SCIENCES

Mind Over Meds: Know When Drugs Are Necessary, When Alternatives Are Better—and When To Let Your Body Heal on Its Own

by Andrew Weil
Little, Brown. Apr. 2017. 304p. notes. index. ISBN 9780316352970. $29; ebk. ISBN 9780316352987. HEALTH
COPY ISBN
Weil's (Univ. of Arizona; Spontaneous Happiness, Healthy Aging) revolutionary book casts a critical eye on modern medicine, examining the very serious risks that medicine can carry. He looks at why they are used (and their histories), questions the role that modern medicine has in our society, raises concerns about the overprescribing of drugs (looking at both the immediate side effects and the long-term impacts of overprescribing), and shares anecdotes that illustrate the potential dangers. In each section, he reveals possible natural alternatives (including food as medicine, breathwork, essential oils, Chinese medicine, massage, and herbs). Each chapter ends with a "Bottom Line," a great summary, recommendations, tips, and alternatives.
VERDICT This very user-friendly text is suitable for those with no medical background but will also be of interest to medical professionals. Those who seek to understand the ramifications of overmedicating, are interested in the impact of modern medicine, or want to learn alternative therapies and how to take an active role in their health care will appreciate this book. [See Prepub Alert, 10/31/16.]
Reviewed by Cheryl Yanek, Brooklyn , Mar 15, 2017
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

REFERENCE

Critical Insights: Power & Corruption
REFERENCE

Current Biography Yearbook 2023
NONFICTION

Birds Aren’t Real: The True Story of Mass Avian Murder and the Largest Surveillance Campaign in US History
by McIndoe, Peter & Connor Gaydos
NONFICTION

Accidental Astronomy: How Random Discoveries Shape the Science of Space
by Lintott, Chris
NONFICTION

The Network of Life: A New View of Evolution
by Mindell, David P.
NONFICTION

The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World
by Pugh, Allison J.
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?