 1995, I became aware of this book and purchased copies for my four siblings and my father. It was a God-send to us; as we learned quite a lot about the desease and the day to day caring for her. One thing I learned was no matter how many times she would repeat and repeat and repeat the same story, I would just say "oh, really" and just let her go on and on. Previously, I would say things like "mom, you already TOLD me this a million times." This would upset her and cause her much agitation. Mom has passed on (12/24/2000), but I like to think we helped her go without a lot of angst and agitation. Please read the book. It has many, many fine points. Thank you. m

If you have a family member with Alzheimers you must read this. It explains what and sometimes why Alzheimers patients act like they do, and how difficult it can be to care for them. Even if you are not a caregiver this will help understand the stresses caused by having a family member with Alzheimers. Also gives good advice on how to deal with difficult circumstances that will arise.

I am a caregiver, and this is very helpful.
It is a great reference book.

It helps to know I am not the only one dealing with these issues.
And that some of the things happening are a completely natural part of the aging process.

This book has been quite a blessing for those times when I need to look something up regarding this illness. I know that I'll find just the help I need and great ideas to make life easier when a family member is dealing with this. It's so great to have a reference book handy that seems to have all the answers I need. I am most grateful for this resource.

My sisters and I come into contact with many people dealing with the devastating disease of Alzheimer's. This book is one that we often recommend. It is important that those with Alzheimer's disease keep active and feel that they are still useful. This book has many ideas for appropriate activites. Mary ... www.alzawareness.com .... Alzheimer's Awareness Source.

This book arrived in a timely manner as promised. It has some great recipes that my husband and I have enjoyed in the last few weeks. Every one that I have made has turned out well except for the Chapati (Next time I will roll the dough into 5" circles instead of 6"-7"). The only issue that I have is that the book is already falling apart. I plan to take it apart, hole-punch the pages, and put it in a binder. In spite of that, I highly recommend this cookbook for all of the delicious recipes that fit in our weight loss plan.

I chose two recipes out of this cookbook -- a Mexican chicken and rice dish and a Greek pasta casserole. The Mexican chicken and rice dish was so spicy, it was unpleasant! The Greek dish had the opposite problem -- it was incredibly bland. Neither one was inedible, but it wasn't anything I'd ever cook again.

I guess I'm in the minority -- I was super unimpressed. My family picked at both meals, and refused to eat the leftovers.

This recipe has all kinds of great recipes. When I started dieting, I was disappointed that I had to give up several of my favorite asian and italian recipes. This great cookbook has several healthy versions of these recipes including general tso's chicken and orange spicy beef.

My only complaint is that the binding for the book isn't good, and pages started falling out almost as soon as I got the book. Maybe I got a defective book, though. Why do they make cookbooks with anything other than spiral binders anyway?

I was hoping that this cookbook had more traditional american take-out recipes, but was disappointed to see too many exotic recipes for my taste.

I was really excited about this getting this book, but I have to say it is not my favorite. First, after using the book just a few times, the binding has cracked - one of the reasons I prefer the binder style cookbook. Also, one of the most common reasons I get take out is because its quick. None of these recipes are really quick. You can also find many of these recipes in other ww cookbooks. Since I got it for such a great price, its not that big of a deal, but there are definately better weight watchers or healthy cooking cookbooks to choose from.

Easy to use, good info, extremely helpful in deciding how quickly to get to the vet.

I got this book with the intent to put it on a shelf and keep it "just in case". What happened instead, though, was that I started reading the first few pages and got sucked in and read (briefly) the entire book. It's not really meant to be read that way, but it's so informative and so well written, that I just stayed interested. I now know a lot more about how dogs work, and I'm much less worried about dealing with potential issues that arise.

Excellent intermediate information for holistic types. Basic recipes for cats and dogs. I have used something simlar for cancer in cats and extended her life over a year using nutritional therapy.

This book is a necessity if you have a pup. If you have a dog suffering certain symptoms, this book clearly, quickly and thoroughly describes the actions to take: do you need a vet, or is a home remedy available? I have a new puppy and an adult Golden Retriever. The puppy--rescued from the pound--developed kennel cough which, at first I diagnosed as something else (which would have required a different treatment). This book described the sound of the cough, the frequency, the result and offered a quick home remedy to ease his discomfort until he could get to our vet (it was a holiday weekend). In summary, the peace of mind it gave me was priceless.

I agree with another reviewer --- I rarely classify anything as "must have" but this book should be owned by every dog owner. It has saved us a great deal of money over the years, calmed our nerves, and also sent us to the emergency clinic in time to save a life.

Excellent for first time baby food chef. Lots of explanations & not anywhere near as daunting as I thought it would be. Wish I had done this with my first baby, very satisfying to feed them home cooked food (plus it's so much less expensive)!

Well written and knowledgeable book on prepping and preparing food for babes. Has a great chart on what foods are suggested to start when. Especially helpful for first time parents learning how to feed their child.

I don't understand people's negative reviews, especially those complaining that the recipes are too simplistic. What do you expect? Coq au Vin? It's food for BABIES... Anyway, that aside, I make lots of purees on a Saturday or Sunday while my son is napping and freeze them in ice cube trays (except for meat and grain purees, which we keep in the fridge because they don't freeze well). It takes a couple of hours to make three veggie purees, three fruit purees, one grain and one meat puree. This will last my son for about two weeks, and all we have to do during that time is microwave or stovetop three or four cubes of fruit and add oatmeal (or whatever cereal your child likes) for breakfast, or three-four cubes of veggies and add some grain and meat from the fridge for lunch and dinner. Pretty simple, yet our son gets a variety of food every day. Once your food introductions (to check for allergies) are done, you can mix up whatever purees you think sound good. Be creative and you and your child will be well-rewarded.

As a first time mom, this book served as a guideline of what foods to feed my baby first since my doctor wasn't much help. I knew to start with veggies then fruit from my doctor's advise because babies tend to like sweet food first. My daughter is now 7 months and using the food index in the back of the book to know how to create simple pureed foods has been very helpful. I highly recommend it to any new mom.

I purchased this after my daughter was born. We have loved all the recipes so far...especially the meat loaf (and my husband doesn't usually like meatloaf). It also has great baby food recipes and advice for the first year. I will be using many of these recipes after the kids are grown! Great purchase!

Okay, we can forgive Mrs.Rinaldi for giving Emily a funny last name because this was an excellant book!! Lincoln's assination, Grave Robbing, Lies and Deception and Hangings!!! And poor Emily in the midst of it all!! I highly recommend this book.

Emily Pigbush is an orphan. In the first few chapters of the book, she loses her mother, and her father is long gone from the war.She is left to live with her best friend Annie, the daughter of Mary Surratt.That night, there is a great outcry in the city of Washington, where Emily lives. Mr. Lincoln, the president, has been shot dead. Emily is even more stunned when she hears who had done it-- the man who had been staying with the Surratt's, John Wilkes Booth. The Surratts are thrust into investigation for connection to the murder. Emily is sent to stay with her rich uncle instead, Valentine. She gets along well there, until she uncovers a sinister secret from a woman staying in the house -- her uncle could be a bodysnatcher. She pursues the idea, quietly, until she is confronted at school by a reporter's daughter. Her fears are confirmed when she sees the proof with her own eyes. She loses herself in her own emotions; love for Robert, a man Valentine saved, hate for all of them.
A very good illustration of the Civil War and the unjustly accused.

This book was good. I have been reading it for a few days and I have not been able to put it down. It is a bit long though. It is about a girl named Emily whose mother is very sick. Well she finally dies and so the girl goes to live with her uncle eventually where she learns a horrible secret about the man who has always been there for her and has given her a home. Finally, Emily must make a decision that will have a very big impact on her life

This book was an awesome book by Ann Rinaldi. This story takes place during the time right after Lincoln was assinated. A girl named Emily has a mother who is deadly ill. Her mother knew that she was about to die and she told Emily that she needed to live wih someone. Emily wants to live wiht her aunt in Philidelphia, but her om wants her to live with her good friend next door. Emily's uncle Valintine comes into town to see Emily's mother. Valintine tries to tell Emily that she needs to come live with him. emily's mother doesn't want Emily to go live with him. Emily decides to go visit her uncle. While she is there she meets an old crazy black lady that lives upstairs. She tells Emily that her uncle has a big secert and that Emily needs to help get the old lady out. Emily is told that the big seceret is in her uncle's shed where NO ONE is allowed. To find out the secert you have to read this awesome book!!!

I love all of Ann Rinaldi's books, but this is surely one of my favorite. It has a very interesting plot that moves along at a good pace, and many characters that bring a lot to the story. The main character, Emily, sees things in an interesting and informative perspective, as many of Rinaldi's narrators do. Due to her circumstances, she is living with her Uncle Valentine and learning for herself what all his medical practice consists of. She is witnessing what happened to Washington upon Lincoln's assasination, and she conveys this all to the reader very well. Rinaldi works in a love story, making Emily's interest one of the main characters, as she normally does, without taking away the true meaning and grit of the story, as many other authors do. The book also has a lot of action and a lot of facts. Though I don't normally read historical fiction, Ann Rinaldi writes so well that she has become my favorite author. I would recommend this along with all of her other books to anyone who asked.

I've used my Moosewood cookbooks forever. The fish packet recipes are excellent and impress dinner guests. They also freeze well. Our favorite is the Asian, I haven't tried the French version yet.

I love this cookbook. The recipes are delicious and best of all they are easy enough to prepare after the work-day. I would highly recommend this book for people looking to eat healthfully during the week, but don't have time for long preparations and piles of pots and pans once the meal is over. I'll be buying the Moosewood Simple Suppers cookbook next.

This has been great to go with her other book, simple cooking. I do wish it was in a binder type cookbook. Would be easier to use in the kitchen. Has great recipes.

I've had this cookbook since I was an intern right out of college, and it has been my favorite ever since. I especially like the fish recipes, the chick pea artichoke heart stew, and veggie chili recipes. I find that with the lower fat recipes, I can usually eat as much as I want, and still know that I am maintaining a healthy weight, which I struggle with usually. I am buying this book today for my mom, who is now living alone and needs healthy easy recipes. My husband likes it too, since the meals are hearty (he's 6'-5"). I usually make a double recipe and freeze half in individual servings. I highly recommend this, especially for new cooks and busy people, since the recipes are all reasonably quick (like, 45 minutes to an hour). It may not be for gourmets, since there are a lot of pre-prepared foods used (canned beans and vegetables.) You could always substitute your own soaked dry beans if you were feeling ambitious, but the cookbook is great because it uses lots of shortcuts. I highly recommend the book, and I'm not even vegetarian!

This is a wonderful cookbook for those who typically cook a strict, healthful diet, but it will also fool our friends and family who aren't ready to give up their poor diets. Easy to follow recipes.

Gentle Birth Choices lays out the various aspects of childbirth, and explains the drawbacks of medicated birth or birthing interventions that many moms may encounter. This isn't a how-to book (such as Hypnobirthing or Bradley), but it does inform as to why "natural" birth choices are better, both for parents and baby. There are helpful sections at the back, listing questions to ask your health practitioner and your hospital or birthing center so that you can go into your labor and birth better informed (or find a different practitioner while you still have time).

One of the best birth books available, with options ranging from hospital birth to waterbirth. There is also a DVD/video by the same name available by Barbara Harper for those with spouses and/or families to educate, too!

I read this book (and watched the video with my hubby) in preparation for our planned home birth after an "Unnecessarean". I highly recommend it for anyone planning a gentle and natural birth, but also for those who are not sure what they think about epidurals, induction, interventions, et cetera. You may be amazed at how leaving this book lying around the house can turn even a first-time father into a birth advocate, too! ;>)

Suzanne Arms' photography is just breathtaking. This book is worth the price for the pictures alone! It's one you can put on the coffee table.

Thank you, Barbara Harper and Suzanne Arms!!

If you want to be inspired and empowered in choosing the birth that's best for you and your baby, this book is the perfect place to go. Ms. Harper is thorough and honest, she did her research and presents the facts in a way that is concise and easily understood, by even the newest, youngest mom. Too much technology has intruded into the age-old practice of having babies the way nature and God intended - women are strong and powerful and built to have babies, without drugs, without intervention, without doctors. If you think your doctor has 'informed" you, think again. This book has the answers. I used it, I followed it and I recently purchased a copy for my daughter-in-law who is pregnant with my first grandbaby! Buy one for every woman you know who's even considering childbirth, the right way. Find a great midwife and enjoy the ride - it's a joy and a blessing! The bonus with this book was the DVD depicting several births - beautiful!

Gentle Birth Choices

This is an amazing book. It gives complete, accurate information about natural labor and childbirth, and is great source if you have already chosen natural labor or are thinking about it. Though my birth experience was awful and not the way I had planned (planned a homebirth), what I read and what I saw on the included DVD stayed in the back of my mind throughout the entire 37 hours of unmedicated labor.

You CAN do it, and God bless you for giving yourself this option.

I was pretty sure I wanted a midwife when I bought this book. I was hoping for an instruction guide to birthing gently, more naturally, with a CNM rather than an OB.
What this book actually is, is a guide to deciding what kind of birth to have. It's a bit preachy, too, not unusually so, but not exactly openminded, either. So if you are wondering if there is a better way, but don't know anything about midwifery or homebirth, you might learn something. If you have, say, researched it on the Internet, you might already know what this book has to say.
I would recommend one of Ina May Gaskin's great books before this one.

boring book to read...... not interesting at all. I read a few chpters and then bought the lean & hard book.

Well I have some experience with working out and seeing that this book is aimed at beginners , it does not do justice in many ways.
Cons :
1.It does not explain clearly what exercise trains what muscle group
clearly.
2. There is no information on Exhale/Inhale(Very important for exercise).
3. It take for granted that people will know certain postures etc and does not explain in detail as to what Barbells to use.(Ez,Straight,etc)
Pros:
1. Lot of exercises.
2. Good routine to follow.
3. Decent information for beginners.
Well this book has its flaws but it is a lot better than many books out there.

This book has a lot of technical expertise in it for sure. However, the format of the book and they way it delivers the routines can be kind of confusing for someone who is just starting out. Otherwise, a great read and definitely helped me make some gains.

This book is a great resourse. It has so many exercise and four different types of resistance each in its own section: no equipment, dumbbells, barbells, and crossover. It also list exercises based on experience, in the catogory of beginner, intermediate, and expert. My biggest complaint about this book is that it doesn't specifically tell what muscles are being worked for each exercise. The exercises are put into catogies and are not narrowed down any further than "knee dominant" or "hip dominant". Which is fine I guess, but how are you going to know which exercise works which specific muscles? There are some sample routines in the book which are okay, but if you don't have the equipment there aren't alternatives sugguested. Which leads back to complaint number one. Tell what muscles are worked and I can find an alternative exercise with what I have to work with. All and all a great book! It is a great companion book to The Body You Want in the Time You Have by Matt Murphy which is 2/3 of the 350+ pages are rountines based on the how many days and how much time. That book does tell you exactly which muscles you working, but only includes 48 exercises and not all the great alternatives and of the Homework Bible.

This book is really the Bible of workouts. After applying the exercise with my dumbbells and bench at home, I decided I did not need to pay all that money to the Gym anymore. The text is very descriptive on all exercises. Highly recommend.

Useful, no nonesense advice. It gives you advice on homeopathic remedies, stuff around the house remedies, and drugs too. This is my new go-to book for my child and myself too...

The book has excellent content, however the new version, 2003, is printed in an awful font, hard to read, boring to look at and so on. The original version was written in an easy to read font and contents were in different colors. It was easy to find what you were looking for when your up in the middle of the nite with a sick baby. In their attempt to cut costs, the publisher has really diminished the value of this product.

This book has finally combined all views of medicine from the conventional to the all-natural. I enjoyed sharing this book with my pediatrician, who had great things to say about my approach. I love this book and reach for it every time I suspect a cold or illness. We use it for the entire family! Great all around book. I would give this book to ANYONE, not just those seeking natural treatments.

This is the book I get for all of my friends when they are expecting.It has been incredibly helpful for me with my 3 kids and also with the children I watch (I do home daycare). I highly recommend it to everyone. The adult version is excellent too.

I used this book and a homeopathy book in raising my two children. It is all you will need. It gives you the right information to make decisions on whether you should rush them to the hospital, or give them a homeopathic remedy or other natural treatment. The book aids you in making logical and informed decisions for you children. For those of you who still might think homeopathy is "snake oil", think again. I cured teething problems, colics, ear aches, tummy aches, coughs, bumps and bruises, minor burns, bee stings, and if you pick the right remedy, the kids get better in seconds. If you don't vaccinate your kids, this is an even more important resource because of detailed information on conditions that even the (allopathic, that is) doctor may not know about. Thank you Janet Zand and other authors for giving parents the knowledge and tools to treat our children naturally and keep them healthy.