A scientific yet accessible guide to herbs, vitamins and minerals, co-written by a physician whose herbal therapy study was published in The New England Journal of MedicineWhat was once considered alternative medicine has made its way into the mainstream; half of all Americans have tried some from of complementary medicine, and more than $15 billion is spent annually on natural remedies. It is no surprise, then, that there's a tremendous amount of misinformation on the subject, leaving consumers searching for a solid and reliable book. A Doctors Guide to Herbs and Supplements is that book, providing readers with the scientifically documented facts they need to make informed decisions about taking herbs and supplemnents. Based on up-to-date medical research, this comprehensive guide explains what these compounds are and demystifies how they do-or don't- work.At the heart of the book are A to Z entries for the 100 most commonly used medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements. Each entry details what the herb or supplement is, if and how it works, who shouldn't use it, and how it may interact with other medications. Focusing on consumer safety, Dr. DiPaola offers a checklist of questions anyone should ask before using a medicinal herb, including:*Am I currently taking a prescription medication?*Do I have any underlying medical conditions?*What does this label tell me? And what doesn't it say?An invaluable reference, A Doctors Guide to Herbs and Supplements is the ideal choice for the busy consumer looking for a concise, user-friendly book about the most commonly used natural remedies and revitalizers.
Amazon Sales Rank: #2567814 in Books Published on: 2001-09-12 Original language: English Number of items: 1 Binding: Paperback 224 pages
About the Author Robert DiPaola, M.D., is a general internist and oncologist who has a special interest in herbal medicine. He has done both clinical and lab research using herbs, including a study on prostate cancer patients that was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. DiPaola has received a clinical oncology fellowship award from The American Cancer Society, and was included in The Best Doctors in America in 1998. He is currently an assistant professor at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (The Robert Wood Johnson Medical School).Timothy Gower writes a monthly column for The Los Angeles Times, and is a contributing editor for Health magazine. He lives in Harwich, MA.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Overview of a customer, similar to earlier reviews, to understand this book helps the consumer, which is a really solid scientificstudy they (the introduction), and what to say sound scientific studies of these products, as I said, froma physician who takes care of both herself patients medically released to perform solid research, and in the best journals. The only thing worse then sell, or even prescribe a herbal product without having to secure a scientific study, the seller or the prescribing of a product based on poorly conducted studies that may mislead the consumer. Make hasty conclusions about the poor studies done everything wrong base too much with herbal medicines. It is unfair to consumers in their quest for the truth for themselves and their families. This book is essential in many areas, but do not worry, the truth about these products, some of which are thrown away or kept away from our children. The reader will come away with a real understanding of herbal products and supplements 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Finally, a scientific look at alternative medicine By A Customer When it comes to herbs and supplements, there is so much hype out there--I never know what to believe. But this book looks at herbs and supplements from the medical standpoint, telling whether scientific evidence backs up the hype. It's great to find a comprehensive, well-written, easy-to-consult book to help me decide which products to use and which I shouldn't bother with, either because they're useless or dangerous. A must for everyone who uses alternative medicine. 6 of 8 people found the following review helpful. This book has the wrong title By A Customer This book should be titled "Throw away you herbs and see a Doctor". The author's bottom line remarks on virtually every herb in the book is: "Not enough is known about (herb) to know if it is safe and effective. See a physician. While I do not think herbs are a cure all, the author casts shadows of doubt on herbs that are routinely prescribed by european physicians such as Feverfew and Milk Thistle See all 5 customer reviews....