My wife and I are often asked to recommend books on various health topics, probably because we are both naturopathic doctors. We are good people to ask. We are both addicted readers, and a few moments ago, I roughly estimated that we have close to 100 square feet of shelf space dedicated to mind/body/spirit related books. The ten books that follow are among the best books in their fields. Naturally, each health-savvy person will have their own list, perhaps without any overlap between lists. We have tried to only include books that have lasting, long-term relevance and have avoided including books that reflect current health trends.
one. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicineby Joseph Pizzorno, ND and Michael Murray, ND
If you only had room on your shelf for one book on natural medicine, this might be it. Scientifically well researched and documented, Drs. Pizzorno and Murray present easy-to-read discussions and natural approaches to more than 70 common conditions. Perhaps just as important as the conditions discussed are the introductory chapters on natural medicine and the section on the four pillars of good health, which guide the reader into a deeper understanding of naturopathic and holistic medical approaches to health care.
2. What about vaccines? Exposing the Vaccine Philosophyby Cynthia Cournoyer
The most important decision parents will have to make regarding the health of their newborn is whether or not to vaccinate and when. Ongoing research in the field of immunology has raised serious questions about the viability and safety of vaccines. It is the responsibility of every parent to look at issues with an open mind before accepting current conventional wisdom. The thought-provoking, beautifully researched, common-sense discussion in this book was written by a mother who wasn’t getting clear and convincing answers to questions she was asking her pediatrician about immunizations.
3. Kids off Ritalinby Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, ND and Robert Ullman, ND
ADD and ADHD are trendy diagnoses that are currently (mis)applied to almost every behavioral or learning challenge children face. This book should be read by any concerned parent, friend, or relative before making the decision to treat a child with conventional medications for behavior problems. Ritalin Free Kids offers safe, effective and long-lasting alternatives for ADD and ADHD.
Four. The homeopathic emergency guideby Thomas Kruzel, North Dakota
Although there are a number of basic homeopathy guides out there, this book ranks near the top of the list in terms of ease of use and quality of information provided. The Homeopathic Emergency Guide is organized by disease and symptom to make it easy to select the right remedy.
5. Breast Cancer: What You Should Know (But Can’t Be Told) About Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment by Steve Austin, ND and Cathy Hitchcock, MSW
Dr. Austin and his partner, Cathy Hitchcock, write about Cathy’s first-hand personal experience of living through breast cancer. More than anything, this book teaches how to ask the right questions and assess the risks and benefits of diagnostic procedures and treatments. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking guidance in making difficult treatment decisions. We often recommend this book for people who don’t have breast cancer as well.
6. Flower Essences Directoryby Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz
Lore says that plants offer all that is necessary for the healing of humanity, on all levels of being. Flower essences operate at the energy body level and assist in mental, emotional and spiritual transformation. The Repertoire categorizes the essences both by name and by condition, cross-referencing to facilitate access. You’ll find sections on sadness, sexuality, life change, eating disorders, and pages and pages of other states of imbalance. Flower essences are non-toxic, easy to use, and have a profound impact. This book guides you in its use.
7. Vibrational Medicine: The #1 Manual of Subtle Energy Therapiesby Richard Gerber, M.D.
It is often said that energy is the medicine of the future, and that the more subtle the modality, the more powerfully transformative the medicine will be. Dr. Gerber combines ancient wisdom with space-age science in his commentary on the many energy healing modalities: acupuncture, homeopathy, flower essences, radionics, crystal healing, psychic healing, and many more. This book is the classic exposition of these cutting edge therapies and thought forms.
8. The Natural Pharmacyby Skye Lininger, DC, ed, with Jonathan Wright, MD, Steve Austin, ND, Donald Brown, ND, and Alan Gaby, MD
For those of you who may not recognize the names here, the authors are four of America’s leading medical nutritionists. They offer dietary, lifestyle, nutritional, and botanical suggestions for treating common conditions, with information on side effects and interactions. Part One is indexed by condition, Part Two by nutritional supplement. This is a very useful reference guide.
9. Divine Will Healingfrom the Original Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda
Compiled by Mary Kretzmann (director of Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry)
A compilation of original articles on yogic healing by Paramhansa Yogananda, this book includes insightful, yet simple sections on correct diet, correct thinking, sending the Life Force, and healing through breathing and “energizing” exercises. . It also offers unique techniques such as “heliotropic healing”, the simultaneous use of sunlight and Life Force to balance the body. We were amazed at the coincidence of yogic philosophy with naturopathic thought and the depth of the teachings. (This is my wife’s #1 pick.)
10 Kahuna La’au Lapa’au: The Practice of Hawaiian Herbal Medicineby June Gutmanis
Drawing on interviews from the living and diaries and collections from the deceased, Ms. Gutmanis weaves a magical picture of life when the mana of medical kahunas prayers eased the fear and suffering of Hawaiians. More than just herbal recipes, the information is presented in cultural and historical contexts and is punctuated by 35 full-color plates of Hawaiian medicinal plants and a variety of appendices and glossaries.