This new book from Mim Beim is so much more than the average A-Z. With more than 20 years’ experience as a practising naturopath, author, educator and media personality, Mim has a wealth of knowledge to impart to the reader. Natural Remedies offers solid naturopathic information with little bits of humour injected along the way.
There are remedies for over 200 common conditions, from more minor ailments such as bad breath and body odour through to serious diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. As Mim explains, it’s not a book to be read cover to cover, but rather to be used for a reference guide. However, she emphasises that it’s important to consult a good practitioner for a professional diagnosis, and then to keep them informed of any therapies the reader undertakes, or wishes to undertake.
For each condition there are sections on causes, symptoms, diet and remedies, as well as an ‘at-a-glance’ quick-reference panel. Comprehensive lists of foods to avoid and those with therapeutic qualities are included, as well as herbs and nutritional supplements. Lifestyle changes and even yoga poses and aromatherapy oils that are specific to particular ailments are all there too. Mim’s advice is simple and to the point – for example “Reduce calories. Frugal gourmands live longer.”
So often patients can get put off making lifestyle changes that are too hard or unpleasant, but Mim believes treatment should be enjoyable and not torturous. She gets back to basics in an approach to recuperation that has been largely forgotten in our modern highly connected world. So for the chronic fatigue patient, one recommendation is: “Rest means rest, so rest when you are lying in bed – that means no TV, no internet, no reading.”
Aside from the natural treatment of common ailments, there is plenty of advice on preventing such conditions. Strategies for weight loss, dealing with stress, boosting the immune system and increasing energy levels are also included. All in all, Natural Remedies will appeal to practitioners and the health-conscious alike.
Reviewed by Sue Ramsey ND, Dip Nut, BA (Hons)
Published by Rockpool Publishing.
ISBN-978121878107
The Journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine – 29 October, 2014