The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.

Liz Dennett is a public service librarian in the Science and Technology
Library at the University of Alberta.

This informative and easy-to-use encyclopedia provides users with a comprehensive guide to natural health products and medicine, without ignoring or downplaying the importance of conventional medicine. The resource is divided into three parts. Part 1 consists of information on nutrition, physical exercise, and getting enough sleep. Part 2 contains a reference guide to dietary supplements and herbal remedies, and includes a chapter on safe use of supplements and an introduction to homeopathic medicine. Part 3 (the bulk of the book) alphabetically organizes entries on common diseases and conditions. Each entry includes a description of the condition, signs and symptoms, risk factors, traditional “doctor’s orders,” and complementary medical advice (called “Sherry’s Natural Prescription”). The natural prescription details what foods might be helpful and which to avoid, lifestyle suggestions, and recommended supplements.

People who are interested in additional treatment for their medical condition or who are looking for ways to maintain optimal health will find this fine resource useful. The writing is straightforward and easy to understand, and most of the information appears to be sound and helpful. Nonetheless, there are no citations to the primary medical literature that would enable the reader to evaluate the strength of the evidence for particular suggestions. Thankfully, there are many warnings in the book to discuss supplementation with a health care provider, and the author clearly states when a problem requires immediate medical attention.