by Lily G. Casura

Copyright © 1998 by Lily G. Casura. All rights reserved.  It is illegal to reproduce or distribute this work in any manner or medium without written permission of the author. Lily G. Casura, P.O. Box 50467, Bellevue, WA 98015-0467 USA. Email: reprints@lilyonline.com

"I cannot live without my books!" declared Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to his friend and fellow patriot, John Adams. Jefferson—who himself was fairly interested in medicine—went on to build a wonderful personal library in his home at Monticello.

Those of us who love books and natural medicine may have thought of building our own library of time-tested books, for personal and/or professional use. The question becomes, what books can be considered classics in their subject area, have stood the test of time, or otherwise deserve special consideration and notice? The following is a list—weighted-down in some areas, surprisingly skimpy in others—of many of the key texts in different aspects of natural medicine.

School and public libraries, often underfunded and staffed by people just becoming interested in the field, seem to have sparse selections in the natural medicine field—perhaps the result of needing to take a few years to catch up with the public’s growing interest. In the meantime, we might do well—like Thomas Jefferson—to build up our own libraries, and consider donating to others what we’ve "outgrown."

• Reference works:
  • Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide, by Burton Goldberg, editor
  • Dr. Schuessler’s Home Medical Advisor (software)
  • Dr. Whitaker’s Guide to Natural Healing, Julian Whitaker, M.D.
  • Dr. Wright’s Guide to Healing & Nutrition, by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D.
  • Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, by Murray and Pizzorno (N.D.s)
  • Gray’s Anatomy, by Henry Gray, R.R.S.
  • Handbook of Bach Flower Remedies, by Philip M. Chancellor.
  • Healing with Whole Foods, by Paul Pritchford
  • Health Handbook, by Louise Tenney, M.H.
  • HealthNotes Online Personal CD-ROM (software).
  • Natural Health, Natural Medicine, by Andrew Weil, M.D.
  • Optimal Wellness: Where Mainstream and Alternative Medicine Meet, by Ralph Golan, M.D.
  • Prescription for Nutritional Healing, revised edition, by Balch & Balch
  • The Anatomy Coloring Book, revised edition, by Wynn Kapit & Lawrence Elson
  • The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs, revised edition, by James Long, M.D.
  • The Natural Pharmacy, by Jonathan Wright, Steve Austin, Don Brown, Alan Gaby, Skye Lininger. (Prima, 1998).
  • Western Diseases, by Norman Temple and Denis Burkitt, M.D.
• Allergies (see also, Environmental Medicine):
  • Coping with Candida Cookbook, by Sally Rockwell, Nutritionist
  • Detecting Your Hidden Allergies, by William G. Crook, M.D.
  • Diagnosing Your Own Food Allergies: A Handbook for Home Use, by Michael Barkett, M.D.
  • Freedom from Allergy Cookbook, Ron Greenberg, M.D. and Angela Nori
  • Sinus Survival: Self-Help Guide for Allergies, Bronchitis, Colds and Sinusitis, by Dr. Robert Ivker
  • The Hidden Addiction and How to Get Free, by Janice Phelps, M.D. and Alan Nourse, M.D.
  • The Yeast Connection, revised edition, by William G. Crook, M.D.
  • Why Your Child is Hyperactive, by Ben F. Feingold, M.D.
• Arthritis:
  • The Arthritis Bible, by Craig Weatherby and Leonid Gordin, M.D.
  • Freedom from Arthritis through Nutrition, revised edition, by Welsh, D.D.S., N.D., and Leonardo, N.D.
  • How to Beat Arthritis with Immune Power Boosters, by Carlson Wade.
  • There is a Cure for Arthritis, by Paavo O. Airola, N.D.
• Ayurveda:
  • Ayurveda: A Life of Balance, by Maya Tiwari
  • Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing, by Dr. Vasant Lad
  • The Yoga of Herbs, Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad
• Cancer Treatments:
  • See the excellent bibliography online at http://www.icam.healthcare.ubc.ca/library/database/bib_3.htm
  • A Cancer Therapy, by Max Gerson, M.D.
  • Beating Cancer with Nutrition, by Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., R.D.
  • Cancer Answer Nutrition, by Maureen Salaman
  • Cancer Battle Plan, by Anne E. & David Frahm
  • Cancer Therapy, by Ralph Moss, Ph.D.
  • Cancer: The Total Approach, by Paavo Airola, N.D.
  • Censured for Curing Cancer: The American Experience of Dr. Max Gerson, by S.J. Haught.
  • Double Vision: (Narrative; concerns macrobiotic diet), by Alexandra Dundas Todd
  • Essiac Report, by Richard Thomas
  • Getting Well Again, by O. Carl Simenton, M.D.
  • Healing with Whole Foods, by Paul Pritchford
  • How I Conquered Cancer Naturally, by Eydie Mae Hunsberger.
  • Killing Cancer, revised edition, by Jason Winters
  • Making the Right Choice: Treatment Options in Cancer Surgery, by Richard A. Evans, M.D.
  • Questioning Chemotherapy, by Ralph Moss, Ph.D.
  • See Yourself Well: for People with Cancer (visualization audiotape) by Anne Beattie
  • The Cancer Industry, by Ralph Moss, Ph.D.
  • The Cancer Prevention Diet, by Michio Kushi with Alex Jack.
  • Third Opinion, by John M. Fink
  • Vitamins in Cancer Prevention and Treatment, by Kedar N. Prasad, Ph.D.
  • What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You about Cancer (video)
• Cardiovascular Health:
  • Bypassing Bypass, by Elmer M. Cranton, M.D., and Arline Brecher.
  • Don’t Eat Your Heart Out Cookbook, by Joseph Piscatella.
  • Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease, by Dean Ornish, M.D.
  • Eight Steps to a Healthy Heart, by Robert Kowalski
  • Eradicating Heart Disease, by Matthias Rath, M.D.
  • Forty Something Forever: A Consumer’s Guide to Chelation Therapy, by Harold & Arline Brecher.
  • Heart Disease, Stroke , Oral Chelation and Intravenous Chelation, by Kurt Donsbach, D.C.
  • High Blood Pressure Special Diet Cookbook, by Maggie Pannell
  • Left for Dead: Herbs for the Heart, by Dick Quinn
  • The Four Week Cholesterol Cure, by Dr. Bruce Miller.
• Chinese Medicine:
  • A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine, by Zeillin Chen, M.D. and Mei-Fang Chen, M.D.
  • Chinese Herbal Medicine, by Daniel P. Reid
  • Chinese Herbal Therapy, by Takahide Kuwaki, M.D.
  • Chinese System of Food Cures, by Henry C. Lu
  • Encounters with Qi, by David Eisenberg, M.D.
  • Healing with Whole Foods, by Paul Pritchford
  • How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs, by Hong-Yen Hsu, Ph.D.
  • Illustrated Dictionary of Chinese Medical Herbs, by Dr. Wee Yeow Chin & Dr. Hsuan Keng
  • Oriental Materia Medica, by Hong-yen Hsu, Ph.D.
  • Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Richard Lucas
  • The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine, by Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Yeast Connection, by William Crook, M.D.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Hidden Epidemic, by Jesse Stoff, M.D. and Charles Pellegrino, Ph.D.
  • Gentle Medicine: Treating Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Successfully with Natural Medicine, by Lily G. Casura.
  • Solving the Puzzle of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by Michael Rosenbaum, M.D. and Muray Susser, M.D.
  • The Canary and Chronic Fatigue, by Majid Ali, M.D.
• Dental Health:
  • It’s All in Your Head: The Link Between Mercury Amalgams and Your Health, by Hal Huggins, D.D.S.
  • Silver Dental Fillings: The Toxic Time-Bomb, by Sam Ziff
  • The Complete Book of Dental Remedies, by Flora Parsa Stay, DDS
  • The Root Canal Cover-Up, by George Meinig
• Diabetes:
  • Reversing Diabetes, by Julian Whitaker, M.D.
  • Sugar Blues, by William Dufty
  • Victory Over Diabetes, revised edition, by William H. Philpott & Dwight K. Kalita
• Diet & Nutrition:
  • Back to Eden, revised edition, by Jethro Kloss.
  • Biochemical Individuality, Roger Williams, Ph.D., 1956.
  • Conscious Eating, by Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
  • Diet for a Small Planet, revised edition, by Frances Lappe
  • Diet for a New America, by John Robbins
  • Dr. Atkin’s New Diet Cookbook
  • Eat More, Weigh Less, by Dean Ornish, M.D.
  • Eat to Win (Sports Nutrition), by Dr. Robert Haas
  • Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Michael Murray, N.D. & Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., 1991.
  • Feed Your Body Right, by Lendon Smith, M.D.
  • Fit for Life, by Harvey & Marilyn Diamond.
  • Flax Oil as a True Aid against Arthritis, Heart Infarction, Cancer and Other Diseases, by Dr. Johanna Budwig.
  • Food and Healing, by Annemarie Colbin.
  • Food Combining Made Easy, by Dr. H.M. Shelton.
  • Food Combining Simplified, by Dennis Nelson.
  • Food for Life, by Dr. Neal Barnard.
  • Food Healing for Man, by Bernard Jensen, Ph.D.
  • Food: Your Miracle Medicine, by Jean Carper.
  • Foods That Heal, by Dr. Bernard Jensen
  • Good Health through Special Diets, by Hanna Kroeger
  • Happiness is a Healthy Life (nutrition), by Lendon Smith, M.D.
  • Healing Power of Foods: Nutrition Secrets for Vibrant Health and Long Life, by Michael T. Murray, N.D.
  • Healing through Nutrition, by Melvyn Werbach, M.D.
  • How to Live Longer and Feel Better, Linus Pauling, Ph.D., 1986.
  • McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss, by J. McDougall, M.D. & M. McDougall
  • Nutrition Adviser (Prevention Magazine), by Mark Bricklin
  • Nutritional Influences on Illness, Melvyn R. Werbach, M.D., 1988.
  • Predictive Medicine, E Cheraskin, M.D., D.M.D. & W Ringsdorf, D.M.D., 1973.
  • Safe Food: Eating Wisely in a Risky World, by Michael Jacobson, Ph.D.
  • Staying Healthy with Nutrition, by Elson M. Haas, M.D.
  • Stress, Diet & Your Heart, by Dean Ornish, M.D.
  • The Blood Type Diet, by Peter D’Adamo
  • The Body Ecology Diet, by Donna Gates
  • The Complete Book of Juicing, by Michael T. Murray, N.D.
  • The Healing Power of Herbs, Michael Murray, N.D., 1995.
  • The Kellogg Report - The Impact of Nutrition, Environment & Lifestyle on the Health of Americans, Joseph Beasley, M.D. & Jerry Swift, MA, 1989.
  • The Oil-Protein Diet Cookbook, by Dr. Johanna Budwig
  • The Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1988.
  • The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care, Michael Janson, MD, 1996.
  • The Zone, by Barry Sears, Ph.D.
• Digestive Health/Crohn’s Disease:
  • Breaking the Vicious Cycle, by Elaine Gottschall
  • Dr. Christopher’s Three-Day Cleansing Program, Mucusless Diet, and Herbal Combinations, by John Christopher, N.D., M.H.
• Electromedicine/Bioelectromagnetism:
  • Cross-Currents: The Perils of Electropollution, by Robert O. Becker, M.D.
  • The Body Electric, by Robert O. Becker, M.D.
  • Magnet Therapy: Balancing Body Energy Flow for Self-Healing, by Holger Hannemann
  • Vibrational Medicine, by Richard Gerber, M.D.
• Environmental Illness:
  • A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives, by Ruth Winter, M.S.
  • An Alternative Approach to Allergies, Revised Edition, by Theron G. Randolph, M.D., and Ralph Moss, Ph.D.
  • Consumer’s Dictionary of Household, Yard & Office Chemicals, Ruth Winter, M.S.
  • Is This Your Child?, by Doris Rapp, M.D.
  • Nontoxic Natural and Earthwise, by Debra Lynn Dodd
  • Safe Food: Eating Wisely in a Risky World, by Michael Jacobson, Ph.D.
  • Staying Well in a Toxic World, by Lynn Lawson
  • The Politics of Cancer, by Samuel S. Epstein, M.D.
  • Tired or Toxic?, by Sherry Rogers, M.D.
  • Why Your Child is Hyperactive, by Ben F. Feingold, M.D.
  • Why Your House May Endanger Your Health, by Alfred V. Zamm
• Family and Child Health
  • The Family Herbal, by Peter & Barbara Theiss
  • How to Raise a Healthy Child, in Spite of Your Doctor, by Robert S. Mendelsohn, M.D.
  • Why Your Child is Hyperactive, by Ben F. Feingold, M.D.
  • Solving the Problem of Your Hard-to-Raise Child, by William Crook, M.D. and Laura Stevens
  • The Holistic Pediatrician : A Parent's Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Effective Therapies for the 25 Most Common Childhood Ailments by Kathi Kemper
  • The Well Baby Book, by Mike Samuels, M.D. and N. Samuels
• Herbal medicine
  • A Modern Herbal, Vols. I and II, by Mrs. M. Grieve
  • Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, by Dr. John Heinerman.
  • Herb and Spice Handbook, by Frontier Herbs.
  • Herb Book, by John Lust.
  • Herbal Bible, by Michael Weiner, Ph.D.
  • Herbal Handbook, by Dr. Bernard Jensen
  • Herbal Home Health Care, by John Christopher, M.H.
  • Herbal Tonic Therapies, by Daniel Mowrey, Ph.D.
  • Herbally Yours, by Penny C. Royal
  • Herbs that Heal, by Michael Weiner, Ph.D.
  • Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra
  • Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
  • School of Natural Healing, by John Christopher, M.H.
  • The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody
  • The Family Herbal, by Peter & Barbara Theiss
  • The Global Herb Manual, by Zeke Fortisevn
  • The Green Pharmacy : New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing by James A. Duke, Ph.D.
  • The Healing Power of Herbs, revised edition, by Michael T. Murray, N.D.
  • The New Holistic Herbal, revised edition, by David Hoffman
  • The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D.
  • The Way of Herbs, revised edition, by Michael Tierra
• Homeopathy
  • Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine, revised edition, by Dana Ullman, M.P.H. and Stephen Cummings, M.D.
  • How to Use Homeopathy, by Dr. C. Hammond, M.B., B.S., L.C.H.
  • Materia Medica with Repertory, 9th edition, by William Boericke, M.D.
  • Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines by Catherine R. Coulter
  • The Complete Book of Homeopathy, by Michael Weiner & Kathleen Gross
  • The Complete Guide to Homeopathy, by Dr. Andrew Lockie & Dr. Nicola Geddes
  • The Family Guide to Homeopathy, by Alain Horvilleur, M.D.
  • The Family Health Guide to Homeopathy, by Dr. Barry Rose.
  • The Science of Homeopathy, by George Vithoulkas
• Iridology:
  • Iridology Simplified, by Dr. Bernard Jensen
  • Science and Practice of Iridology, by Dr. Bernard Jensen
• Juicing:
  • Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Healing Juices, by Dr. John Heinerman.
  • Joy of Juicing (recipes), by Gary Null & Sherry Null
  • Juice Fasting and Detoxification, by Steve Meyerowitz
  • Juice Fasting: How to Keep Slim, Healthy & Young, by Paavo O. Airola, N.D.
  • Juicing Therapy, by Dr. Bernard Jensen
• Macrobiotic Diet:
  • Healing with Whole Foods, by Paul Pritchford
  • Macrobiotic Cancer Prevention Cookbook, by Aveline Kushi and Wendy Esko
  • Macrobiotic Cookbook for Everyone, by Edward & Wendy Esko
  • The Book of Macrobiotics, by Michio Kushi
  • The First Macrobiotic Cookbook (formerly Zen Cookery), by Lima Ohsawa & Cornelia Ahihara.
  • The Natural Gourmet, by Annemarie Colbin
  • The Self-Healing Cookbook, by Kristina Turner
• Mental Health:
  • Nutrition and Mental Illness, by Carl C. Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D.
  • Mind-Body Medicine:
  • (See James S. Gordon, M.D.’s excellent list of resources, sidebar)
  • A Path with Heart, by Jack Kornfeld
  • Everyday Zen, by Charlotte Joko Beck
  • Meaning and Medicine: Doctors’ Tales of Breakthrough and Healing, by Larry Dossey, M.D.
  • Meditation; also, The Unstruck Bell, by Eknath Easwaran.
  • Mind Body Medicine: How to Use Your Mind for Better Health, by Daniel Goelman and Joel Gurin, editors.
  • Mindfulness Meditation, Jon Kabat-Zinn.
  • Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.
  • The Big Book of Relaxation, by Larry Blumenthal, Editor.
  • The Inner Art of Meditation, by Jack Kornfeld.
  • The Relaxation Response, by Herbert Benson, M.D.
  • Transformation and Healing, by Thich Nhat Hanh.
  • Wherever You Go, There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.
  • Where There is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life’s Challenges, by Paramahansa Yogananda.
• Movement & Exercise:
  • Gentle Yoga, by Lorna Bell, R.N.
  • Helping Yourself with Foot Reflexology, by Mildred Carter.
  • Massage Book, by George Downing
  • Reflexology, by Nicola M. Hall
  • Smart Exercise, by Covert Bailey
  • Stretching for Everyday Fitness, by Bob Anderson
  • The Book of Shiatsu, by Paul Lundberg
  • The Complete Book of Massage, by Clare Maxwell-Hudson
  • The Shiatsu Handbook, by S. Yamamoto and Patrick McCarty
• Parasites:
  • Guess What Came to Dinner? Parasites and Your Health, by Ann Louise Gittelman
• Politics:
  • Censured for Curing Cancer: The American Experience of Dr. Max Gerson, by S.J. Haught.
  • Health at the Crossroads, by Dean Black, Ph.D., 1988.
  • Hoxey: How Healing Becomes a Crime, by Ken Ausubel (video)
  • Let Truth Be the Bias (video)
  • Outrageous Practices: The Alarming Truth about How Medicine Mistreats Women, by Leslie Laurie and Beth Weinhouse
  • Racketeering in Medicine, by James Carter, M.D.
  • The Kellogg Report - The Impact of Nutrition, Environment & Lifestyle on the Health of Americans, Joseph Beasley, M.D. & Jerry Swift, MA, 1989.
  • The Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1988.
• Therapeutic Touch/Healing Touch/Reiki:
  • Hands of Light: Guide to Healing through the Human Energy Field, by Barbara Ann Brennan.
  • Reiki: Universal Life Energy, by B.J. Baginski and S. Sharamon
  • The Therapeutic Touch, by Dolores Krieger
  • Touch for Health, by John F. Thie, D.C.
  • Your Healing Hands: The Polarity Experience, by Richard Gordon
• Treatises on Health, General:
  • Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
  • Anatomy of an Illness, by Norman Cousins.
  • Eight Weeks to Optimum Health : A Proven Program for Taking Full Advantage of Your Body's Natural Healing Power by Andrew Weil, M.D.
  • Heal Thyself, by Dr. Edward Bach
  • Heal Your Body, revised edition, by Louise L. Hay
  • Healing and the Mind, by Bill Moyers
  • Healing Your Body Naturally: Alternative Treatments to Illness, by Gary Null.
  • Health and Healing, revised edition, by Andrew Weil, M.D.
  • Healthy Habits, by David & Anne Frahm
  • Human Condition Critical, by Dr. Luc de Schepper
  • Immune Power Boosters, by Carlson Wade
  • Love, Medicine & Miracles, by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.
  • Manifesto for a New Medicine, by James S. Gordon, M.D.
  • Oxygen Therapies, by Ed McCabe
  • Perfect Health, by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
  • Quantum Healing, by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
  • Spontaneous Healing, by Andrew Weil, M.D.
  • The Creation of Health, by Norman Shealy, M.D. and Caroline Myss
  • The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, by Mark Bricklin and Editors of Prevention Magazine
  • World Medicine, by Tom Monte and the editors of Natural Health magazine
  • You Can Heal Your Life, by Louise L. Hay
  • Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.
• Vision Care:
  • Help Yourself to Better Sight, by Margaret Darst Corbett
• Vitamins & Minerals:
  • Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s Antioxidant Revolution, by Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D.
  • Earl Mindell’s Vitamin Bible, revised edition, by Earl Mindell, Ph.D.
  • Healing Nutrients, by Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., R.D.
  • Magnesium, by Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
  • The Healing Foods: The Ultimate Authority on the Curative Power of Nutrition, by Patricia Hausman and Judith Benn Hurley
  • The Vitamin Book: No-Nonsense Consumer’s Guide, by H.M. Silverman, Pharm. D.
  • Thorson’s Guide to Amino Acids, by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O.
  • Vitamins in Cancer Prevention and Treatment, by Kedar N. Prasad, Ph.D.
  • The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care, by Michael Janson, M.D.
• Women’s Health:
  • Breast Cancer: What You Should Know, But May Not be Told, by S. Austin, N.D., and C. Hitchock, M.S.W.
  • Every Woman’s Herbal, by John Christopher, M.H., N.D.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy: Yes? No?, by Betty Kamen, Ph.D.
  • Menopause Naturally, revised edition, by Sadja Greenwood, M.D.
  • Menopause Self-Help Book, by Susan Lark, M.D.
  • Outrageous Practices: The Alarming Truth about How Medicine Mistreats Women, by Leslie Laurie and Beth Weinhouse
  • PMS Self-Help Book, Susan Lark, M.D.
  • Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis, by Alan Gaby, M.D.
  • Startling New Facts about Osteoporosis, by Betty Kamen, Ph.D.
  • The Estrogen Decision, by Susan Lark, M.D.
  • What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause, Dr. John R. Lee
  • Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

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Lily G. Casura is the author of Gentle Medicine: Treating Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Successfully with Natural Medicine, available from Self Health Press and Amazon.com.