Thomas F. (hardtack) -
An interesting book which addresses medical cures of the past which we now look down on, but which were effective cures for reasons unknown to what passed for medical knowledge at the time.
As a result, some of these cures are once again being used effectively, if not for as many diseases as they were once claimed to cure.
This is not new information for me. While the benefits of modern medical advancements are astounding, there is a lot to be said for many homeopathic and herbal remedies. Most of us turn to medicine for the quick cure by a pill or shot, when alternative treatments are just as, if not more effective. The problem is understanding what alternative methods actually work and for what they work against. For example, too many people use antibiotics to combat a cold or the flu, when these ills are caused by viruses. To help relieve the symptoms of a cold and congestion, rest and increased fluids are necessary. And if these fluids are hot, herbal teas consumed frequently, relieving congestion and fighting chills, then why not use them?
This problem is also addressed by the authors in the last few chapters of the book. And like so many others, they exhibit their own bias toward treatments which may work but which they don't believe in. Yet, they also believe there may be treatments which work effectively only because the sufferer believes they do.
There is still so much to be accomplished in the investigation of alternative 'cures.' Fortunately, modern medicine is finally addressing this issue.
As a result, some of these cures are once again being used effectively, if not for as many diseases as they were once claimed to cure.
This is not new information for me. While the benefits of modern medical advancements are astounding, there is a lot to be said for many homeopathic and herbal remedies. Most of us turn to medicine for the quick cure by a pill or shot, when alternative treatments are just as, if not more effective. The problem is understanding what alternative methods actually work and for what they work against. For example, too many people use antibiotics to combat a cold or the flu, when these ills are caused by viruses. To help relieve the symptoms of a cold and congestion, rest and increased fluids are necessary. And if these fluids are hot, herbal teas consumed frequently, relieving congestion and fighting chills, then why not use them?
This problem is also addressed by the authors in the last few chapters of the book. And like so many others, they exhibit their own bias toward treatments which may work but which they don't believe in. Yet, they also believe there may be treatments which work effectively only because the sufferer believes they do.
There is still so much to be accomplished in the investigation of alternative 'cures.' Fortunately, modern medicine is finally addressing this issue.
