Formulas for Healthful Living

I found FORMULAS FOR HEALTHFUL LIVING by Francis Brinker N.D. at the Whole Foods store where I buy organic foods. I was attracted to the cover because it shows one of my favorite plants, the pink Echinacea Purpurea. Good things do come in nice packages, however, because when I opened the book I found the contents were practical and useful. I had been standing in the "herbal" section of the store trying to remember whether Anise and Licorice were the same thing, and all I could remember was that Anisette has a licorice flavor. The clerk could not help me, and she could not find the answer in her guide book. Brinker's book told me they are different, and it also told me I should not take Licorice since I have high blood pressure.I wanted the Anise because I thought it might help relieve my Arthritus pains, but the book informed me that in addition to the Black Cohosh I was already taking for other purposes (symtoms of menopause--it replaced Premarin), Devil's Claw might be helpful. It also told me Ginger could prove useful if I took it regularly. (I take it occasionally now. For me, Ginger has replaced Zantac, but Brinker does not address Ginger's use as an aid to indigestion). Well, this is all round about, but the bottom line is that I have books and books on this subject, and yet I found even more information in this book--and Brinker's information augments rather than contradicts what I already know. Francis Brinker is a trained "naturopath" --different from a homeopath. Naturopthy is a "system of medicine that utilizes natural substances, forces, and methods to increase vitality and support the healing power of nature." Homeopathy according to Brinker deals with the symptoms of problems that already exist. (One seems proactive and the other reactive.)Brinker advises the reader to work with his/her physician and I do. My physician is great. He supports my use of various herbal remedies, supplements, etc. I have a complete physical every year, excercise regularly, and eat carefully most of the time(and when I don't I pay the price), which Brinker also advises. Brinker's book warns the reader about herbal and other plant remedies that are not organic and green. Certain plants are near extinction. Some companies producing herbal extracts are organic and green, while others are not. I look for the Oregon and California seal of approval on organic products. It's foolish to use plant extracts gathered from plants sprayed with toxins and it's stupid to help exterminate a valuable plant. Brinker has two undergraduate degrees in biology from "ordinary" schools (including the University of Kansas where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa), and he is a graduate of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland Oregon. He also completed a two year postgraduate program in Botanical Medicine. His training is not mainstream, but so far mainstream science has not had all the answers. Mainstream medicine involves fixing things after they are broken. Br

This is a great book, with lots of up-to-date and relevant information. Dr Brinker is of the most knowlegable herbalists in the US and must be heartily thanked for sharing a part of his vast wealth of knowledge. A good reference for the lay person as well as the medical professional.