Herbs for Chronic Fatigue
By Kathi Keville
1998, Keats,
$4.95
This
small, 90-page paperback, offers a quick introduction to the use of herbs to treat the symptoms of CFIDS
and fibromyalgia. Keville, herself a veteran of CFIDS, gives a brief overview of the illness and then
turns to specific symptoms and herbs that can be used for them. She identifies herbs that enhance the
immune system and hormone production, herbs that relieve stress, insomnia and pain, and herbs that stimulate
the brain and energy production. The book includes recipes for herbal blends, a glossary of all the herbs
and aromatherapy oils mentioned elsewhere in the text, numerous references, sources of more information
and an index. A word of caution, however: Many herbs can produce side effects or allergic reactions, and
there is little recognition of that here. Dosages are also not discussed.
Over 50 Natural Ways to Enhance Your Immune System
1998,
The Health Resource
Available for $11.95 plus $1.50 S&H from the publisher,
800/949-0090
This 64-page booklet
describes vitamins, minerals, herbs and other supplements that are reported to impact the immune system.
For each, it lists food sources and then supplement dosages, citing recommendations from wellness doctors
such as Andrew Weil and Ralph Golan. It also lists possible side effects. There are five pages devoted
to an explanation of the immune system and numerous references. The booklet does not mention CFIDS. and
the debilitating syndrome known sa chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Dr. Natelson is adept in condensing
and translating complicated biomedical research into layperson’s terms. He offers clear assessments of
contradictory studies, reminding readers of the necessity of replication in advancing science. He is at
his best in building a firm foundation by explaining the larger context of science and medicine. Dr. Natelson
refreshingly confronts some contentious CFS quagmires with solid, thoughtful insights about his own path-breaking
research and that of others. Thus he cogently summarizes the debates regarding issues of depression, exercise
and cognitive behavioral therapy in relation to CFS and to other illnesses. In addition, Dr, Natelson’s
brief book (only 186 pages of text) includes numerous succinct tips for individuals living with CFS--from
everyday coping techniques useful with chronic illness to varied state-of-the-art treatment protocols.
His explorations of how and why chronically ill patients and doctors may not understand one another are
important reflections on this frustrating and all-too-common communication failure in medical care. But
his rational, careful, constructive dissection of the doctor-patient relationship also provides some keys
for positive change.
