"The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing" - A Book Review

Gary Null, Ph.D, has written over 70 books on healthy living. He has also directed over 100 documentary films on topics ranging from self-empowerment, the environment, and natural health. In addition to those accomplishments, Null hosts a radio show on the Progressive Radio Network, and at 80 years old he is still going strong. "The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing" was first published in 1998, with a revised edition printed in 2005. I picked up a copy of this book because I am always looking for information on how to treat conditions via alternative (non-medicinal) methods, and I also want to continue to bring value to Total Results clients. It is also important to point out that Null is considered somewhat of a controversial figure, particularly by the medical establishment who questions his qualifications. I will leave it to you to read this book and judge for yourself.

This book is a behemoth; it is 756 pages long and it is not an easy read. Please do not feel as though you must read it cover to cover, but instead keep it as a reference in case you should need it. The first part of the book is an exhaustive and alphabetical list of medical conditions. Included are the cause of each condition, course of treatment, dietary actions, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and alternative therapies that can be pursued, compared with conventional medical treatments. Null discourages the use of traditional arthritis medications, particularly aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines because they destroy Vitamin C and interfere directly with the immune system. Instead, he recommends supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, increasing your intake of deep-sea, cold-water fish (such as salmon and trout), and drinking up to a gallon of pure water per day. For digestive disorders, the author advises the increase of daily fiber, supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 and magnesium (people who suffer from constipation are often deficient in this mineral), and severely limiting the use of antibiotics. Heart disease is responsible for approximately one in five deaths in the U.S., and the traditional approach of simply treating it with high blood pressure medication doesn't appear to be working. Null suggests a diet rich in whole foods, with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables. He also recommends avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and supplementing with niacin (which can help prevent heart attacks, but should only be taken under medical supervision), Coenzyme Q10 (which reduces blood pressure and arrhythmias), and Vitamin C, among others.

The second section of the book discusses the Gary Null Protocol, which encourages following a healthy diet and eliminating sugar, artificial sweeteners, wheat, fried and processed foods, and recommends drinking organic green juices. There is also a lengthy section (perhaps too long) which details client experiences and testimonials. I found the final section of the book to be most intriguing. This part documents clients/patients who have successfully undergone non-standard treatment for various forms of cancer. Since this edition of the book is twenty years old, the doctors and clinics highlighted in this section may no longer be in practice, but I do agree that conventional treatment for cancer (chemotherapy and radiation) may be almost as bad as the disease itself.

I have a few points of contention with the author. He seems to favor vegetarianism in one or more forms, and discourages the consumption of meat other than fish. He fails to recognize the nutritional value of beef and chicken in particular, and doesn't seem to understand that saturated fat is not the bogeyman that we have been led to believe. Null endorses (or maybe even sells) these green and red powders that are referenced, but he does not explain what they are. Maybe they are discussed in his other books, but it would seem appropriate to expand on them in this book if they are going to be mentioned. The author does a solid job of spotlighting alternative wellness methods, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, reflexology, and herbal remedies. Eastern methodologies have been around for thousands of years, yet the Western medical establishment treats them dismissively. Null does recommend an organic, whole foods diet, and for that he should be commended.

This book was laborious at times, since I did decide to read it cover to cover for the purpose of this book review. I believe it is worth reading, or at least skimming through. I picked up a few things that I believe are useful, such as incorporating Himalayan pink salt into my diet. I encourage you to read "The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing" and see if you can implement a few useful nuggets into your regimen.