Common Illnesses

Time Warner Paperbacks, 1999. Paperback. Used: Acceptable. Paperback in good condition. Amazon America's controversial MD answers more questions on topics that range from depression to hiccups and bad breath to cancer as part of the "Ask Dr Weil" series. Dr Weil certainly offers an alternative approach. The underlying belief is that the body has its own healing system which we can kick-start with the recommended diet, supplements and exercise. Much of this is in line with current advice on healthy living: a low fat diet, limiting alcohol consumption and increasing exercise. But this is where the links with conventional medicine end. How about coffee as a cure for migraines? Weil claims that if coffee (including decaffeinated) is eliminated from the diet, it can then be used to get rid of a headache if taken when the first signs are noted. Another interesting cure is the one advocated for verrucas which Weil believes can be eradicated by "visualising the warts away". He suggests imagining a steam shovel scraping away at the verruca morning and night, or thinking you are applying martial arts techniques against the intruder. No problem is too trivial for Dr Weil who also answers queries on swimmer's ear, black eyes and the common cold. The easy-to-read format will make this book popular with those on the lookout for new, natural remedies. Carole Butterworth. THE GUARDIAN For 8 WEEKS TO OPTIMUM HEALTH 'Warning: This man can seriously affect your health. For the better'.