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Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine

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The perfect balance between the latest research and age-old wisdom
This completely revised and expanded second edition of the classic reference work arms you with the latest information on the extraordinary healing powers of natural medicine. Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, two of the most trusted naturopathic doctors in the world, have teamed up once again to bring you cutting-edge natural remedies for the most common ailments.
Easy to understand, a pleasure to read, yet scientifically well researched and documented, this is your complete health adviser to the natural approach to over 70 diseases, from arthritis to varicose veins. In addition, this life-long reference offers important information on:
·The four cornerstones of good health and how to achieve them
·How to enhance your body's key systems
·How to promote good health and increase longevity
Authoritative and up to date, the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine is the essential medical reference no home should be without.

640 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
65 reviews7 followers
February 18, 2010
The introductory chapters of this book make it worth the price. Additionally, I find it a very thorough diagnostic tool. However, there are differences in philosophy as to treatment. They advocate a lot of glandular extracts and supplements, which I don't agree. The body can heal itself with proper diet, including proper herbal foods. However, I agree with much more of this book than I disagree. Everyone interested in natural healing should read it.
Profile Image for Harold Cameron.
142 reviews20 followers
January 23, 2013
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE AND PRACTICAL GUIDE AVAILABLE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY HEALING POWERS OF NATURAL MEDICINE

“From the world-renowned naturopathic doctors and bestselling authors of The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods comes the authoritative third edition of the classic reference work, revised and expanded to include the latest cutting-edge natural therapies for the most common ailments. Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno focus on promoting health and treating disease with nontoxic, natural therapies. This groundbreaking book—the leader in its field—shows you how to improve your health through a positive mental attitude, a healthy lifestyle, a health-promoting diet, and supplements, along with plenty of practical tips.

Murray and Pizzorno present an evidence-based approach to wellness, based on firm scientific findings. They aim to dispel the notion that natural medicine isn’t “real medicine,” offering examples and studies that show the efficacy of a holistic approach to patient care. This book grounds the reader in the seven major tenets of natural medicine and covers important topics in health care today, including cancer prevention, detoxification, and internal cleansing. Written in an easy-to-follow A–Z format, The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine offers holistic approaches for treating more than 80 common ailments, including diabetes, celiac disease, endometriosis, and more. Furthermore, it gives you:

-Ways to prevent disease through enhancing key body systems

-The major causes and symptoms of each condition

- The therapeutic considerations you need to be aware of

- Detailed treatment summaries that include the most effective nutritional supplements and botanical medicines

And much more

This groundbreaking text is a perfect introduction to the world of natural medicine, providing clear guidance in the use of the best natural remedies for all kinds of illnesses, big and small. The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine is a valuable health reference and essential reading for anyone seeking to better their health.” (From the Simon and Schuster Publishing Company Website)

About the Authors:
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Author of 23 books, including the acclaimed bestseller The Encyclopedia of Natural Foods (co-authored with Dr. Joseph Pizzorno), Dr. Michael T. Murray is regarded as the world authority on natural medicine. An educator, lecturer, researcher and health food industry consultant, Michael also serves as the Director of Product Development and Education at Natural Factors, a health product firm.

Joseph Pizzorno N.D., Dr. Joseph Pizzorno is cofounder of Bastyr University, the first accredited multidisciplinary university of natural medicine in the United States.

My Thoughts About the Book: As I live with 2 brain tumors and other health conditions related to my tumors and was on what seemed like a ton of medications, (10 in all), AND was feeling worse as the days and months passed I needed a different approach to my health. What I needed was a new and different perspective and plan and well EUREKA I found it. I found what I was looking for in The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.

As I read the book I read about my particular health concerns as well as the many others that are featured in the book and began to apply what I was learning. With my doctor’s agreement I went off 7 of the medications I was on and started a new health regimen recommended in the book that includes diet and appropriate supplementation and I feel a world of improvement in the month I have been doing things differently. I had severe edema in my left ankle and foot – GONE! I had blurry vision, I felt tired and confused a good portion of the day with cognitive and intellectual impairment and now since following the advice provided in the book my vision has improved as well as my mental state and cognitive function. The one thing that has not happened yet and I am waiting for is for the plan I am on to make me more handsome than I already am. I don’t think there is a plan or an App for that one. Well, one can only wish can’t they? LOL!

There are several things I like about the book: its holistic perspective on the treatment of disease, the research and science behind many of the lifestyle modifications recommended in the book, the fact it is written by 2 of the world’s most brilliant and renowned doctors of Naturopathy and researchers who have “been there and done that” as far as actually treating patients and studying the body and disease, (in other words the book is so much more than just theoretical in nature – it is both scientific and practical). What more could a person ask for?

Dr. Murray and Dr. Pizzorno in their informative and well written book start us on our journey to achieving better health in the book by revealing just what “Natural Medicine” really is without all the hype and referring to how we need to tap into our own natural healing powers to help our bodies heal. It is in this section of the book Dr.’s Murray and Pizzorno remind us of the importance and role of faith in health which is especially significant to me as a lover and follower of Christ.

Next they write about the “Four Cornerstones of Good Health” which can lead to our achieving a better quality of health and life. The 4 are: the scientifically proven fact that by having a positive mental attitude we can improve our health and lives. secondly they reveal what a “Health Promoting Lifestyle” is, thirdly what it means to eat a “Health Promoting” Diet and finally they conclude the section of the book sharing invaluable information concerning “Supplementary Measures” for us to be aware of, (how by taking the right supplements in the right doses a person can achieve better health).

In the next section the authors write about eight “Special Topics” that relates to our overall health and well-being. In this section they include what a “Cellular Approach” to health consists of, information concerning “Cancer Prevention,” how essential it is to detoxify and internally cleanse our bodies and how to safely go about doing so, “Digestion and Elimination,” Heart and overall Cardiovascular Health, “Immune System Support,” “Longevity and Life Extension,” “Silent Inflammation,” “Stress Management” and finally “Obesity and Weight Management. All are vitally essential to overall good health and well-being. And like the songwriter wrote concerning “Love and Marriage” and how you can’t have one without the other…well, if you want to BE healthy you have to THINK healthy, EAT healthy, supplement sensibly and follow the other principles shared in the book.

It is in the final and major portion of the book where authors Murray and Pizzorno write about over 80 different medical conditions from A to V – there are no W, X, Y or Z of ailments referred to in their book. They write about such conditions as Acne and AIDS and HIV, Asthma, Menopause, Diabetes, Erectile Dysfunction, and Stroke as well as recovery from conditions that have negatively impacted or do still impact my life: Anxiety, Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency, Depression, High Cholesterol and Triglycerides, Hypothyroidism, and Insomnia which either have been totally eliminated or are being improved as a result of my following the recommendations provided in the book. And please keep in mind I am doing this with my doctor’s awareness and direction which if you are going to start implementing any of the recommendations in the book – altering your medical treatment plan in any way – I strongly suggest you do the same. Let your doctor know.

I would love to be able to tell you that by purchasing the book, reading it and following the recommendations provided you will be able to live a 100% healthy life never experiencing any of the medical conditions featured in the book that will require some type of medical treatment. But I can’t because that would be dishonest of me to do so, BUT, what I can absolutely tell you from my experience as well as the experience of countless people I know that if you do purchase the book, read it and follow the recommendations given, you should be able to achieve a better quality of health and live a more healthy, happy and fulfilling life. And nothing for nothing, any improvement is better than no improvement and feeling 30 or 40% better is sure better than not feeling any better at all so I am 100% sold on the book and will be continuing to read it and learn from it so that I can hopefully with the Grace and help of God experience even a better quality of health and life in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from the Simon and Schuster Publishing Company for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Profile Image for Amy.
545 reviews58 followers
January 20, 2014
This is a perfect reference book. Its very thorough, simple, scientific, interesting and covers nearly every disease and every natural cure. Each dx such as PMS has a description of causes, therapuetic cures, diet needs, other tx such as exercise, nutrient supplements and botanical medications. Its over 1, 000 pgs! Dr murray is the top resource on this subject. Dr pizzorno teaches at the first accredited natural medication school in the U.S.. A must have for every home
Profile Image for Tara.
1 review1 follower
July 18, 2007
This book is wonderful! Because of it, I have learned how to treat many common ailments on my own. I haven't seen a doctor for anything other than a physical in about two years, and have become quite adept at reading and understanding my body's signals and learning what herbs/natural remedies to take when things do come up.
7 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2007
Everyone should have this book on thier shelves. Common ailments and what to eat/not to eat and what supplements/herbs to take.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3 reviews1 follower
Read
June 4, 2022
Such a great reference! I'm reading it to figure out an approach to jump start a "healthy life plan".
27 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2010
If you would like a natural reference book, as opposed to pharma options, this is a good one.
40 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2012
This is my go to book for everything health related. Common sense with supporting science. I use it as a reference book.
Profile Image for Donald.
Author 4 books14 followers
November 11, 2025
I've had this book on a shelf for quite a while. I only recently decided to read it cover to cover, which, I might add, is a bit much. It took a while and I did take breaks for other reading
But it helped me understand that everything about my diet has more of an affect on my well being than I had originally given all of it credit for. The first three sections should probably be considered required reading for every human. Food, I have come to realize, is the best medicine.
There were a few topics I skipped over because I am a male of the species. But overall, I think I'll be just a little healthier for having inhaled this tome.
If you don't have this book on your shelf, do add it.
10 reviews
May 15, 2017
Sticking the word "natural" before anything makes people want to believe in its wholesomeness and value.

Yet this book is a valuable resource for ailments that can be avoided using medicines you can grow or pick yourself. The effects of mustard and honey, for instance, have been known for a very long time.

In all, a good resource and it certainly knows its ailments.
Profile Image for Lavender.
1,205 reviews10 followers
November 9, 2017
I've had this on my shelf forever. It was given to me by a friend who was moving. Some of the information in it is now outdated (like nutrition recommendations from the 1980s), but a lot of it is still relevant. It's a good starting point to find out about some common ailments and more natural treatments. Additional info can be gotten from your doctor or more recent medical articles.
Profile Image for Shannon.
18 reviews
February 28, 2024
A decent overview for the layperson. However, vital information to the philosophy and approach to naturopathic medicine is missing, such as the therapeutic order, vitalism, hormone health and it’s important role in many of the disease processes in the reference and mental health. Otherwise, a good (very) beginner’s step into the world of natural medicine.
998 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2020
Wow, five years, three months and nineteen days, but worth everyone. I found the information interesting and that most dis-ease is cause by lack of nutrients and bad habits. All the suggestions in the book make sense for me, but you have to read it and decide for yourself.
40 reviews
August 19, 2021
Easy to read. A great reference and very informative. I like how it references studies (although I didn’t look them up myself)
Profile Image for Sandra Easter.
Author 6 books4 followers
July 22, 2024
Great reference book. Easier to navigate than the updated version.
Profile Image for Mishele.
14 reviews
January 4, 2008
I would love to have this book on my home library shelf. I love the idea that illness isn't all about the pathogen, but about the terrain. I find holistic health to be very interesting and this had great insight and direction. It is an encyclopedia, so after the introduction to the principals of natural medicine in the beginning it is broken into chapters based on illnesses.
Profile Image for Zoe.
32 reviews
April 3, 2008
This book is information overload, on any number of illnesses or conditions or disorders. The boundaries between traditional clinical medicine and natural health blur in this well researched, well written text.
1 review
Read
November 4, 2012
Loved it totally, it is so helpful everyone should get the opportunity to read this one. There are so many remedies for things that cause people distress in their daily lives.I have recommened it to several members of my family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shadowwarrior.
34 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2023
This book is THICC!! But it has so much in there! It has several chapter dedicated to what naturopathy is and the history of it. Also has the Naturopathic food pyramid. It contains herbal remedies of all sorts of ailments and conditions.
Profile Image for Jenn.
27 reviews
November 10, 2011
A great book for the home library. Very diverse and easy to follow.
2 reviews84 followers
April 10, 2013
Of course, I did not read this encyclopedia from cover to cover. My rating reflects its usefulness to me in my research.
Profile Image for Marian.
105 reviews
September 23, 2015
Well-written and accessible. Some of the science seems a bit outdated, but his take on natural medicine and why it's needed is not. A handy reference.
31 reviews15 followers
May 30, 2016
I read it when I need info from it.
Use this more as a reference book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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