James F. Balch MD and Phyllis A. Balch.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing.

• Paperback, 600 pages (2nd edition, Avery Pub Group, October 1996).

Takes an easy to use, indexed, "case" approach and then recommends and explains an array of supplements for a laundry list of physical complaints. It covers what each vitamin, mineral and herb are known for and how and why they work. Written by a medical doctor (James) and a certified nutritional consultant (Phyllis), this revised and expanded edition of Prescription for Nutritional Healing is one of the most complete, up-to-date guides to nutritional, herbal, and natural healing programs for more than 300 ailments and disorders. The authors explain how to heal the body, achieve optimum health, strengthen the immune system, and increase energy levels using vitamins, minerals, herbs, and dietary food supplements. Includes a glossary, charts and tables.

James F. Balch MD and Phyllis A. Balch.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements.

• Paperback, 192 pages (Avery Pub Group, January 1998).

Consists of part one of Prescription for Nutritional Healing.

Robert Crayhon.
Nutrition Made Simple: A Comprehensive Guide to the Latest Findings in Optimal Nutrition

• Paperback (M Evans & Co, reprint April 1996).

A good, solid primer from a popular, interesting educator. This certified nutritionist and host of The Voice of Wellness answers fifty nutrition questions -- including how much vitamin C to take, the benefits of garlic, the value of dairy products, how much water to drink, and many others. Crayhon shares the latest findings in optimal nutrition, explaining how to lose weight, enjoy a better sex life, have more energy, and promote longer, healthier lives.

Michael Janson MD and Julian Whitaker.
Dr. Janson's New Vitamin Revolution: Seizing the Power of Nutritional Therapy for a Healthier and Longer Life.

• Paperback, 240 pages (Avery Pub Group, July 2000).

Michael Janson MD and Julian Whitaker.
The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care.

• Hardcover, 236 pages (Arcadia Press, May 1996).
• Paperback, 236 pages (Arcadia Press, October 1997).

Skye Lininger DC (editor-in-chief), Alan Gaby MD, Steve Austin ND, Donald J. Brown ND, and Jonathan V. Wright MD.
The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine.

• Paperback, 640 pages (2nd edition, Prima Publications, November 1999).

Practical advice from the most respected natural health experts. This expanded version of HealthNotes Online (a popular software program available in many natural health stores and pharmacies) describes the best natural treatments for the most common ailments -- from acne to yeast infections. The book also provides rarely found information about contraindications and potential side effects. The new edition, completely revised and updated, includes all the latest facts about natural therapies.

Skye Lininger DC (editor-in-chief), Alan Gaby MD, Steve Austin ND, Forrest Batz PharmD, Donald J. Brown ND, and Eric Yarnell ND.
A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions.

• Paperback, 436 pages (Prima Publications, November 1999).

Describes more than 4500 interactions -- both positive and negative -- between prescription and non-prescription drugs and vitamins and herbs. Shows which herbs help drugs work better, which drugs deplete the body of crucial nutrients, which drugs and supplements should never be taken together, and which drug side effects can be reduced by taking the right vitamin or herb. Readers can use this book to improve health and avoid problems when using common medications and natural supplements together.

Linus Pauling.
How to Live Longer and Feel Better.

• Mass Market Paperback, (Avon, reissued July 1996).

Draws on two-time Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling's vast scientific knowledge -- and plenty of common sense. The result is a remarkably practical plan for adding years to your life.

Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw.
Life Extension: A Practical Scientific Approach.

• Paperback, 858 pages (Warner Books, reissue December 1987).

First published in 1982, this book stands the test of time. The information on antioxidants is first-rate.

Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw.
The Life Extension Companion.

• Out of print paperback (Warner Books, 1984).

Intended as a support to their Life Extension book.

Michael F. Roizen MD and Elizabeth Anne Stephenson (Contributor).
Real Age: Are You As Young As You Can Be?

• Hardcover, 335 pages (Cliff Street Books, February 1999).

Especially useful for people who feel overwhelmed by the very idea of starting a fitness plan, or confused by the contradictory health information found in the news and on the Web. Dr. Roizen explains fundamental health information -- such as the nature of blood pressure and how to lower it -- and facts about diet, supplements, and herbs. All of the advice in Real Age has been proven effective in clinical trials -- and is sound preventative medicine.

Allison Sarubin.
The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements.

• Paperback, (American Dietetic Association, 2000).

For each of 69 popular supplements, the author gives an overview of the supplement, media and marketing claims, food sources, dosage information and bioavailability, a summary of scientific research, and references.

Especially useful is Sarubin's review of available research about each supplement's effectiveness and appropriate dosage, as well as information on interactions and medical conditions. The book does not judge particular supplements -- either pro or con. Instead, it describes and critiques the research and lets the reader decide.

Sarubin is a qualified professional nutritionist, and the information was reviewed by a panel of experts from the American Dietetic Association. Independent of any "marketing hype", this book gives reliable information that both lay persons and health professionals can easily understand. The back of the book contains several summary tables for quick reference.

Barry Sears.
The Anti-Aging Zone.

• Hardcover, 415 pages (Harpercollins, December 1998).

According to Sears, the diets of our pre-agrarian ancestors really supported the "human machine" in a way that so-called "modern" diets don't. Sears believes that aging is caused by a lack of communication among hormones, and uses plain English to explain eicosanoids, what Sears calls "super hormones." He argues that eating in the way he advocates can help maintain proper eicosanoid functioning, thereby preventing the litany of health problems associated with aging -- both mental and physical. Sears includes a solid guide to supplements (the essential, the important, the exotic and expensive) and herbs, and a rundown of the mind-body-diet connection.

Julian M. Whitaker.
Dr. Whitaker's Complete Guide to Natural Healing.

• Out of print.

In this groundbreaking book, America's foremost champion of nutritional medicine tells how to use safe, natural, and effective means to prevent or combat the major diseases of our time -- cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Dr. Whitaker also gives an A-Z guide to dealing with many other common ailments, from asthma to yeast infections.

Julian M. Whitaker.
Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing: America's Leading "Wellness Doctor" Shares His Secrets for Lifelong Health!

• Paperback, 432 pages (Prima Pub, September 1996).

Julian Whitaker believes the body can heal itself and stay healthy, naturally -- and that most medical conditions can be improved or even reversed. This book gives readers information on ways to trigger the body's tremendous healing power and provides proven alternatives to unnecessary medical procedures. In particular, Dr. Whitaker explains how to prevent heart attacks and strokes, reverse diabetes, lower high blood pressure, protect oneself from cancer, and confront many other critical health issues.

Julian Whitaker and June Roth.
Reversing Health Risks: How to Get Out of the High-Risk Category for Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Other Health Problems.

• Out of print, (Putnam, 1988) ASIN:.

Jonathan V. Wright.
Dr. Wright's Book of Nutritional Therapy: Real-Life Lessons in Medicine Without Drugs.

• Hardcover (Rodale Press, 1979).

Jonathan V. Wright.
Dr. Wright's Guide to Healing with Nutrition.

• Paperback (Keats Pub, September 1990).

Jonathan V. Wright and Alan R. Gaby.
The Patient's Book of Natural Healing: From Two of the Most Respected Natural Health Physicians -- An A-Z Guide.

• Paperback, 388 pages (Prima Pub, December 1999).

This book combines the strengths of books and office visits into one unique guide. For more than 50 common conditions, the reader gets to sit in on a consultation between Dr. Wright and a patient who has come seeking advice. The illuminating and often lively exchanges between doctor and patient bring to life the questions and concerns of the patients. At the conclusion of each office visit, both patient and reader understand the reasons behind the natural treatment that Dr. Wright prescribes. Dr. Gaby follows up each consultation with a detailed analysis of the scientific evidence behind the treatment discussed.

Mark Blumenthal (editor) et al.
The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.

• CD-ROM (Integrative Medicine Communications, March 1999).
• Hardcover, 685 pages (1st edition, Integrative Medicine Communications, August 1998).
• Hardcover (2nd edition, April 1999).

Thorough, comprehensive, and accurate information from all 380 Commission E monographs on the safety and efficacy of herbs and phytomedicines -- based on clinical trials, field studies, case collections, scientific literature, unpublished proprietary data, and other carefully reviewed information. An extensive 70 page introduction gives background information on the German Commission E evaluation criteria and the US regulatory and market environments. Highly technical, this book is designed for use by physicians, pharmacists, and other health professionals.

Michael McGuffin, Christopher Hobbs (Editor), Roy Upton (Editor).
Botanical Safety Handbook of the American Herbal Products Association.

• Hardcover, 256 pages (CRC Press, August 1997).

Easy-to-find safety data for more than 600 commonly sold herbs. Each entry gives the part of the plant used, its usage, active ingredients, safety classification, description of possible dangers, and additional notes. The handbook also provides information about international regulatory status, standard dosage, and common toxicity concerns. This valuable resource for the safe dispensation of herbal products will help ensure the safe consumption of herbs through the 1990's and beyond. Especially designed for manufacturers of herbal products, health professionals who prescribe herbal remedies, and the consumer.

The editors are among the most respected leaders in the herbal products industry. Their experience includes years of clinical practice, manufacturing and industry governance, and significant writing and lecturing about herbs.

Carol A. Newall, Linda A. Anderson, J. D. Phillipson.
Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals.

• Hardcover (Rittenhouse Book Distributors, December 1996).

Contains 141 monographs on medicinal plants with species name, parts used, constituents, food use and herbal use. Monographs also describe pharmacological actions (summarizing both animal and human studies), side effects and toxicity, contraindications and warnings. Also included are availability of other pharmaceutical monographs, pharmaceutical commentary from the authors, and bibliographic references.

Potential adverse effects of herbs in these monographs are listed at the front of the book -- together with a listing of herbs to avoid or use with caution during pregnancy. Reference tables cover drug/herbal interactions and give lists of ingredients by activity (such as cardioactive, laxative, diuretic, hypotensive, anticoagulant, etc) and by constituents (such as coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, etc).

This reference work on herbal medicines is quite readable despite being highly technical: It was commissioned by Great Britain's Royal Pharmaceutical Society due to the many questions they received from pharmacists. The authors are affiliated with the University of London's School of Pharmacy.

Allison Sarubin.
The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements.

• Paperback, (American Dietetic Association, 2000).

For each of 69 popular supplements, the author gives an overview of the supplement, media and marketing claims, food sources, dosage information and bioavailability, a summary of scientific research, and references.

Especially useful is Sarubin's review of available research about each supplement's effectiveness and appropriate dosage, as well as information on interactions and medical conditions. The book does not judge particular supplements -- either pro or con. Instead, it describes and critiques the research and lets the reader decide.

Sarubin is a qualified professional nutritionist, and the information was reviewed by a panel of experts from the American Dietetic Association. Independent of any "marketing hype", this book gives reliable information that both lay persons and health professionals can easily understand. The back of the book contains several summary tables for quick reference.

PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) for Herbal Medicines.

• Hardcover, 1244 pages (1st edition, December 1998).
• Hardcover, (2nd edition, Medical Economics Data, April 2000).

Includes the findings of the German Commission E, but also contains additional herbs from other literature. For over 600 herbs, this book gives both common and Latin names, describes the plant and ways of distinguishing it from others that resemble it, and states which parts of the plant are used for medicine -- as well as 400 color photographs. Also gives habitat, actions and pharmacology, chemical composition and clinical effects -- together with dosage, contraindications, precautions, adverse reactions, and bibliographies. The side effects index and drug/herb interactions guide are also valuable.