"This reader-friendly book is simply a must for all practitioners desirous of incorporating natural medicine in their practice.This book is packed with information,tried and tested diet formulas and injectable cocktails,guidelines to use these,dosages and side-effects.All that a clinician or healthcare professional will need to adopt natural medicine.The authors have detailed the conventitional and natural treatments inorder to help the clinician make the appropriate choices The layout of the book is designed for the busy practitioner.The print is readable and highlighted at places.All the three authors are faculty members at the Bastyr University-world’s leading academic and research center for advanced knowledge in health sciences. The chapters are divided into sections 1)diagnostic summary 2)general considerations-epidemiology,risk factors etc.3)therapeutic considerations—special diets,nutrition,botanical medicines 4)therapeutic approach.The sections are represented point-wise.This helps in quick reference to a particular section of interest.The hall mark of the book is the flowchart represented in neat blocks. The authors have selected about 74 conditions encountered in daily practice.Selection ranges from simple nausea of pregnancy to multiple sclerosis.The content matter is a good blend of detailed (extensively researched) and concise information.When one is interested in one particular topic the details are a pleasure and source of reference The general considerations and therapeutic considerations are by far the most interesting aspect of the book.General considerations includes the prevalence of disease in US,type of population affected.It is followed by rate of growth of disease, risk factors,the various theories supported by research,latest results into the biochemical processes occurring in the illness and their variant forms.Little known facets of illness like the pertussis vaccine factor in asthma,hypoglycemia-diabetes link or cornflakes linked to Crohn’s disease are eye-catching Therapeutic considerations are the concepts to be considered for a therapeutic plan.Diets,nutritional supplements,popular extracts,stress,vitamins are discussed.The diets and nutritional section need special mention.They have been explored at all levels including their biochemical effects—a goldmine of information.Did you know that viral hepatitis can be treated by high doses of vitamin C within 2-4 days and clears jaundice in 6 days? Most of the work is well-researched,integrated and reported with zeal.But a few of them can prove to be a basis for furthur research like effects of coenzymeQ10 in promoting weight loss. In delivering the final therapeutic approach authors have taken care to mention only that which has been strictly researched. There is a mention of a ‘ear-lobe crease’in predicting heart disease in atherosclerosis.Firstly since it is not supported by a photograph or diagram it is difficult to visualize it.Though it is supposed to have 82% accuracy it does not hold true with Asians and Native Americans.The relevance of this is unclear and scientific works must stear clear of such findings Though the book is dry the garlic douchess for vaginitis can make a person laugh! It is indispensable for a clinician –preferably along with Textbook of Natural Medicine by the same authors.I would recommend it even to those who are not inclined towards natural medicine.It could change their perspective! "