86 of 88 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Approach with an Open Mind, March 23, 2005
This review is from: Miracle Cures: Dramatic New Scientific Discoveries Revealing the Healing Powers of Herbs, Vitamins, and Other Natural Remedies (Hardcover)
The basic concept of the book is that there are herbal and dietary ways to alleviate or cure many of today's medical afflictions; that the many modern medications (and their associated side affects) may not be only path to relief. The author does a wonderful job of presenting the case for 21 such remedies in a reasonably scientific manner, with a minimum of sensationalism (yes, there is some, how can you avoid it in this genre, the book is called Miracle Cures after all).
Let me say upfront, I am a skeptic. I firmly believe in the adage - if it seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is not. However, Jean Carper, presents each remedy or supplement in such a straight forward manner that the claims seem reasonable, and for the cost of a few supplements, you have to ask yourself - Why not?
Each chapter covers one remedy, with sections on - what it is, how it works, supporting evidence (in the form of tests and trials), who should take it, how much to take, and consumer concerns (good brands so you don't get burned by buying bogus stuff). I found the latter helpful in searching out certain of the harder to find supplements, although many of the supplements are available in Standardized varieties now, so it may be less vital information than it was in 1997.
Does any of the stuff work? I do not know at this time. I have been convinced enough to put up a few dollars to try some of them though. My wife has moderately elevated cholesterol, so we are giving the grapefruit fiber a shot. We have all been a little moody lately (lots of stress), so we are giving the fish oil (Omega-3) a try. If these seem to work, I may try a few of the others.
My only complaint is that the book has a 1997 copyright, and could really use an update.
P-)
[Update May 28, 2005]
Don't know on the cholesterol, my wife goes back in in 4 months for a check, however, our mix of suppliments right now includes - ginko biloba, grapefruit fiber, grapeseed extract, Omega-3 fish oils, coenzyme Q10, and a multiple vitamin plus minerals. The result is that we are both feeling an otherwise unexplained surplus of energy and we are less moody and more positive in our attitudes.
[Update Sept 5,2005]
Okay, on the cholesterol, turns out I was over 260 last year when I had it checked (just didn't know). When I went in for a check this August I was down to 191, so while I cannot say 100% that the grapefruit fiber is responsible, there is a strong correlation.
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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Reference Book, December 2, 2005
This review is from: Miracle Cures: Dramatic New Scientific Discoveries Revealing the Healing Powers of Herbs, Vitamins, and Other Natural Remedies (Hardcover)
I will highly recommend this book to anyone looking for natural ways to control certain conditions that may be cuased mainly by lifestyle. Like cholesterol in some people, heart disease, etc... And if you can't affort a good naturopath, this book gives good advice... Because I know naturopath's can be very expensive, even in thou in my opinion they are worth the money, but not everyone has the cash...
My mother had her cholesterol at 210... After 3 months of taking Fish Oil, Garlic, Pro Fibe (A powder of fiber) and a greens drink, her cholesterol went down to 139!!! I know amazing... And she lost 10 pounds and felt better than ever. She takes her calcium liquid with magnesium and she loves it also.
With me my trigecerides and my heart were very high. My risk of heart attacks was extremely high. And after 3 months of taking Niacin (that's a B Vitamin), taking Fish Oils, and the greens drink, my triglecerides went down to like the 70's... And my risk for heart attacks went down 100%...
This book gives you a good starting point, if you will, for certain conditions.
I hope this review helped you and good luck!
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