Friday, January 30, 2009

Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally or The Edison Gene

Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally: The Untold Story

Author: Raquel Martin

A comprehensive self-help program designed to prevent and reverse degenerative inflammatory diseases without drugs and their unwelcome side effects.

• The program in this book is designed to help millions who suffer from chronic arthritis pain to heal, rather than to just medicate their symptoms.

• Takes a holistic approach to finding the causes of arthritis pain and offers a self-help treatment program designed to heal the body from the inside out by incorporating medicinal herbs, nutritional supplements, exercise, diet, and chiropractic care.

• Raquel Martin is the author of the bestselling book The Estrogen Alternative.

Each year thousands of people struggling with the debilitating effects of arthritis hear their doctors say that they will just have to learn to live with the pain. After experiencing this firsthand, Raquel Martin was determined to find a better way. Together with Dr. Karen Romano, Martin developed a comprehensive self-help program designed to prevent and reverse degenerative inflammatory disease without drugs and their unwelcome or dangerous side effects. The authors show readers how to address the causes rather than medicate the symptoms of arthritis by implementing holistic lifestyle changes--from medicinal herbs, nutritional supplements, and natural hormone therapy to whole foods, exercise, and chiropractic care. Thoroughly researched and clearly presented, Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally guides readers through the labyrinth of recent medical studies related to the effects and treatment of this disease.  In addition, it discusses the exclusion of alternative therapies from most insurance coverage andprovides advice on the action consumers can take to address this.

Part practical medical resource, part encouraging guide, Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally will inspire all readers to take charge of all aspects of their health.



Go to: Barbecues or Accounting for Taste

The Edison Gene: ADHD and the Gift of the Hunter Child

Author: Thom Hartmann

HEALTH / PARENTING

“Thom Hartmann demonstrates that ADHD can be associated with creativity, high achievement, and a most successful adaptive style.”
Edward Hallowell, M.D., author of Driven to Distraction

“Once again, with tireless scholarship and a bit of poetry, Thom Hartmann helps take us to the edge of knowing ourselves, our brains, and our world.”
John J. Ratey, M.D., author of A User’s Guide to the Brain

Thomas Edison was expelled from school for behavior that today would label him as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but his mother understood how to salvage his self-esteem and prepare him for a lifetime of success. In The Edison Gene Thom Hartmann shows that the creativity, impulsiveness, and distractibility that are characteristic of ADHD are not signs of a disorder at all, but instead are components of a highly adaptive skill set utilized by our hunting and gathering ancestors. These characteristics have been critical to the survival and development of our modern civilization and will be vital as humanity faces new challenges in the future.

Hartmann, creator of the “hunter versus farmer” theory of ADHD, examines the latest discoveries confirming the existence of an ADHD gene and the global catastrophe 40,000 years ago that triggered its development. Citing examples of significant innovators in our modern era, he argues that the children who possess the “Edison gene” have neurology that is wired to give them brilliant success as innovators, inventors, explorers, and entrepreneurs. He offers concretestrategies for helping Edison-gene children reach their full potential and shows that rather than being “problems,” such children are a vital gift to our society and the world.

THOM HARTMANN is the award-winning, bestselling author of over a dozen books, including Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception and The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight. A former psychotherapist and founder of the Hunter School, a residential and day school for children with ADHD, he lives in central Vermont.

Thom Hartmann is the award-winning, bestselling author of over a dozen books, including The Edison Gene, The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, and Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception. His groundbreaking work in ADD/ADHD and psychotherapy has been featured in TIME magazine, the New York Times, and in media around the world. He lives in Oregon.

M.D. Edward Hallowell, M.D.

Thom Hartmann demonstrates that ADHD can be associated with creativity, high achievement, and a most successful adaptive style.
— author of Driven to Distraction

Ph.D. Stephen Larsen, Ph.D.

Thom Hartmann is truly a visionary pathfinder in our sometimes confusing, labyrinthine world.
— coauthor of Joseph Campbell: A Fire in the Mind

Publishers Weekly

In his new work, the author, a former psychotherapist who has written previously on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perspective), recommends techniques for raising children diagnosed with this condition. Although many of the specific strategies will be very useful to parents raising ADHD children, too much of the text is devoted to complex genetic and evolutionary theory. According to Hartmann, ADHD is a trait (referred to here as the Edison gene, because the inventor Thomas Edison is believed to have had the trait) rather than a disorder, because it once provided useful skills for functioning in a hunter-gatherer society. The hunter abilities contrasted sharply with the farmer trait, which carried the skills required in farming societies. For example, hunter children have a short attention span, beneficial in a dangerous world where the environment had to be constantly monitored. The innovative but impatient hunter child is usually placed in special ed classes and is looked on as a disciplinary problem; but Hartman believes that ADHD children should be thought of separately. He provides specific guidelines for parents, partly based on the work of Alfred Adler, which encourage mutual respect between parent and child. Hartmann is not an advocate of drug therapy, and he argues for educational reform and alternative schools or home schooling as better learning situations for ADHD children. Hartmann believes that creative outside-the-box thinking, characteristic of those with ADHD, is a real asset to solving many of the world's serious problems. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.



Table of Contents:
Foreword
Introduction : a new view for our children1
1The world of the Edison-gene child25
2The dawn of civilization32
3Three ways humans were killed off by weather39
4Anatomy of a diagnosis53
5The mystery of novelty-seeking behavior58
6Genes move around and turn on and off63
7Other genes and influences69
8Scientists find the "adaptive" Edison gene74
9The ADHD gene and the dawn of human civilization83
10Brain development and the Edison-gene child90
11The Edison gene, drugs, exercise, and nutrition117
12Providing discipline and structure for the Edison-gene child137
13Alfred Adler's principles for raising children154
14Educating the Edison-gene child171
15Edison-gene girls and women194
16Spirituality and the Edison-gene child205
17How Edison-gene children may change the world227
18Is human evolution finally over?234
19One generation to save the world240
Afterword : Yesterday's child by Janie Bowman244

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Wheel of Health or The Passionate Mind

The Wheel of Health: The Sources of Long Life and Health Among the Hunza

Author: G T Wrench

The Hunza people of northern Pakistan commonly live to be 100 or older. In an eye-opening work that extols the virtues of simple living, Dr. Wrench details how the Hunzas' diet and methods of food cultivation and soil preservation offer an effective approach to holistic health and disease prevention.



Interesting textbook: Strategic Management in Telecommunications or Managerial Economics and Business Strategy

The Passionate Mind: A Manual for Living Creatively with One's Self

Author: Joel Kramer

In The Passionate Mind, Joel Kramer asserts that "what we believe determines much of what we think and do: the way we move, the way we respond to people, how we think of ourselves, how we see the world in general." His basic message, stated in short, clear prose, is that passion is to be found only in the present moment, and mainly through becoming aware of the thoughts flowing through our minds, and through the primal process of observing our thoughts, they begin to self-correct. From the author of The Guru Papers, The Passionate Mind is a wonderful journey for anyone seeking to discover how to look at oneself.

Los Angeles Times

"Intriguing topic discussed with eloquence.... Stimulating and mind-stretching.... Subjects of elemental and universal interest: belief, pleasure, freedom, fear, death, time, analysis and the unconscious, images, love, sexuality, meditation, evolution"

New York Culture Review

"A manual of magnitude for today's living" -- New York Culture Review

Marin Independent Journal

"A passionate and fascinating thinker" - Marin Independent Journal

What People Are Saying

Alan Watts
Joel Kramer, in his own unique way, shares direct ways of helping you to experience being both the Known and the Knower.


Anais Nin
The Passionate Mind held my interest throughout, which for me is unusual. It presents basic verities in a way that anyone could assimilate, with beauty and simplicity.


Gordon Sherman
Perhaps Joel Kramer's singular merit lies in his content which is so unusual, so startling, as to grip the mind and shake its foundations. He deals with simple, even commonplace subjects which have been abused again and again. Only he brings fresh impact to their understanding. Former Chairman of the Board of California School of Professional Psychology




Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Looks or Body By God

Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined

Author: Gordon Patzer

We all know one hard and undeniable truth: Physical beauty comes with tremendous power, and tremendous benefits. Those who possess it are generally luckier in love, more likely to be popular, and more apt to get better grades in school. But very few of us realize just how much looks affect every aspect of our lives. Recent studies document that people blessed with good looks earn about 10% more than their average-looking colleagues. They are also more likely to get hired and promoted at work. What exactly is this "physical attractiveness" phenomenon and how does it affect each and every one of us?

Dr. Gordon L. Patzer has devoted the last 30 years to investigating this unsettling phenomenon for both women and men, and how it touches every part of our lives. In Looks, he reveals not only its impact on romance, but also on family dynamics, performance in school, career, courtroom proceedings, politics and government. Looks is the first book to explore how the power of beauty affects both sexes and how the rise of reality TV shows, cosmetic surgery, and celebrity culture have contributed to our culture's overall obsession with being beautiful.

Unflinching and topical, Looks uncovers the sometimes ugly truth about beauty and its profound effects on all our lives.

Publishers Weekly

Here is a book whose title says it all. Written by an academic expert on "lookism" who is also director and founder of the Appearance Phenomenon Institute, this volume is an exhaustive examination of how the handily summarized "PA" (for personal attractiveness) gets you everywhere, from the better job and the better spouse to the better verdict at your criminal trial. Beginning with early evidence of lookism in history, Patzer analyzes preferential treatment given to pretty people from beautiful babyhood onward. While consumers of women's magazines might not find as much new information as other readers, Patzer refers to dozens of studies, articles and investigation to prove his thesis. Yet Patzer's volume doesn't offer much in the way of solutions, apparently because you've either got it or you don't. While Patzer does criticize the overzealousness of the media, reality television and unethical plastic surgeons, he only devotes one chapter to personal affirmations to help deal with and fight back on image obsession. Although he concludes by proclaiming the reader's newfound awareness of lookism's pervasiveness is a step forward, one can't help seeing the weakness in a conclusion that leaves the reader with little more than a well-argued reminder of our culture's shallow side. (Jan.)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information



See also: Ajax for Web Application Developers or Pro Engineer Wildfire 3 0 Tutorial and Multimedia CD

Body By God: The Owner's Manual for Maximized Living

Author: Ben Lerner

Body by God is the ultimate body "owner's manual," full of tools for protecting, maintaining, and strengthening our divinely designed bodies.

In the human body, God created a perfect design, equipped with all the organs, tissues, and cells necessary for health, production, and reproduction. The problem, asserts Dr. Ben Lerner, is when we as humans interfere with God's design for our bodies. Junk food, high-stress living, and neglecting exercise are just a few of the things we do to hinder our bodies' performance.

In Body by God, Dr. Lerner offers a comprehensive plan for getting in touch with our bodies in four areas: nutrition, exercise, stress management, and time management. His "5-in-5" plan is designed to instill the good habits that will lead to optimum health benefits. Readers will learn how to get in shape with 10-minute workouts, reprogram the way they react to stress, and more. "Owner's Manual Tips" give specific ways to apply the material to real life. Our bodies are "fearfully and wonderfully made." With the help of Body by God, readers will learn how to achieve the highest level of performance from God's handiwork.



Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Age Free Zone or Your Heart

The Age-Free Zone

Author: Barry Sears

Enter The Age–Free Zone...

You have the power to reverse aging –– beginning with your next meal!

Ask yourself these life–changing questions:

  • Is it too late to reverse aging?

  • What type of diet will increase my sexual energy and desire?

  • Can I make my hormones work more effectively?

  • Do high–carbohydrate diets accelerate aging?

  • How can I reduce free–radical–induced aging?

  • How does stress reduce brain longevity?

    No one wants to get old or show the signs of age. In this breakthrough book Dr. Barry Sears goes beyond looking at food simply as a source of calories and explains the incredibly powerful biological effects it has on your hormones. In addition to unravelling the mysteries of your hormones and their role in aging, Dr. Sears reveals the essential dietary information you need to start your own age–reversal journey.

    Begin your age–free lifestyle today!

    The Age–Free Zone includes:

  • A week of Age–Free Zone meals for men and women

  • Age–Free Zone meals for the business traveller

  • Age–Free Zone meals in fast–food restaurants

  • A simple, at–home Age–Free Zone exercise program



Books about: Merry Christmas from the South or Very Cranberry

Your Heart: An Owner's Guide

Author: John Elelfteriades

Despite great progress in prevention and treatment, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated one in six Americans will develop some kind of cardiac problem in their lifetime, and each year nearly three-quarters of a million people die from heart disease. Faced with these statistics, Americans naturally have many questions about risk factors, warning signs, treatment options, and numerous other concerns.

This comprehensive guide makes crucial, potentially life-saving information about the heart easily accessible. Based on decades of hands-on experience in treating patients, the authors-a cardiothoracic surgeon and a cardiologist, both affiliated with Yale University School of Medicine-address specific questions that they hear virtually every day from the people in their care. Simulating an office visit with heart specialists, the book uses an easy-to-follow format that allows readers to find answers quickly. Numerous professional medical drawings and actual operating-room photographs illustrate important facts and concepts.

From well-known problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and angina, to lesser-known conditions such as valvular heart disease, rheumatic fever, and arrhythmia, the authors provide clear, up-to-date, fact-based medical information, while avoiding confusing jargon as well as fad therapies. They also discuss tests and diagnoses; lifestyle changes to avoid or to live with heart disease; medications and therapies; and surgical procedures such as bypass grafting, valve replacement, and heart transplants, among other treatments. A special section is devoted to women and their hearts.

This superb all-in-one popular reference book on the heart will be a welcome resource for heart patients, their families, healthcare providers, and anyone concerned about a healthy lifestyle.



Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments     9
Foreword     11
Preface     13
Introduction to the Heart     17
Coronary Artery Disease     25
Heart Failure     41
Arrhythmias     55
Valvular Heart Disease     75
Hypertension, High Cholesterol, and Arteriosclerosis     89
Heart Attacks     121
Tests and Diagnoses     131
Living with Heart Disease: Lifestyle Changes That Protect Your Heart     151
Treatment: Medications, Therapies, and Procedures     161
Rheumatic Fever, Aneurysms, and Cardiac Tumors     201
So You Need Heart Surgery     221
Surgical Procedures     267
After Surgery     333
Heart Disease in Women     355
Afterword     373
Glossary     375
List of Case Vignettes     383
Lists of Illustrations and Tables     385
Notes     391
Index     395

Monday, January 26, 2009

The Dependent Patient or Homeopathy for Children

The Dependent Patient: A Practitioner's Guide

Author: Robert F Bornstein

The author presents an integrated approach to dependency in its healthy and unhealthy forms, drawing upon the major theoretical models. Diagnosis, assessment and different approaches to treatment are covered. A valuable resource for any practitioner who works in an inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation, or day/treatment/partial hospitalization setting, regardless of the practitioner's background and level of training.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, M.S., BCETS, CATSM, CCRA (Abbott Laboratories)
Description: This book delves into an all too common occurrence in clinical practice:the dependent personality. As the environment is ever-changing, the clinician needs to have the needed skills and resources to effectively treat and manage these unique clinical challenges.
Purpose: This book is about working effectively with dependent patients as dependency is an important factor in clinical practice. It is also about building up one's armamentarium of knowledge and skills to effectively and individualistically adapt to various patients and situations. The book meets the author's objectives as well as the needs of the field itself.
Audience: Clearly, seasoned clinicians will benefit the most, along with those in graduate level training. The book has the ability to cross over disciplines such as medicine, social work, and nursing. The author is credible, and the reader can easily note the amount of clinical knowledge the author brings forth in his writing.
Features: One would expect nothing less than a detailed discussion of theories, assessment methods, and useful treatment approaches; however, the author gives the reader the clinical edge in understanding and acknowledging the presence and prevalence of the dependent personality. Highlights include chapters on Dependency Across the Life Span, Diagnosis, Assessment, and Approaches to Treatment. The author has a good writing style and is able to convey multiple messages well.
Assessment: This book has such a utility for the field that it deserves to be read and placed on all clinicians' shelves! Strongly recommended.

Rating

4 Stars! from Doody




Table of Contents:
Ch. 1Conceptualizing dependency3
Ch. 2Quantifying dependency21
Ch. 3Dependency across the life span39
Ch. 4Context-specific deficits and strengths57
Ch. 5Healthy and unhealthy dependency73
Ch. 6Diagnosis91
Ch. 7Assessment111
Ch. 8Approaches to treatment131
Ch. 9An integrated treatment model151
Ch. 10Specialized treatment issues173

Book about: Rome Wasnt Burnt in a Day or The Price of Fire

Homeopathy for Children

Author: Gabrielle Pinto

Homoeopathy is now widely accepted as a potent form of medicine both by the medical profession and by natural therapists. Homoeopathic remedies are safe, natural, fast-acting and effective.

This comprehensive reference book, written by two leading homoeopaths, is for all parents who wish to treat their children in first aid situations and for the common complaints and diseases of childhood.



Sunday, January 25, 2009

On Their Own or Treatment of Anxiety and Panic with Bach Flower Remedies

On Their Own: Creating an Independent Future for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD: A Family Guide

Author: Anne Ford

An indispensable guide to the special challenges faced by parents of learning-disabled children as they enter adulthood, by the author of Laughing Allegra, a leading activist and parent of an adult child with LD.

In 2003 Anne Ford (great-granddaughter of Henry Ford) published Laughing Allegra, about the struggles of raising her learning-disabled daughter, and received a flood of letters from parents of children with LD, ADD, and ADHD, many expressing concerns about what to do as their children age.

On Their Own is an invaluable road map to ease these parents' fears and answer their questions, especially the one that haunts them daily: Will or can their child be on their own, and how? In a candid, sympathetic style, laced with real-life stories, the book covers such topics as:
• Social skills and dating
• Staying healthy
• Sibling relationships
• Interaction with employers and co-workers
• Job hunting
• Finding the right college or trade school
• Estate planning

Also included are a comprehensive resource guide and exclusive interviews with prominent professionals who have surmounted their learning disabilities: CEO's Sir Richard Branson, John Chambers, David Neeleman, and Charles Schwab, and former governor Gaston Caperton.



Table of Contents:
Foreword   Sally Shaywitz, M. D     vii
Introduction: "Now What Do I Do?"     xiii
The Adult with Learning Disabilities
"So What Is It?"     3
Signs and Symptoms     9
Allegra: A Portrait of My Daughter     17
Relationships
The Parent-Child Bond: Learning to Let Go     27
Brothers and Sisters     39
Friends     48
Dating     64
Marriage and Parenting     72
After High-School Graduation Day: The College Student with LD and ADHD
Is College an Option?     81
Before Graduation Day: Transitions from High School     85
The Fearful Student: Finding Your Child's Interests     93
LD, ADHD, and the SAT     98
How to Find the Right College     104
Financial Aid     112
The GED: A Second Chance     119
The College Student with LD or ADHD     123
The Helicopter Parent     130
On the Job: Employing the Adult with LD and ADHD
Defining Success     135
Business 101     143
"Show Me Spark!": Corporate America and the Adult with LD     158
Motivation     165
Managing on Their Own: Life Concerns for the Adult with LD and ADHD
Staying Healthy     177
Medication and ADHD     200
The Fine Print     208
Estate Planning     214
Interviews: Advice for Parents from Prominent People with LD
Introduction   Betsy Morris     225
Sir Richard Branson, Chairman and CEO, Virgin Group     228
Gaston Caperton, President, College Board, former Governor of West Virginia     236
John Chambers, President and CEO, Cisco Systems     245
David Neeleman, Founder and CEO, JetBlue Airways     257
Charles Schwab, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Charles Schwab & Co.     264
Epilogue     274
Acknowledgments     279
Resource Guide     281
Index     297

Book review: I Take a Deeep Breath or Reiki for First Aid

Treatment of Anxiety and Panic with Bach Flower Remedies: God's Own Medicine

Author: Estella Ritter

Book Title The Treatment of Anxiety & Panic with Bach Flower Remedies The AuthorEstella Ritter, B.F.R.P.
Book Category Self Help, Alternative Medicine Book Description Practical, comprehensive help for stress related anxiety and
anxiety disorders.

Anxiety being the main mental health concern for women, and second only to substance abuse in men, The Treatment of Anxiety & Panic with Bach Flower Remedies offers both a practical and comprehensive guide to everyone struggling with panic attacks, anxiety attacks, social fears, generalized anxiety, or obsessive compulsive behaviors.Representing a fluid, self-directed process to emotional healing the goal of the technique is to present a very contemporary, user-friendly, and immediate response to emotional distress.Working by specifically targeting every type of negative state of mind reveals an amazing, subtle energy approach that is neither created in the language of pop culture, nor new age therapy.By explaining step-by-step how to use one of the most effective healing tools nature has provided to us, this book in a non-clinical voice, addresses the debilitating impact of anxiety, and shows how to effectively overcome anxiety driven symptoms in order to achieve a lasting recovery. Rather than just covering up and continuing to suppress emotional difficulties with drugs, this book supplies the tools needed to manage anxiety, and after that to resolve emotional problems
The information can be used to develop one's own self-help program, or, as an adjunct to other healing modalities, the technique will reliably deliver clarity and a lifetime of emotional assistance.



Friday, January 23, 2009

I Take a Deeep Breath or Reiki for First Aid

I Take a Deeep Breath

Author: Sharon R Penchina

I Take a DEEEP Breath! encourages children to take a deep breath in-accessing their own courage, strength and inner peaceand then breath out fears and doubts in order to face challenges they may encounter throughout their lives. A powerful coping mechanism as well as the perfect starting place for children to learn breath education, this book is the first step to good health! Narrated by an adorable young child the CD engages children with its delightful melody and interactive verse. Narration of I Take a DEEEP Breath! book.



Go to: Abortion under State Constitutions or John F Kennedy

REIKI - FOR FIRST AID: REIKI TREATMENT AS ACCOMPAN

Author: Walter Lubeck

Reiki For First Aid offers much practical advice for applying Reiki in everyday health care. It includes Reiki treatments for over forty types of illness, supplemented with natural healing applications. For the first time, the relationship between Reiki and nutrition is presented in detail.



Thursday, January 22, 2009

Water Fun or Successful Programs for Fitness and Health Clubs

Water Fun: 116 Fitness and Swimming Activities for All Ages

Author: Terri Lees

Swimming participation in the United States rose to 58 million in 2005, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. A popular activity for both fun and fitness, swimming is now easier to learn, enjoy, and use as exercise with Water Fun. Including more than 100 stunts, skills, games, and workouts that may be tailored to meet specific needs, this book has something for every age and skill level.

To help beginners gain confidence in the water, basic water exercises that may be performed in a vertical position are provided, along with workout options that do not require participants to be fully submerged in the water. Water Fun also includes activities for exercisers who want to transition from water exercise to swimming. Athletes, along with instructors, coaches, and athletic trainers, will also find sport-specific and cross-training activities to enhance their conditioning regimens.

With a complete collection of individual and group activities that require little, if any, equipment, Water Fun has everything water exercisers need to become more comfortable and skilled in the water.



Book review: EEO Law and Personnel Practices or From Union to Commonwealth

Successful Programs for Fitness and Health Clubs: 101 Programming Ideas

Author: Sandy Coffman

In today's world, a club needs to offer more than state-of-the-art equipment and certified fitness instructors to recruit and retain members. You need something that will appeal to your members and keep them coming back. In Successful Programs for Fitness and Health Clubs: 101 Profitable Ideas, you will learn how to utilize programming to meet your strategic and financial goals. Written by internationally-respected programming consultant Sandy Coffman, this book will teach you exactly what programming is and how to make it work for you.

Successful Programs for Fitness and Health Clubs: 101 Profitable Ideas presents more than 100 ready-to-use programs for use in fitness centers, group exercise studios, pools, gyms, and classrooms. The programs are designed to get hundreds of new members involved immediately. But the text is far more than just a program recipe book. Coffman addresses the challenges faced in programming, including teaching skills, communication skills, marketing techniques, and follow-up procedures. Her advice will help you design programs that unite members with common interests and abilities and foster a sense of belonging and commitment. Such programming leads to increased participation, reduced attrition, greater retention, more referrals, less downtime, and improved staff productivity.

The text will first lay the foundation for programming by presenting the key principles and concepts that need to be considered. Part I explores

• the five steps to programming success,

• the 10 keys to member retention,

• hiring and training the right people,

• why a programdirector is needed,

• internal and external promotions, and

• niche marketing.

By understanding and using the information in Part I, you can successfully implement the programs in Part II. Here you will find 101 actual programs, with numerous variations-including ideas for court sports, group exercise, and programs aimed at adults, families, kids, seniors, and women, covering a broad range of fitness levels, from beginners and intermediates to advanced participants. It also includes programming for specific time frames, such as the holiday season, spring, or summer. An activity finder located in the front of the text makes it easy to find programs based on criteria ranging from the type of activity or member to the type of special event.

In addition to providing vital information for planning your programs, Successful Programs for Fitness and Health Clubs: 101 Profitable Ideas comes with a CD-ROM containing more than 60 files that will help you create support materials to get your programs started. You will find printable quizzes, flyers, score cards, invitations, scoring systems, round robin tournament schedules, and logos-most of which can be customized to include information specific to your facility, such as logo, contact names, dates, times, and more. Additional files provide templates to create T-shirts, buttons, and other promotional pieces. Headings and icons in the text indicate when to refer to the CD-ROM for certain materials.

When it comes to enhancing your club offerings, follow the expert programming advice from Sandy Coffman. With it you will be able to create, implement, and deliver successful programs that will attract and retain new members and ultimately make your club a greater success.



Table of Contents:
Program Finder
Items on CD-ROM
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I. Programming Overview

Chapter 1. Programming and Retention
Do you know the five steps to programming success? What about the 10 keys to retention? This chapter will answer those questions and show you the steps your members must go through to be fully retained.

Chapter 2. Hiring and Training the Right People
Good employees need more than a degree or certification. They need to have a good personality and a willingness to improve their communication skills. This chapter shows you who to hire and how to train them to improve their professional personality.

Chapter 3. Program Director
Does your facility need a program director? You bet! This chapter shows you the role of the program director, looks at the four types of members the program director needs to know about, and shows you how to complete a program study analysis.

Chapter 4. Promotions
Your customers need to know about your programs-promotion is the key! This chapter looks at the internal and external promotions you can do to make sure everyone knows what's happening at your facility.

Chapter 5. Niche Marketing
Every member is different and looking for something unique out of his or her experience at your facility. This chapter identifies the different niche markets and how to tailor your programming to each market. We also look at niche markets throughout the day and year.

Part II. Programs and Programming Ideas

Chapter 6. Court Sports
Volleyball, racquetball, tennis, and wallyball. What do they have in common? They are all court sports. This chapter gives you lots ofprograms for your court sports.

Chapter 7. In and Around the Fitness Center
Cardio and weight training can be much more than putting a client on a treadmill or setting up a lifting schedule. Here, you'll find lots of unique ideas for keeping your members coming back for more.

Chapter 8. Group Exercise
Our group exercise programs give our clients a great opportunity to form friendships and social outlets, both of which are key to retention. In this chapter, you'll find a new twist on cycling, step, and other group exercise classes.

Chapter 9. Aquatics
Do you use your pool for lap swimming only? If so, you're missing out on lots of programming opportunities. This chapter gives you ideas of classes you may want to further develop at your facility.

Chapter 10. Baby Boomers and Beyond
The older members of your facility offer a unique challenge for programming. You'll find lots of great ideas in this chapter for programs on tennis, cardio, and other fitness and social programs.

Chapter 11. Youth and Teens
How do you get the youngest members of your facility involved and on the track to lifelong fitness? This chapter offers many programs and programming ideas to keep the kids coming back for more!

Chapter 12. Specialty Programs
Open houses, holiday programs, and DJ nights are just a few of the unique ideas you can implement to round out your yearly calendar of programming events. If you need a seasonal, annual, or one-time programming idea, look in this chapter.

Afterword
Index
CD-ROM Installation Instructions
About the Author

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Take Your Pediatrician with You or The Breast Cancer Prevention Diet

Take Your Pediatrician with You: Keeping Your Child Healthy at Home and on the Road

Author: Christopher S Ryder

It's three o'clock in the morning and your child is screaming in pain. To make matters worse, you and your family are vacationing in a strange city. What should you do? Call the front desk? Your family pediatrician? An ambulance?

From in-flight earaches to strep throat, from poison ivy to insect bites, illness and injury are common and unwelcome traveling companions. You need to know when to treat your child yourself and when to seek professional medical care. This compact handbook tells you how to decide and then puts crucial information for preventing and treating acute childhood illnesses and injuries at your fingertips.

In Take Your Pediatrician with You, Dr. Christopher Ryder offers expert advice on keeping children safe and healthy at home and on the road. He includes detailed instructions for creating a children's medical care kit to use at home or while traveling. Also included are descriptions of common childhood illnesses and summer woes; travel tips; accident prevention; and guidelines for emergency care. A chapter on international adoption guides parents through the process of bringing a child home safely.

As well as a reassuring travel companion, this valuable resource will become the "turn-to" guide at home and in childcare centers.



Interesting book: Adobe Photoshop CS3 on Demand or PHP for the World Wide Web

The Breast Cancer Prevention Diet: The Powerful Foods That Will Keep You Well

Author: Bob Arnot

Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes this breakthrough new diet, compiled by the chief medical correspondent for NBC, designed to help to fight the dreaded disease that strikes one in nine women.

Library Journal

The chief medical correspondent for NBC News sets up three diets--standard, advanced, and long-term--for women seeking to avoid or to battle breast cancer.



Table of Contents:
Acknowledgmentsix
PART ONE NUTRITION AND BREAST CANCER
Introduction3
What Makes Breast Cancer Grow17
How Foods Can Prevent Breast Cancer31
PART TWO 12 STEPS TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER
Step 1: Block the Estrogen Receptor49
Step 2: Change Fats67
Omega-9 Fats79
Omega-3 Fats82
Step 3: Make Good Estrogens92
Step 4: Lower Insulin96
Step 5: Drop Glucose Overload100
Step 6: Increase Fiber113
Step 7: Lower Oxidative Load123
Step 8: Avoid Chemical Estrogens137
Step 9: Decrease Body Fat144
Step 10: Limit Alcohol148
Step 11: Increase Vitamin D150
Step 12: Exercise153
PART THREE BREAST CANCER PREVENTION PLANS
Road Map to Breast Cancer Prevention Plans159
Breast Cancer Prevention Plan for Women with High
Estrogen Levels (Before Menopause)161
Breast Cancer Prevention Plan for Women with Low Estrogen
Levels (After Menopause)167
Breast Cancer Prevention Plan for Breast Cancer Survivors175
Intensive Intervention Supplements183
Daughters: Intergenerational Breast Cancer Prevention187
Healthy Cuisines201
Meal Plans207
Close222
Appendix: Genistein Values225
Selected References229
Index251

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen or Nail Structure and Product Chemistry Simplified

Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: Nature, Knowledge, Imagery in an Ancient Chinese Medical Text, with an Appendix, the Doctrine of the Five Periods and Six QI in the Huang Di Nei Jing SU Wen

Author: Paul U U Unschuld

The Huang Di nei jing su wen, known familiarly as the Su wen, is a seminal text of ancient Chinese medicine, yet until now there has been no comprehensive, detailed analysis of its development and contents. At last Paul U. Unschuld offers entry into this still-vital artifact of China's cultural and intellectual past.

Unschuld traces the history of the Su wen to its origins in the final centuries B.C.E., when numerous authors wrote short medical essays to explain the foundations of human health and illness on the basis of the newly developed vessel theory. He examines the meaning of the title and the way the work has been received throughout Chinese medical history, both before and after the eleventh century when the text as it is known today emerged. Unschuld's survey of the contents includes illuminating discussions of the yin-yang and five-agents doctrines, the perception of the human body and its organs, qi and blood, pathogenic agents, concepts of disease and diagnosis, and a variety of therapies, including the new technique of acupuncture. An extensive appendix, furthermore, offers a detailed introduction to the complicated climatological theories of Wu yun liu qi ("five periods and six qi"), which were added to the Su wen by Wang Bing in the Tang era.
In an epilogue, Unschuld writes about the break with tradition and innovative style of thought represented by the Su wen. For the first time, health care took the form of "medicine," in that it focused on environmental conditions, climatic agents, and behavior as causal in the emergence of disease and on the importance of natural laws in explaining illness. Unschuld points out that much of what we surmise about the humanorganism is simply a projection, reflecting dominant values and social goals, and he constructs a hypothesis to explain the formation and acceptance of basic notions of health and disease in a given society. Reading the Su wen, he says, not only offers a better understanding of the roots of Chinese medicine as an integrated aspect of Chinese civilization; it also provides a much needed starting point for discussions of the differences and parallels between European and Chinese ways of dealing with illness and the risk of early death.



Book review: Krankenpflege Jetzt!: Heutige Emissionen, Morgige Tendenzen

Nail Structure and Product Chemistry Simplified

Author: Douglas Schoon

There's only one place to find easy-to-understand, fact-based information about natural or artificial nails. Nail Structure & Product Chemistry, 2E is the only book of its kind available for those interested in learning more about this interesting topic. Easy-to-read and understand, this text brings together authoritative information from diverse fields including dermatology; toxicology; anatomy and physiology; chemistry; physics; and materials science. Authored by a leading research scientist in this field, the text serves as an informational guide for anyone interested in learning more about how and why professional nail products work; how to troubleshoot, understand and solve most common salon problems; why products sometimes don't work and how to avoid these problems; how to avoid product-related skin allergies; and more. The text contains an in-depth study of the natural nail, its various parts, and how they function together. In addition, it covers a wide range of topics helpful to the salon professional, including how to give clients trouble-free nails/services; nail polishes and treatments; the use of electric files; understanding and avoiding skin allergies; improving ventilation; and much, much more. This updated text includes discussions of new products, services, problems and misunderstandings in the filed and is a must-have resource for anyone interested in learning more about the science and technology of nails.



Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Fingernail Anatomy


Chapter 2: Nail Unit Growth and Function


Chapter 3: Understanding The Hand

Chapter 4: Tramua and Damage

Chapter 5: The Abnormal Nail

Chapter 6: The Principles of Nail Product Chemistry

Chapter 7: Adhesives and Adhesion

Chapter 8: Product Chemistry Essentials

Chapter 9: Liquid and Powder Product Chemistry

Chapter 10: UV Gel and Wrap Chemistry

Chapter 11: The Safe Salon

Chapter 12: The Healthy Salon

Chapter 13: Sanitation and Disinfection: The New Reality

Chapter 14: Every Breath You Take

Chapter 15: Clearing the Air

Chapter 16: Nails Around the World

Chapter 17: Special Topics

Sunday, January 18, 2009

The Yale Guide to Childrens Nutrition or Welcome Home

The Yale Guide to Children's Nutrition

Author: William V Tamborlan

What is the healthiest diet for an infant? What constitutes a nutritious school lunch? How do I deal with my adolescent's eating needs and habits? Will my children receive proper nutrients if they are sick, very athletic, or vegetarians? This authoritative resource answers these and dozens of other questions, not only presenting the latest scientific knowledge about nutrition but also providing recipes from famous chefs for delicious and healthy dishes. The book, written by physicians and dietitians at the Yale University School of Medicine, an international leader in pediatric teaching, research, and clinical care, as well as by dietitians, nurses, and social workers at the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and informative guide to childhood nutrition ever produced.

Publishers Weekly

Authoritative advice from a team of experts, mostly pediatric specialists and nutritionists, makes this a reassuring handbook for concerned parents. Coverage is comprehensive, with topics ranging from breast-feeding infants to stoking adolescent athletes. The book is broken into six sections that can be read or consulted in any order: From Infancy to Adolescence, which treats developmental nutrition; Common Concerns, which tackles such issues as proper weight gain and dealing with picky eaters; Beyond the Basics, which addresses special problems, such as feeding children with diabetes, cystic fibrosis or food allergies; Building Blocks for Good Nutrition; Eating In, Eating Out, which proffers practical advice on school lunches and fast foods; and Recipes, which provides 69 recipes from assorted restaurant chefs, complete with preparation times and nutritional analyses. While some food combinations, such as pasta with shrimp and zucchini, or yellow turnips with shallots, seem of questionable appeal to kids, and the recipes for Vegetarian Lasagna and Sweet Corn Ravioli are rather time-consuming for busy parents, most dishes are fairly uncomplicated and have whole-family appealwitness the Banana-Split Pancakes and Pizza Presto. The liberal use of tables, charts and lists makes all the helpful data relatively digestible. BOMC and Children's BOMC selections. (Mar.)

Library Journal

More than 100 physicians, dietitians, nurses, and social workers from the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital worked together to produce this authoritative guide on children's nutrition. In addition to offering practical advice regarding nutritional requirements for children of all ages, this valuable resource dispels common myths and answers dozens of questions covering a range of topics, including childhood obesity, food allergies, vegetarianism, and nutrition for young athletes. The authors also discuss nutritional management of common childhood health problems, including gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Each of the important building blocks for good nutritionprotein, carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol, vitamins and minerals, fiber, salt, and wateris covered in depth; this gives the reader a good sense of the role and importance of each in a child's growth and development. Throughout the text, the authors provide helpful hints for selecting foods and preparing snacks/meals, reinforcing the message that there is no such thing as a "bad" food and that balance is the key to good nutrition. The book concludes with a selection of recipes from nationally recognized chefs. Comprehensive in its coverage, well organized, and easily understood, this book is highly recommended for any consumer health collection. [BOMC and Children's BOMC selections; March is National Nutrition Month.Ed.]Sue Hollander, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago Lib. of the Health Sciences, Rockford

What People Are Saying

Ronald E. Kleinman
"A well-balanced approach to understanding children's nutritional needs." -- Massachusetts General Hospital


Jane E. Brody
"This book, replete with recipes that have both child appeal provided by some of the best chefs in the United States and wisdom provided by some of the leading scientists in the field of children's health, can help you develop and execute guidelines that can be readily incorporated into family life." -- from the foreword


Kathleen M. Rasmussen
"A redable and comprehensive guide to nutrition for children. I would be pleased to give it as a gift to the parents of a young child." -- Cornell University




See also: Jesus the Village Psychiatrist or There Are No Secrets

Welcome Home: Following Your Soul's Journey Home

Author: Sandra Ingerman

Sandra Ingerman's deeply moveing debut, Soul Retrieval, captivated readers with its introduction of shamanic journeying, an ancient tradition of healig. With the characteristic warmth, passion, and authenticcity that have earned her worldwide recognition, Ingerman now continues to share her lifework with Welcome Home, an empowering action plan for creating a more positive future by truly letting go of blame and guilt.

Library Journal

The author is a shamanic healer who journeys on behalf of her clients in order to facilitate healing. A book on what to do after one has been through a healing crisis is badly needed; unfortunately, this isn't it. While this is what Ingerman purports to do here she misses the mark entirely, treating the reader to self-indulgent accounts from her own private journal as well as those of her clients in a tone usually reserved for young children. She exhorts us to take responsibility for ourselves and the future but fails to provide any guidelines as to how to go about it. The work is also repetitive and badly written and edited. Not recommended.-- Marilyn E. Schafer, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic Coll., Toronto



Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Good Carbohydrate Revolution or Eight Weeks to Optimum Health New Edition Updated and Expanded

The Good Carbohydrate Revolution: A Proven Program for Low-Maintenance Weight Loss and Optimum Health

Author: Terry Shintani

Forget everything you've learned about low-carb and carb-free diets!

A SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN BREAKTHROUGH IN NUTRITIONAL WEIGHT-LOSS RESEARCH THAT CAN HELP YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT AND CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS BY EATING MORE OF THE RIGHT KIND OF CARBOHYDRATES.

In his bestselling book The HawaiiDiet™, Dr. Terry Shintani showed readers how they could eat nearly twice as much food as they usually do and still lose weight. Now, as a much-needed voice of reason amid today's clamor of weight-loss programs that eliminate carbohydrates from the diet in favor of protein-only foods, Dr. Shintani returns with a revolutionary approach to weight-maintenance and total-body health.

Here, you'll learn how to:

Identify the "good" carbohydrates, from whole-grain pasta and pita bread to sweet potatoes and brown rice, as well as an array of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables

Lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and control your blood sugar levels to help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, cancer, stroke, and other serious illnesses

Design a delicious, affordable 21-day meal plan to get you started on the path toward weight loss and total-body wellness

...and much more. Whether you're seeking permanent weight loss, lower cholesterol, or a crash-course in good nutrition, The Good Carbohydrate Revolution promises to make eating well -- and staying well -- easier to achieve than ever before.



Table of Contents:
1You Can Benefit from the Good Carbohydrate Plan1
2Carbohydrates and You14
3How the Good Carbohydrate Plan Works28
4Fiber: The Other Good Carbohydrate49
5The Anatomy of Good and Bad Carbohydrates60
6How to Find Good Carbohydrates76
7The Good Carbohydrate Plan Pyramid96
8Losing Weight the Good Carbohydrate Way114
9Burn Your Carbohydrate and Fat Away126
10The Good Carbohydrate Plan135
11How to Put the Good Carbohydrate Plan into Action155
12Good Carbohydrate Plan Recipes208
13Tailoring the Good Carbohydrate Plan for You310
14What About Protein?322
15Fat and Cholesterol Facts344
16Supplements for Health, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Control355
Epilogue362
Appendix AThe Carbohydrate Quotient363
Appendix BStructure and Digestion of Carbohydrates382
References387
Index417

Interesting textbook: Fallujah With Honor First Battalion Eighth Marines Role in Operation Phantom Fury 2e or The Day of Islam

Eight Weeks to Optimum Health, New Edition, Updated and Expanded: A Proven Program for Taking Full Advantage of Your Body's Natural Healing Power

Author: Andrew Weil

Now expanded and updated: One of America's most brilliant and respected doctors gives us his famous program for improving and maintaining health—already the program of choice for hundreds of thousands.
Eight Weeks to Optimum Health focuses all of Andrew Weil's expertise in both conventional and alternative medicine on a practical week-by-week, step-by-step plan, covering diet, exercise, lifestyle, stress, and environment. And he shows how his program can be tailored to the specific needs of pregnant women, senior citizens, overweight people, and those at risk for cancer, among others.
Dr. Weil has added the most up-to-date findings on such vital subjects as cholesterol, antioxidants, trans fats, toxic residues in the food supply, soy products, and vitamins and supplements.
Preventive in the broadest sense, straightforward, and encouraging, Eight Weeks to Optimum Health has proved to be, and in this updated version will continue to be, and essential audiobook.

Library Journal

Stayin' alive: Weil updates his 1997 classic. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.



Action Plan for Diabetes or Migraine

Action Plan for Diabetes

Author: Darryl E Barnes

Take control of your blood sugar with Action Plan for Diabetes. This complete guide to managing and preventing complications associated with the disease can significantly decrease your chances of needing insulin injections. This exercisebased plan can be tailored to your body's needs to boost your energy level, help you lose weight, and make you feel stronger than you have in years.

A complete, effective program that allows you to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle, Action Plan for Diabetes explains how to build strength, flexibility, and endurance while monitoring and maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels and body weight. It also presents dietary guidelines and the pros and cons of supplements and medications so that you can balance your nutritional needs and exercise to combat swings in blood sugar levels.

Developed with the American College of Sports Medicine, Action Plan for Diabetes presents a proven system with all the essential information you need to safely and effectively manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes for the long term. Action Plan for Diabetes will help you do more than survive; you will thrive and feel better than you ever thought possible!

Author Bio:Darryl Barnes, MD, is a consultant and instructor with the department of family medicine and musculoskeletal clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He specializes in total care of physically active people, including those with diabetes. He is a family physician with certified added qualifications (CAQ) in primary care sports medicine and is the team physician for all teams at Rochester Community Technical College and for Minnesota Chill, a U.S. professional volleyball team.

Dr. Barnes has lectured on diabetes, nutrition, and athletics on behalf of the Mayo Clinic and was on the medical staff for the 25th Ironman Triathlon World Championship in 2003. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Medical Association.

Dr. Barnes lives in Rochester, Minnesota, with his wife, Aimee. He enjoys running, fishing, and playing golf in his spare time.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is more than the world's leader in the scientific and medical aspects of sports and exercise; it is an association of people and professions exploring the use of medicine and exercise to make life healthier for all people.

Since 1954, ACSM has been committed to the promotion of physical activity and the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sportsrelated injuries. With more than 20,000 international, national, and regional chapter members in 80 countries, ACSM is internationally known as the leading source of stateoftheart research and information on sports medicine and exercise science. Through ACSM, health and fitness professionals representing a variety of disciplines work to improve the quality of life for people around the world through health and fitness research, education, and advocacy. A large part of ACSM's mission is devoted to public awareness and education about the positive aspects of physical activity for people of all ages, from all walks of life. ACSM's physicians, researchers, and educators have created tools to help people lead healthier liveswhether they're looking to start an exercise program or avoid and treat sports injuries. ACSM's National Center is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, widely recognized as the amateur sports capitol of the nation. Contact ACSM by phone at 3176379200, or visit the Web site at www.acsm.org for detailed department and staff information and facts on health and fitness, nutrition, sportspecific training and injuries, and more.



Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Ch 1Understanding diabetes1
Ch 2Making glucose control your goal13
Ch 3Planning your lifestyle23
Ch 4Making exercise work for you37
Ch 5Eating well and controlling your weight81
Ch 6Putting your plan together103
Ch 7Monitoring you progress and responding to change115
Ch 8Taking medications and supplements125
Ch 9Maintaining long-term control133
References139
Index143
About the author151
About the ACSM153

See also: Personalmanagement

Migraine: The Complete Guide

Author: American Council for Headache Education

This ground-breaking resource for people with migraines contains the most up-to-date information on breakthrough drug therapies and specific techniques to help control migraines.

Library Journal

These two books aim to help migraine sufferers regain control of their lives. Each achieves this goal by thoroughly discussing the diagnosis, treatment, and impact of environmental factors and lifestyle on migraines, and each combines input from medical professionals with a readable style. Written by two experienced journalists in the health field in conjunction with The American Council on Headache Education, Migraine: The Complete Guide covers topics not found in Managing Your Migraine: migraine demographics, migraine in men and children, and coping with family, school, office, traveling, and health insurance. The strength of Managing Your Migraine lies in its emphasis on research and the provision of a thorough bibliography. The citations are primarily from professional books and journals published between 1987 and 1992. Burks, who has a master's in counseling, encourages a continuous process of keeping up with the latest research and promotes the use of libraries, health agencies, and periodical subscriptions to do so. She also places a greater emphasis on diet, devoting two chapters to the topic, with appendixes of recipes and food charts. While both books discuss the latest drug, Imitrex, Burks provides more practical information for its use and details potential problems caused by nonmigraine drugs. With 23 million Americans suffering from migraines, including 20 percent of all U.S. women, there is room for both these reasonably priced books in all public and consumer health education libraries.-Mary Prottsman, Medical Lib., Enterprise, Ala.



Friday, January 16, 2009

Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines or 8 Minutes in the Morning for Extra Easy Weight Loss

Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines

Author: Charles W Fetrow

Each year, more than sixty million Americans use herbal remedies and other types of alternative medical care. In fact, more people seek help from alternative health-care providers than from conventional health-care practitioners....

-- Dr. Simeon Margolis

The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines is the first scientific quick-reference book compiled by two trained, experienced clinical pharmacists. In clear, everyday language, they share the most up-to-the-minute, reliable, and accessible information available on more than three hundred herbal medicines. You'll find:

* a complete, dependable overview of herbal medicines

* what the scientific research shows

* a glossary of medical terms

* what happens when herbs interact with drugs

* references to key scientific studies

* and much, much more.

No other guide gives you such a complete directory of herbal medicines, or such detailed, practical advice about each one. To expand your knowledge and interest in herbal medicines, you should have The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines

Joanne K. Singleton

The authors define this book as an herbal home reference. In a quick-read format, the pros and cons of using over 300 herbs and related substances are presented. The purpose is to provide the general public with scientific facts about herbs and related substances. This is a needed book based on the increasing tendency of patients to self-treat with herbs and related substances as well as the potential for interaction with prescribed drugs. The objective of providing the general public with scientific facts about the included herbs and related substances is questionable, absent the scientific references neded to support the assertions made by the authors. This book is intended for the general public. The authors have appropriate credentials and experience to make them credible authorities on this topic. Over 300 herbs and related substances are included. Folklore of the herb, along with brief information on common dose, side effects, interactions, uses of the herb, points to remember, and research on the herb are included. This book is adapted from the authors' Professional Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicine and they claim it contains the same unbiased and extensively referenced information. While this could be a very useful book for the general public, it has fallen short of the authors' objective because they do not substantiate the scientific support for the assertions made on the pros and cons of the herbs and related substances included.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Joanne K. Singleton, PhD, RN, CS (Pace University)
Description: The authors define this book as an herbal home reference. In a quick-read format, the pros and cons of using over 300 herbs and related substances are presented.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide the general public with scientific facts about herbs and related substances. This is a needed book based on the increasing tendency of patients to self-treat with herbs and related substances as well as the potential for interaction with prescribed drugs. The objective of providing the general public with scientific facts about the included herbs and related substances is questionable, absent the scientific references neded to support the assertions made by the authors.
Audience: This book is intended for the general public. The authors have appropriate credentials and experience to make them credible authorities on this topic.
Features: Over 300 herbs and related substances are included. Folklore of the herb, along with brief information on common dose, side effects, interactions, uses of the herb, points to remember, and research on the herb are included. This book is adapted from the authors' Professional Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicine and they claim it contains the same unbiased and extensively referenced information.
Assessment: While this could be a very useful book for the general public, it has fallen short of the authors' objective because they do not substantiate the scientific support for the assertions made on the pros and cons of the herbs and related substances included.

Booknews

The authors<-->both PharmDs and with current or past posts at Duquesne University & St. Francis Medical Center, Pittsburgh<-->co-authored the . Here they responsibly popularize a topic that doctors usually dismiss as new age nonsense. Each of some 300 herbs is covered by: an introduction; common doses; side effects; interactions; cautions; alternate names; research findings, however few; and a bibliography. No endorsements, many warnings. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Rating

2 Stars from Doody




Table of Contents:
Contributors and Consultants

Foreword

Preface

How to use The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines

Understanding and using herbal medicines

Herbal medicines A to Z

Alternative non-herbal medicines A to Z

Appendices

Glossary

Herbal information resources

Index

Forewords & Introductions

The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines is based on The Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines, a book we wrote because we sensed that health care practitioners sorely needed reliable information on alternative medicine. As clinical pharmacists, we get many questions about drugs from health care practitioners. Over time, we were fielding an incredible number of questions about herbal mediicines...

...That book was so warmly received that the publisher asked us to adapt it for consumers. The result, The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines, contains the same referenced, unbiased information as our first book but is written in language that anyone can understand.

Read an Excerpt

From Chapter 1: Understanding and Using Herbal Medicines

Most people are familiar with herbs as foods -- for example, basil and oregano in sauces, parsley as a garnish. However, for thousands of years many cultures around the world have used herbs and plants not just to eat but to treat illness. Archaeological evidence shows that even prehistoric man used plants to heal. Today, the World Health Orgamization estimates that 80ő of the world's population uses some form of herbal medicine.

Many of the drugs now prescribed come from plants that ancient cultures used medicinally. (The word drug comes from the Old Dutch word drogge, meaning "to dry," because pharmacists, doctors, and ancient healers often dried plants to use as medicines.) About one-fourth of all conventional pharmaceuticals -- including roughly 120 of the most commonly prescribed modem drugs -- contain at least one active ingredient derived from plants. The rest are chemically synthesized. (See Common drugs made from plants.)

Common drugs made from plants

Many drugs in common use today have botanical origins. Here's a selected list.

* Aspirin (salicylic acid) -- from white willow bark and meadow sweet plant

* Atropine, used to treat irregular heartbeat -- from belladonna leaves

* Colchicine, used for gout -- from autumn crocus

* Digoxin (Lanoxin), the most widely prescribed heart medication -- from foxglove, a poisonous plant

* Ephedrine, used to widen or relax the airways -- from the ephedra plant

* Morphine and codeine, potent narcotics -- from the opium poppy Paclitaxel Taxol), used to treat metastatic ovarian cancer -- from the yew tree

* Quinine, adrug for malaria -- from cinchona bark

* Vinblastine (Velban) and vincristine (Oncovin), anticancer drugs -- from periwinkle

Potentially dangerous herbs

Herbs can harm as well as heal. The herbs below may pose special risks.

* Bloodroot, promoted as an expectorant purgative, stimulant and plaque and cavity preventer, is used in such a range of doses that it can be dangerous. It has caused death when used to induce vomiting.

* Chan su, a topical aphrodisiac also known as stone, love stone, and rockhard, has been fatal when mistakenly ingested.

* Chaparral tea, claimed to be an antioxidant and pain reliever, has caused liver failure, necessitating liver transplantation.

* Coltsfoot, used for respiratory problem has caused liver problems.

* Comfrey, used to promote wound healing (and formerly to relieve ulcers of the bowel, stomach, liver, and gallbladder), has caused liver problems and cancer.

* Indian herbal tonics can lead to lead poisoning.

* Jin bu huan, an ancient Chinese sedative and analgesic, contains morphine-like substances and has caused hepatitis.

* Kambucha tea, made from mushroom cultures and used as a cure-all, has caused death from a blood acid disorder.

* Lobelia, used to treat respiratory congestion, has led to respiratory paralysis and death.

* Ma huang, or ephedra, an ingredient in many diet pills, can cause psychotic behavior, seizures, irregular heartbeats, heart attack, stroke, and death. It's also sold under such names as Herbal Ecstasy, Cloud 9, and Ultimate Xphoria to induce a 'high' associated with illegal drugs.

* Pennyroyal, used to induce menstruation and treat colds, fevers, and the flu, has caused liver failure, kidney failure, coma, and death.

* Sassafras, used as a diuretic and a treatment for skin disorders and rheumatism, has caused liver damage. It has also been linked to narcotic poisoning and miscarriage. The Food and Drug Administration has banned sassafras volatile oil and the component safrole as food additives and flavor enhancers.

* Yohimbe bark, used as an aphrodisiac and hallucinogen, has caused psychotic behavior.

Misleading claims

The herbs below have been misrepresented as cures for serious illnesses.

* Mistletoe has been falsely touted as a cure for cancer.

* Pau d'Arco tea has been falsely touted as a cure for cancer and AIDS.

Some herbs and plants have value not just for their active ingredients but for other substances they contain, such as:

* minerals

* vitamins

* volatile oils (used in aromatherapy)

* glycosides (sugar derivatives)

* allkaloids (bitter organic bases containing nitrogen)

* bioflavonoids (colorless substances that help maintain collagen and blood vessels).

In the United States, many traditional health care providers lack knowledge about herbal remedies, and their patients may be reluctant to reveal their use of such remedies. But renewed interest in all forms of alternative medicine has led consumers, health care providers, and drug researchers to reexamine herbal remedies. Medicinal herbs have been touted in magazines, books, and television shows, sometimes with advocates making amazing claims for their benefits.

Unfortunately, herbs don't have magical or mystical properties. Like all drugs, they must be taken in the right doses for the right length of time-and for the right purpose -- to produce a benefit. While some herbs are safe and effective, others can cause lasting harm and even death. (See Potentially dangerous herbs.)

Still other herbs are neither harmful nor effective.

History of herbal medicine

Herbal medicine, also called phytotherapy or phytomedicine, has been practiced since the beginning of recorded history. Specific remedies have been handed down from generation to generation.

In ancient times, medicinal plants were chosen for their color or the shape of their leaves. For example, heart-shaped leaves were used for heart problems, while plants with red flowers were used to treat bleeding disorders. This primitive approach is called the Doctrine of Signatures. Practitioners determined the best use for each plant by trial and error.

The formal study of herbs, called herbology, dates back to the ancient cultures of the Middle East, Greece, China, and India. These cultures revered the power of nature and developed herbal remedies based on the plants found in their home environments. Written evidence of the medicinal use of herbs has been found on Mesopotamian clay tablets and ancient Egyptian papyrus.

The first known compilation of herbal remedies was ordered by the king of Sumeria around 2000 B.C. and included 250 medicinal substances, including garlic. Ancient Greece and Rome produced their own compilations, including De Materia Medica, written in the I 1st century A.D. Of the 950 medicinal products described in this work, 600 come from plants and the rest from animal or mineral sources.

The Arabs added their own discoveries to the Greco-Roman texts, resulting in a compilation of more than 2,000 substances. Eventually, this work was reintroduced to Europe by Christian doctors traveling with the Crusaders. Herbal therapy is also a major component of India's Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Native American medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy.

In the United States, herbal remedies handed down from European settlers and learned from Native Americans were a mainstay of medical care until the early 1900s. The rise of technology and the biomedical approach to health care eventually led to the decline of herbal medicine.

The herbal revival that we're seeing today has several causes:

* general disillusionment with modern medicine

* the high cost and side effects of prescription drugs

* widespread availability of herbal medicines

* the belief that natural remedies are superior to manmade drugs.

Regulating herbal medicine

In the 19th century, many fake remedies were sold to gullible, desperate Americans. The federal government finally took action against disreputable purveyors of phony remedies by passing the Food and Drug Act of 1906. This law addressed problems of mislabeling and adulteration of plant remedies -- but not safety and effectiveness.

Today, herbal remedies remain largely unregulated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal products only as dietary supplements, not drugs. This means that the FDA can recall herbal products that are shown to be harmful, but manufacturers aren't required to provide information about their products' contents or side effects or to prove their safety or efficacy. They need only provide "reasonable assurance" that the product contains no harmful ingredients.

What's more, although manufacturers can't claim a particular product cures or prevents a specific disease, they can make any other claim about the supposed benefits without providing supporting evidence. They need only add the following disclaimer: "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

In essence, herbal remedies in the United States are sold on a buyer-beware basis. This highlights the importance of learning everything you can about any herbal products you plan to use.

European standards

In Europe, where millions of people use herbal and homeopathic remedies, governments and the scientific community are much more open to natural remedies, especially those with a long history of use. In Great Britain and France, traditional medicines that have been used for years with no serious side effects are approved for use under the "doctrine of reasonable certainty" when scientific evidence is lacking.

The European Economic Community has established guidelines that standardize the quality, dosage, and production of herbal remedies. These guidelines are based on the World Health Organization's Guidelines for the Assessment of Herbal Medicines, a 1991 publication that addressed concerns about the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines.

Therapeutic uses of herbs

A plant's leaves, flowers, stems, berries, seeds, fruit, bark, roots, or any other part may be used for medicinal purposes. Most herbal remedies are used to treat minor health problems, such as nausea, colds, cough, flu, headache, aches and pains, stomach and intestinal disorders (such as constipation and diarrhea), menstrual cramps, insomnia, skin disorders, and dandruff.

Some herbalists have reported success in treating certain chronic conditions, including peptic ulcers, inflammation of the colon, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems. Some use herbal remedies for illnesses usually treated only with prescription drugs, such as heart failure.

However, if you have a serious disorder and are considering an herbal remedy, don't discontinue ongoing medical treatment. Also be sure to tell your health care practitioner about any prescribed drugs you're taking, because these may interact with herbal remedies. (See Taking herbal remedies safely, pages 6 and 7.)

Research on herbal remedies

Numerous studies on herbal remedies have been done in Europe and Asia. European studies have shown benefits from such herbs as ginkgo, bilberry extract, and milk thistle in treating various chronic disorders. Chinese researchers have extensively studied many herbs, such as ginseng, fresh ginger rhizome, foxglove, licorice root, and wild chrysanthemum. Indian researchers using modem scientific methods have recently studied various Ayurvedic, herbs, including Indian gooseberry and turmeric.

Taking herbal remedies safely

Many people take for granted the safety of the drugs and foods they buy. But unlike drugs, herbal remedies aren't reviewed by any government agency for quality, dosage, safety, or efficacy. If you're thinking about taking an herb, know that the vast majority of botanical products sold in the United States haven't been scientifically tested. Their alleged benefits are based largely on word-of-mouth.

How herbal products are regulated

The Food and Drug Administration regulates herbal products as food supplements, not drugs. The labels on these products don't tell you about their ingredients, risks, side effects, or possible harmful interactions with other substances. Nor do they guarantee that the herb is in a form your body can absorb or that the recommended dosage has been tested on animals or humans.

Also, herbal products may contain ingredients other than those indicated on the label. For example, Siberian ginseng capsules were found to contain a weed full of male hormone-like chemicals. What's more, the amount of active ingredient in an herb varies from brand to brand and possibly from bottle to bottle within a particular brand.

To help prevent problems caused by herbal medicine, follow these guidelines.

General precautions

* Check with your health care practitioner before using any herbal product especially if you're taking a prescription drug. Tell your practitioner about all drugs you're taking, including nonprescription medications and vitamins. Many herbal remedies can interact with other drugs.

* Make sure your health care practitioner is aware of your medical history, including allergies.

* When taking an herb, follow the instructions exactly. If you take too much of an herb or take it inappropriately, you may get no benefit from taking it -- or put yourself at risk for potentially dangerous side effects.

* Never ignore symptoms you're experiencing. Contact your health care practitioner if you experience side effects of an herbal agent or if you have other health concerns that would normally require medical attention.

* Be sure to call your health care practitioner if you experience abdominal cramping, abnormal bleeding or bruising, changes in your pulse or heart rhythm; vision changes, dizziness or fainting; hair loss; hallucinations, inability to concentrate or other mental changes, hives, itching, rash, or other allergic symptoms, appetite loss, or dramatic weight loss.

* Don't use herbal agents to delay seeking more appropriate therapy. Keep in mind that herbs aren't necessarily a substitute for proven medical therapy.

* If you're a parent or other caregiver, consider each of the preceding precautions before giving herbal medicines to a child or an elderly debilitated person.

* Discontinue herbs at least 2 weeks before before surgery. They can interfere with anesthesia and cause heart and blood vessel problems.

When to avoid herbs

* Avoid herbal preparations if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. Most herbs' effects on the fetus are unknown. If you're a woman of childbearing age, use birth control when taking herbs.

* Don't use herbs for serious or potentially serious medical conditions, such as heart disease or bleeding disorders.

* Never let other people take your herbs or other medicine. Store herbal agents out of reach of children and pets.

* If you have questions about the herb you're taking, seek advice from a qualified health care provider. If your practitioner isn't knowledgeable about herbs, ask for a referral to someone who is.

Buying herbal products

* Be wary of products that promise to cure specific health problems.

* Read labels carefully when buying herbal products. Check for the term standardized on the label. Standardized means that the dose of medicine in each tablet or capsule in that package is the same. Also make sure the label states specific percentages, amounts, and strengths of active ingredients.

* Avoid herbal "cocktails" that contain more than one ingredient. Experts know little about the effects of combining herbs.

* Buy your herbs from reputable companies. Avoid products sold through magazines, brochures, the broadcast media, or the Internet.

* Consider buying organically grown herbs. Some people believe herbs that grow naturally in the wild are subject to contamination from pesticides, polluted water, and automobile exhaust fumes.

* Remember that the clerk at the health food store is a salesperson, not a trained health care practitioner.

The United States lags behind other countries in herbal medicine research for several reasons. Until the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) was established in 1992, such research lacked federal support. Also, pharmaceutical companies have no financial incentive to develop herb-based drugs because botanical products can't be patented. That means the companies could never recoup their research investment.

The inherent difficulty in studying herbs according to Western pharmaceutical standards has posed another obstacle to herbal research. Western standards favor isolating a single active ingredient. However, herbs may contain several active ingredients that work together to produce a specific effect.

Although large gaps remain in research, many clinical trials of herbs used as medication are currently underway. Since 1995, the OAM has collected more than 60,000 research citations on complementary and alternative health care practices, including 2,500 clinical trials that have been compiled in a computer database system.

Forms of herbal preparations

Herbs come in various forms, depending on their medicinal purpose and the body system involved. You can buy herbs individually or in mixtures formulated for specific conditions. Herbs may be prepared as tinctures or extracts, capsules or tablets, lozenges, teas, juices, vapor treatments, or bath products. Some herbs are applied topically with a poultice or compress. Others are rubbed into the skin as an oil, an ointment, or a salve.

Tinctures and extracts

An herb placed in alcohol or liquid glycerin is called a tincture or an extract. (Tinctures contain more alcohol than extracts.) Alcohol draws out the herb's active properties, concentrating them and helping to preserve them. Alcohol is cheap, is easily absorbed by the body, and allows the herb's full taste to come through. Alcohol-based tinctures and extracts have an indefinite shelf life.

Liquid glycerin extracts, called glycerites, are an alternative to alcohol extracts and preferred by some people. Most glycerites taste sweet and feel warm on the tongue. They're processed by the body as fat, not sugar -- important to diabetics and others who must limit sugar intake.

Glycerin extracts have certain drawbacks. Taking more than 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of glycerin can have a laxative effect. Also, glycerin isn't an efficient solvent for some herbs that contain resins and gums. Such herbs need alcohol for extraction.

Extracts should contain at least 60% glycerin with 40% water to ensure preservation. Glycerin-based extracts have shorter shelf-lives than alcohol-based extracts. An extract that contains citric acid can last for more than 2 years if stored properly.

Tinctures or extracts may be taken as drops in a tea, diluted in spring water, used in a compress, or applied during body massage. If the tincture's alcohol content is a concern -- for example, if the remedy is meant for a child -- a few drops may be placed in one-quarter cup (60 milliliters) of very hot water and left to stand for 5 minutes. As the tincture stands, most of the alcohol evaporates and the mixture becomes cool enough to drink.

To make an herbal tincture, a glass bottle or jar is filled with herbal parts (cut fresh herbs or crumbled dry herbs), pure spirits, such as vodka, are added, and the container is sealed and placed in a warm area (70° to 80° F [21° to 26.6° C]) for 2 weeks. The mixture should be shaken daily. After 2 weeks, the herbs can be strained out and the residue squeezed out.

Extracts are made with alcohol or water to bring out the herb's essence. (The product label should indicate which base was used.) Extracts have the same advantages and disadvantages as tinctures but are more concentrated and therefore more cost-effective. Because of their strong herbal taste, they're usually diluted in juice or water.

Capsules and tablets

Capsules and tablets contain the ground or powdered form of the raw herb. They are easier to transport and typically are tasteless. The capsule or tablet should be made within 24 hours of milling the herb because herbs degrade quickly.

The best products use fresh herbs, which should be indicated on the label. Capsules can be a hard gel or soft gel made of animal or vegetable gelatin. Most people find capsules easier to swallow than tablets.

Both capsules and tablets may contain a large amount of filler, such as soy or millet powder. Filler makes the herb hard to identify in the powdered form, and an herb of poorer quality may be substituted without your knowledge. Tablets also may contain a binder, such as magnesium stearate or dicalcium. phosphate, which in turn may contain lead. Binders help the herb absorb water and break down more readily for easy absorption in the body.

Capsules or tablets can be swallowed whole, as indicated, or can be mixed with a spoonful of cream-style cereal or applesauce. They also may be dissolved in sweet fruit juice.

Lozenges

Herbal lozenges are nutrient-rich, naturally sweetened preparations that dissolve in the mouth. They come in various formulas, such as cough suppressant, decongestant, or cold-fighting. Most lozenges are boosted with natural vitamin C. The horehound lozenge, one type that has become popular, is used to relieve coughs and minor throat irritation.

Lozenges should be taken as directed by a health care practitioner or herbalist. For self-treatment, follow the directions on the package.

Teas

Herbal teas can be made from most herbs. Teas are used for a wide range of purposes, with formulations aimed at specific conditions or desired effects.

Usually, you prepare the tea by infusion or decoction. Decoction is preferred for denser plant materials, such as roots or bark. To prepare an infusion, let the dried herb steep in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. To make a decoction, put the herb in a rolling boil of water for 15 to 20 minutes. You may steep teas in a muslin or conventional tea bag or tea ball or use them in their loose form for their fragrant, aromatic flavor.

Some teas taste bitter because they contain alkaloids (for example, goldenseal root) or highly astringent tannins (for example, oak bark). You may want to add honey to sweeten the tea, but don't give honey to a child younger than 18 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

For an infant, you may mix the tea with breast milk or formula and then put it into a bottle, an eyedropper, or an empty syringe (without a needle) and gently squirt the tea into the infant's mouth. Caution: If you're breast-feeding and taking an adult dose of an herbal remedy, keep in mind that the herb may pass through your breast milk to your child. Also remember that, as with any drug, you must use care when deciding whether to give these medicines to an infant or a child.

The Chinese teach that the heat of the water and the taste of the herb enhance its effectiveness. Steeping an herb in hot water draws out its therapeutic essence. With dried herbs, you'll probably want to use 2 heaping tablespoons of herb for every cup of tea, unless the product label directs otherwise. Place the dried herbs in a china or glass teapot or cup (plastic or metal containers aren't suitable for steeping). Immerse in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of freshly boiled water for each cup and cover.

When using leaf or flower herbs, steep for 5 to 10 minutes. With roots or bark, simmer or boil for 10 minutes, and then steep for 5 minutes longer. After steeping, strain the tea and let it cool to a comfortable temperature before drinking. If you're going to place a tincture or extract in the tea, let the cup of hot water sit for 5 minutes so the alcohol will evaporate. You can drink herbal teas hot, cold, or iced, depending on the purpose and instructions.

When using fresh herbs, remember that three parts of a fresh herb generally equal one part of a dried herb. Bark, root, seeds, and resins must be powdered (to break down the cell walls) before they're added to water. Seeds should be slightly bruised to release the volatile oils. You may infuse an aromatic herb in a pot with a tight lid to reduce the loss of volatile oil through evaporation. Because roots, wood, bark, nuts, and certain seeds are tough, they should be boiled in water to release their properties.

Juices

Juices are made by washing fresh herbs under cold running water, cutting them with scissors into suitable pieces, and running them through a juice extractor until they turn into a liquid. Usually, herbal juices are taken by placing a few drops in tea or spring water. They also may be applied externally by dabbing them on the affected body part.

Ideally, you should drink fresh juices immediately after extraction. However, you also may store them in a small glass bottle, corked tightly, and refrigerate for several days to minimize breakdown of ingredients.

Vapor and inhalation treatments

Many herbalists recommend herbal vapor and inhalation treatments for respiratory and sinus conditions. The treatment helps open congested sinuses and lung passages, promote mucus discharge, and ease breathing.

One inhalation method requires a sink and an herbal oil. Fill the sink with very hot water and add 2 to 5 drops of the herbal oil. Let the hot water trickle into the sink to keep the water steaming. As the mixture becomes diluted, you may need to add a few more drops of the herbal oil. Then inhale the steam for 5 minutes.

Another method involves heating a large, wide pot of water, adding a handful of dried or fresh herbs, and bringing the pot to a boil. After the herbs have simmered for 5 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and place it on a trivet to cool slightly. (If you're using an aromatic oil, first heat the water to just short of boiling and then remove it from the heat.) With the pot on a trivet, add 4 to 5 drops of the oil. Then drape a towel over your head to form a tent and lean over the pot, inhaling the steam for 5 minutes. Remember, though -- if the vapor is too hot, it can burn your nasal passages.

Herbal baths

An herb that's in a soluble agent, such as baking soda or aloe gel, may be dissolved in hot bath water. An herb in an oatmeal-type preparation may be finely-milled or whirled it into a powder in a blender. You may also bag fresh or dried herbs in a square of cheesecloth or place them in a washcloth and tie the cloth securely. The goal is maximum release of the herbal essence without having parts of the herb floating in the bath water. Full baths require about 6 ounces (170 grams) of dried or fresh herbs.

As the tub fills with water, place the bagged herbs under a forceful stream of comfortably hot water, and then drag them through the bath water to better distribute the herbal essence. Squeezing the bag releases a rich stream of essence that you can direct to the affected body part. You may also gently rub the bag over itching skin. Caution: Herbs with pointy or rough edges may be too irritating to use this way.

You can also add an herbal infusion to bath water. To make the infusion, soak 6 tablespoons (57 grams) of dried or fresh herbs overnight in 3 cups (710 milliliters) of hot water. The next morning, pour the strained infusion directly into the bath water.

Poultices and compresses

A poultice is a moist paste made from crushed herbs that's applied directly to the affected area, or wrapped in cloth to keep it in place and then applied. Poultices are useful for treating bruises, wounds, and abscesses.

Use only fresh herbs for poultices. One preparation method involves wrapping the herbs in a clean white cloth (such as gauze, linen, cotton, or muslin), folding the cloth several times, and crushing the herbs to a pulp with a rolling pin. (Pulping the herb directly onto the poultice cloth helps retain its juices and makes the poultice more effective.) Then expose the pulp and apply it to the affected area. To trap the herbal juices and hold them in place, wrap the entire area with a woolen cloth or towel. This type of poultice can remain in place overnight.

You can also prepare the herbs by placing them in a steamer, colander, strainer, or sieve over a pot of rapidly boiling water and allowing the steam to penetrate and wilt the herbs. After 5 minutes, spread the softened, warmed herbs on a clean white cloth (such as loosely woven cheesecloth) and apply the cloth to the affected area. To help retain the heat, wrap the poultice with a woolen cloth or towel. You can leave this type of poultice on for 20 minutes or overnight if you find the wrap comforting and soothing.

Compresses are effective for bleeding, bruises, muscle cramps, and headaches. They may be hot or cold, depending on the herb and the purpose for using it. To make a compress soak a soft cloth in a strong herbal tea, a tincture or glycerite, an oil, or aromatic water. Then wring it out and apply it to the affected area. You may use a bandage or plastic wrap to hold the compress in place.

Oils, ointments, salves, and rubs

Herbal oils usually are expressed from the peels of lemons, oranges, or other citrus fruits. Because they may irritate the skin, they're commonly diluted in fatty oils or water before being topically applied. Essential oils are used in massage and aromatherapy. They may be diluted to prevent skin irritation.

To make an herbal oil, wash fresh herbs and let them dry overnight. Then slice the herbs (or crumble them if you're using dry herbs), place them in a glass bottle or jar, and cover them with about I inch (2.5 cm) of fight virgin olive oil, almond oil, or sunflower oil. Cover the container tightly and let it stand in a warm area, such as on a stove or in the sunshine, for 2 weeks. Strain the oil before use.

Herbal ointments, salves, and rubs are applied topically for a variety of conditions. Examples include:

* calendula ointment for broken skin and wounds

* goldenseal applied to infections, rashes, and skin irritations

* aloe vera gel for minor burns

* heat-producing herbs for muscle aches and strains.

Commercial varieties of ointments, salves, and rubs usually are more appealing than homemade concoctions.

You can make an ointment in a ceramic or glass double boiler by heating 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of vegetable lanolin or beeswax until it liquefies. Once the lanolin or wax melts, add 80 to 120 drops of tincture and mix the compound together. Then pour the formula into a glass container and refrigerate it until it hardens. You can substitute a strong herbal tea made from fresh or dried herbs for a store-bought tincture.

Visiting an herbalist

If you decide to visit an herbalist, expect to start with an evaluation, including a review of your medical history. The herbalist may check your pulse and tongue to assess you and may perform a more thorough physical examination. Some herbalists assess the iris, a technique known as iridology, to aid diagnosis. This procedure involves correlating minute markings on the iris with specific parts of the body.

Most herbalists also ask if you're taking prescription or nonprescription drugs to avoid an interaction with an herb or to prevent a cumulative effect

New interesting book: Somersize Cocktails or Yes You Can Stop Smoking

8 Minutes in the Morning for Extra-Easy Weight Loss

Author: Jorge Cruis

Guaranteed to shed 2 pounds a week, without any equipment or dieting!

Hate going to the gym? No time to workout? Just had a baby? Don't want to give up that candy bar? 8 Minutes in the Morning® for Extra-Easy Weight Loss will help you lose up to 2 pounds a week in just 8 minutes a day -- guaranteed.

What's the secret? Starvation or deprivation dieting does not work. The Jorge Cruise secret is to restore your metabolism by creating new lean muscle that burns fat 24 hours a day. Lean muscle makes you look young and toned.

And now, you will need NO dumbbells or equipment. There are no more excuses. Plus, you'll have a delicious new full-color meal plan that will provide you with the essential muscle-making meals needed to create your new body. All with NO counting of calories or banning of foods. Success stories from Jorge Cruise clients will keep you inspired. And as a bonus, you will get a FREE WEIGHT LOSS PROFILE exclusively at JorgeCruise.com that will reveal the exact date you will reach your ideal goal weight.

You'll have nothing to lose except 2 pounds every week -- Guaranteed!