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An impressive compendium of information related to the holistic, homeopathic, and natural approaches to health (both physical and mental), Martin’s expansive text takes the reader into a richly detailed exploration of numerous interconnected areas. These include food and diet, appropriate water consumption, fasting, minerals, herbal and homeopathic remedies, aromatherapy, massage, cultivating one’s own fruit and veggie garden, connection to a higher spirit and Mother Earth, and the importance of loving, compassionate relationships. “Everyone is different,” writes Martin, “and may have different starting points on the road to wellness.” Oftentimes, she argues, complementary therapies (i.e. non-Western medicine) can be used alongside drugs or even taken instead of prescribed drugs. Yet, the author does not hesitate to point out there are times when conventional medical help is indeed required, such as when one breaks a bone or experiences any severe emergency.
One of the many strengths of Martin’s book is that, before going into encyclopedic detail about the many areas and sub-categories explored, the author provides a deep history of the subject matter at hand. As such, the highlighted wellness topics are viewed through the multicolored lenses of varying cultures, religions, peoples, and histories. Another asset of this work is that it is absolutely chock-full of practical, hands-on advice and information. This book is truly all-inclusive, and not only supplies ample information as to the hows and whys of each highlighted topic but posits them strongly in a historical, medicinal, cultural, and even spiritual context. Anyone interested in having quick access to a handy reference for non-pharmaceutical, non-prescription, natural remedies for an entire host of ailments—including a first aid regimen—would do well to have Dr. Martin’s book in their personal library.