Alternative Books

This is an essential book for Hep C. I have used the herbal protocol for 8 months and brought my viral load down to 69,000 and it is still dropping. Before I read this book, I had almost convinced myself that traditional treatment was the only way, even with its horrible side effects. Now, I am so glad that I found this book, contacted Dry Creek Herb Farm (referenced in the book) and started my daily herb treatments. The only side effect of the herb is that they don't taste very good, but with the results I have had they are starting to taste pretty good. The cost is very affordable also. Thank you Stephen Harrod Buhrner and Dry Creek Herb Farm.

This book is incredible. The natural remedies and diet choices along with supplement/vitamin advice is like visiting a top notch herbologist/naturopath who specializes in Hepatitis C. I own several books on the topic, but nothing compares to the wise, straighforward and warmly written text by these folks! Do yourself a favor and start feeling better soon! Buy this book today!

I have hepatitis C and I've read everything there is on it. This book is the best I have seen. It offers hope for those with hepatitis c with a look at the most important herbs, supplements, and foods to heal hep c. The clinical trial research supporting these herbs is incredible. Buhner is a great writer and shows tremendous control of his subject. If you or a loved one suffers from this disease you can't afford not to buy this book. It can save your life. Highly recommended!

I have sought advice from time to time for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems, but I've never considered "alternative medicine." But I took a look at Herbs for the Mind and started reading first about St. John's wort for depression. I learned things I didn't know about depression, and I learned how and why to try this herbal remedy. The whole book, then, was of interest to me and I have enjoyed reading the history of herbal remedies and all the details of the various studies that tell us what and when herbs are useful. Everyone I mention this book to wants it! I'm really glad I found it, and I'm really glad these two psychiatrists from Duke University decided to step out of the laboratory and write it.

In the past five years herbal remedies have led natural products in the health care market, but consumers are asking new questions about the safety and effectiveness of these unregulated substances. Researchers and psychiatrists examine herbs related to mental health, telling how to assess common herbs for effectiveness, side effects, and lasting impact.

Herbs for the Mind is an excellent, easy to read guide for navigating what is often a confusing path - that of successfully using alternative treatments for mental health problems. What to take? How much? What are the differences in brands? Such questions, and many more are answered clearly and concisely in Herbs for the Mind.

It is refreshing to learn about herbal remedies in a straighforward and scientifically-based manner. Drs. Davidson and Connor have truly done us a great service with their book. Anyone, from savvy consumers to mental health practitioners, can benefit greatly from the information in Herbs for the Mind. I have already used it, personally and professionally, with success. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in mental health!

Traditional knowledge in the use of plants, and the whole cosmology behind the use, have long been neglected by western societies. Fortunately, this is beginning to change, and such practioces are being valued again. Not too early though, as much knowledge has been lost with old healers passing away.
Herbs of Southern Ecuador provides a great insight in the uses of plants in this sacred valley, reknown for the health of its inhabitants. Important medicinal species are describes, depicted, their use, indication and preparation are explained. The fact that the book is bilingual mekes it even more an absolute treasure!

Herbs Of Southern Ecuador/Hierbas del Sur Ecuatoriano is an unique, impressive, highly accessible, English and Spanish bilingual field guide to the medicinal plants of the southern Ecuador region of Vilcabamba (where the native population has a deserved reputation for longevity). The "reader friendly" text is enhanced with black-and-white illustrations of each plant, a straightforward list of facts about each plant, along with its ethnobotana and its traditional applications. Herbs Of Southern Ecuador/Hierbas del Sur Ecuatoriano is an excellent and practical field book, and a welcome addition to personal, professional, and academic botanical reference collections.

Harbs of Southern Ecuador provides an excellent overview on the most important medicinal plats of the Vilcabamba area in Southern Ecuador - popular for the longevity of its people. More than 140 plants are describes in detail - in english as well as in spanish, and are shown in black and white images.
Traditional uses as well as preparation are carefully explaind.
A must for everybody interested in the use of andean medicinal plants!

I was fortunate enough to be able to read this book before it went to press, as I was asked to give a quote for the back of the book. It is thorough, well researched, and is a valuable resource for scholars, healers, herbalists, historians, spiritual healers, students - well, for everyone! Herbs that were mentioned in the Bible are explained and includes a look at how they are still used today. Anyone familiar with Dr. Duke's work will want this on their library shelf!

This is an outstanding work on the use of herbs in the bible. The book is user friendly, and should serve as a reference for any interested. It should be part of any one's library who is interested in using the herbs of the bible.

James Duke, a medicinal plant specialist, describes close to 60 plants used in Biblical times. Not all the plants he mentions are herbs, as the title of the book may suggest. He includes nuts, fruits, legumes, and spices.

In his introduction, he explains which plant names are used in the Bible, why the Bible does not go into detail about their medicinal values, and how translation errors have lead to misinterpretations of Bible passages.

The major portion of the book is dedicated to the plants themselves. Duke explains their possible benefits and their use in medicine and cooking. He offers folklore, and for some plants even recipes, such as a skin softener made with almond oil, a dandruff shampoo with olive oil, or a wart removal remedy with figs. It's not a book for herbal self-medication, but an herbal encyclopedia on a small scale. I really enjoyed it.

This book is simple yet gets to the point of the issue. Homebirth is a pleasant alternative, especially to those traumatized by previous hospital births. The book talks about involving the whole family and has some wonderful pictures.

This book offers several stories of homebirth, their joys and triumphs. The pictures are breathtaking, and the author does an impressive job in her descrpitions of the events. Highly recommended for anyone considering homebirth, or simply interested in the beautiful process of childbirth.

When I was pregnant with our 4th child, I became very fearful of what my labor would be like. My third delivery was hard. My son was posterior and my back ached terribly throughout. When my husband and I took a refresher course of our childbirth class, I knew I needed some extra encouragement. My midwife recommended Homebirth, by Sheila Kitzinger. I DEVOURED it!!! She makes childbirth an empowering life challenge. Whether you have your baby at home or not, the advise and words of encouragement are a great booster to your resolve to have a natural, gentle birth! Birthing is both physical and mental, and she addresses both aspects beautifully. Had I not read her book, I would have begun my fourth labor with fear and dread which would have made it even harder! But because I was confident and relaxed, it was an incredible birth with little pain physically, and no doubt or fear mentally.

Mr Edwards cuts through the hype that passes for nutritional information these days and tells us what the various vitamins and minerals actually do in our bodies. He is honest enough to tell us, unlike most nutritional authors, that he doesn't know everything and can't give answers to everything. I especially like the alphabetically arranged descriptions of nutrients and conditions. At last I understand what those nutrients are supposed to do. Too bad I can't get this kind of honest answer from my own doctor - who seems to be locked into a "SUPR" mentality. This book ought to be required reading for every family physician and every surgeon - before he makes the first scalpel cut!

Many who write on the subject of nutrition and health are intelligent, educated and knowledgeable. Honest Nutrition by Ira Edwards is noteworthy because the author writes as a health consumer; he does not have a health product or service to promote. To his credit, Edwards has no bias for or against conventional medicine, alternative medicine or herbal healing. He lays out the benefits, problems and costs of various nutritional, herbal and medical modalities with careful attention to biochemical realities.

Over several decades, Edwards has investigated the authenticity of many scientific studies that are commonly accepted in health and medical practice. His education and professional experience, in biochemistry and in scientific methodology, well qualify him to see through a fraudulent veneer where it exists. Among innumerable subjects, his findings on cholesterol are important to anyone interested in maintaining good health.

Although retired, Edwards has stayed current with scientific discovery. The book is abundantly filled with timely, relevant information. For me, it has been a marvelous resource, dropped into my hands at an appropriate time to help with important (and beneficial) health decisions.

I wish I had got my hands on this book 15 years ago, when I experienced a sudden decline in health and began my search for answers. It would have saved me from several regrettable decisions and given me the understanding I needed to navigate both the health care industry and the world of self-help bookdom with more discernment.

The author is quick to admit that he does not have all the answers, but what he does offer the reader is an laudable attempt to provide unbiased information for the purpose of truly being a help to the reader.

I learned a lot about the pharmaceutical companies, the FDA, the conventional medical establishment, and the nutritional supplement industry. In some areas, my suspicions were confirmed. In others, my naivity was embarrassingly exposed. I especially appreciate how the author shares the information without being out to get one group or the other.

Any book written by a physician is almost assuredly going to be pushing their own biased approach to health care. The fact that the author is not a health care provider makes it easier to trust that he is truly attempting to be unbiased. His credibility on the subject comes not from any medical degree, since he has none, but from years of study to uncover the truth in health care marketing and research claims.

Topics covered include: honesty, bad advice, sources for information, the medical establishment, economic problems, principles of nutrition (that do not involve the food pyramid), deficiencies and supplementation, mental function, and a host of diseases that plague our culture. In all topics, the effect of nutrition on body processes is explained in detail, and approaches offered by both conventional and alternative therapies are explored.

If you are looking for a quick fix to your own health challenges, then this book is not for you. But if you are looking for information that will help guide you toward improved health, I highly recommend Honest Nutrition. It will challenge both you and your health care providers to be slower to throw a band-aid solution at your health problems and quicker to search for the origin and resolution of your particular disease.

Dr. Kellon is the world-famous equine nutritionist. She is also the vet editor of John Lyons Perfect Horse and Horse Journal. Famous for her no-nonsense style and attention to detail, this book is a wonderful resource. She covers everything from antioxidants to joint support to feeding the senior horse. It is a must-have for horse owners.
For those who want even more detail than this book provides, Dr. Kellon also has on-line courses covering a range of subjects from nutrition to cushings to understanding bloodwork.

I heartily second Claire Cox-Wilson's review. I would add that Dr. Kellon's First Aid For Horses should also be in every horseman's stable. It is as detailed, informative and clear an emergency book on horsekeeping as I've ever read. Both will become well-thumbed references for horses and the people who love and care for them. Solid, current, medically sound advice can be difficult to find. It's here in both books.

Carolyn Larson
Lamoine, Maine

I highly recommend this book... a wonderful compilation of all of Dr. Kellon's work with the Horse Journal.
It is a great resource for all horseowners who truly care about their horses' well-being. A no nonsense straightforward guide to providing your horse with optimal nutrition & care. Dr. Kellon's recommendations are solidly based on scientific fact, personal experience & in many cases trials conducted by the Horse Journal. Don't be misled by hype and buzz words that feed & supplement manufacturers throw at you. Dr. Kellon cuts through all of it and gives you the bottom line.
And for those horseowners, trainers, breeders who want to go one step further into the world of equine nutrition, Dr. Kellon offers online nutrition courses. For more information visit her website: http://www.drkellon.com/
With heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kellon for all she does for these magnificent creatures.
A most grateful student,
Claire C. Cox

The title is a little off-putting - I did not think I wanted to read about hospice patients' last days. A friend convinced me to look at it. It is fantastic. The author relates her experiences taking 2 dogs to a hospice. Each chapter is about her encounter with a different patient. Each story evolves into a parable about life, and death. You will cry. But you will also laugh and be uplifted. You will be amazed at what animals can do to lift the human spirit when it is down. I am not aware of the author writing any other books, but I would love to read more from her - she paints a picture that is so vivid, you feel like you are in the room with her and the dogs. I have given this book to many of my friends and they all are raving about it. You must read this book!

This book is wonderful! It describes the authors visits to a hospice facility with 2 dogs. She paints a vibrant picture of the visits. Each chapter discusses a different visit. Each chapter also describes a lesson in living - the author weaves a philosophical lesson in life into each visit. The books title may mislead. I was initially put off by the thought of reading about hospice, but it is not so much about death as it is about life. It is warm, funny, and, yes, sad too. You will cry (as my wife and I did) but you will also laugh and feel warm to read how these incredible pets did so much to smooth the hospice patients last weeks. I have lent this book to my friends and they all are raving about it.

This is a fantastic book. At first, I was reluctant. I thought that it would be very sad. It is heartwarming. Michele brings you into the story as though you were there. It is very well written. It demonstrates the true healing powers of our beloved companions. Don't miss reading this book!

Mind you; this is not a 'historical' novel about the events of 9.11 and it's certainly not a journalistic account.
It deals mainly with one character and his struggle to regain his identity lost in the aftermath of 9.11. Together with his therapist (who gets similar problems by listening to his patient), they will have to find a new way to deal with reality.
A civilization able to bring forth writers like Paul West can look at the future with some optimism.

Out just in time for the second anniversary of the Twin Towers disaster,
The Immensity of the Here and Now is an author's attempt to stretch mind and language around an event that should be bigger than both. Yet somehow, West pulls it off. Like Melville and Milton, who also unhinged metaphysical jaws to engulf subjects which most presume not to so much as scan, West writes in a style that dwarfs the minimalism that is so often the order of the day, dazzles like pinwheels of sunlight glossing lake water where an oar has dipped, amazes by taking the reader places where he or she never expected to go. Don't be fooled by the opening pages which seem an odd and even an unrelated approach to what is perhaps the defining moment of the new millennium: it's only West twisting empirical reality---as he will do throughout the book--into a subjective continuum of his own device.
Thankfully, West shuns the swarm of cliches and media catch-phrases, the absurdly enthnocentric demonizations that have obscured this event from day one. The novel unwinds in a dialogue between Shrop, a man who has lost his memory as well as his ability to navigate the world, and Quent, a legless veteran of the Vietnam War turned psychologist ("an unshrinking soul stationed between two bicycle wheels"). They are a pair, as West puts it, comprised of "a man who could remember only losing his memory confronted by a man who seemed to forget losing his legs ..." Having been friends before the fall of the Towers, the two enjoy an unorthodox relationship in therapy that often produces digressions that border on the fantastic.
"What is on fire beneath [Ground Zero]? You may well ask. It is as if corpses develop into a new fodder they never knew in life. And there are hundreds of them as in some ancient Scandanavian burial zone where bog people reign, and you wonder how in years to come the diggers of the day will construe the jumbled carnage that reposes here, crammed together in an instant as if an instant were some kind of creative maestro, devising fresh combinations of human limbs and trunks undreamed of in Japanese sex manuals or the Kama-Sutra."
Mentally eviscerated, Shrop does his best reacclimate himself to the social environment-efforts which culminate in a party of epic proportions. Not since William Gaddis's The Recognitions has so much sparkling wit, dark humor and circulating glamour crowded together in one New York City bash. ("We have to make light of what's lousy," Shrop thinks while hosting his own affair, "because we don't know what on earth to do with it otherwise.")
We discover that what is in fact smoldering beneath Ground Zero is Shrop's beloved. While West effortlessly takes history, geology, philosophy, and science--among other disciplines--and shapes them as though they composed the glowering cloud that rose over the 9/11 disaster, this novel is, above all, a lament, a one-sided conversation with the dead, a paean to lost love. Perhaps the book's most poignant moment is when Shrop imagines taking the cells out of "your beautiful body one by one, carefully setting them aside, and I polish them one by one, bestowing a kiss on each before reverentially sliding it back into place, beginning with your head, of course, and working down the shoulders to the rest. [...] The cleansing of cells may occupy something like a month, most of all when the special allure of a cell in the lip or nose bridge merits a longer look, which is when the artificer peers and glows at the workmanship displayed."
Anyone who has had the merest acquaintance with tragedy or loss will likely fall into this book headfirst and re-emerge from it days later, gasping for air but steadier in purpose and posture, filled with a new appreciation for life and what it means to be alive.

The Immensity Of The Here And Now by Paul West is a riveting novel set in the modern day during the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. The Immensity Of The Here And Now is the story of two men, one who lost his memory and the other being war-wounded therapist who tries to help him yet is slowly losing his own hold on life, The Immensity Of The Here And Now is profound, disturbing, and a compelling inner study of picking up the pieces in the wake of personal devastation.

This is the first edition of the game, which, out of the three editions, is my favorite. The system is amazing in its abilities and flexibility, the world is vast, going beyond even D&D when it comes to the sheer potential of the universe. You can literally pull together the most disparate parties, featuring vampires, normal every day people, D&D style mages, cyber punks and so on with little effort. Perhaps the only complaint with it is the mechanics (though I will say, I am working on a conversion to old World of Darkness for simplicity).

The game has a history that spans 65 million years and covers all sorts of goodness like the rise of Immortals, their formal rulers, the Abzulim, the enemy they fight through the infinite nights. Add in the Mantles and the Dominions and you have every imaginable alternative history you could want at your fingertips. Characters and NPCs can range from average mortal to beings with globe spanning senses and earth shattering powers. Also, in relation to another review that was posted, you don't -have- to play yourself from a parallel universe. The system does allow for totally fictional characters.

So...in summation, I have to say that the world/setting is definately a 5. The concepts in the game are also definately 5. For character playability and GM options it's also a 5. The only weakness of the game is the mechanics, which are easily scrubbed and cleaned if you want, so I'd have to put it as a 3. The rest of the game completely outshines this one problem, especially if your more a role player than a roll player.

This game has amazing flexibility, despite the complicated character creation. If you want to play a vampire, you can create a vampiric Immortal. If you want to play a werewolf, that's just far too easy. This is a game with rich environments, beautiful artwork, inspiring ideas and unique gameplay design. I highly recommend this to any experienced role-player. I have never yet found a game that has offered such amazing flexibility and unique design to both storytellers and players alike.

This product is truly a marvel. Not only is the writing well crafted, but the setting and systems are highly thought-provoking and enjoyable. Perhaps the truly unique game mechanics were the first edition's downfall, not to mention almost impossible to translate into, say, the d20 system, but I maintain that they were part of what made it so enjoyable. Ran Ackels created a world that genuinely feels like it has been inhabited for 65 million years; the artifacts and settings and plots manage not only to to balance three very difficult impressions (alien, hauntingly familiar and extremely old) but make them enjoyable. The character generation system is not completely unique, though rare: the players play themselves from the universe next door, which in this case means that they are immortals of at least 400 years of age (give or take a few decades) and quite likely much, much older. The process of character development is more a process of 'remembering', rather than building up from a baseline starting point.
There are plenty of challenges for players and referees alike, even after the minor issues with terminology have been mastered. Overall, I was entraced by the book from the moment I saw the cover, and remain delighted by the possibilities that flow forth every time I open my copy.
Come.
Become more than what you think you are.
Remember what you were...
Reclaim your powers and your place...
...and transcend.