I love learning about alternative healing methods. In the last 12 years, I have read, studied and used several healing remedies, such as homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, kinaesthetic massage and natural herbal remedies, with real and lasting benefits for me and my family (even my sceptic hubby). In view of this, I was eager to review The Alternative Medicine Cabinet.

Reviewed on 09/15/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Laura Fabiani

I found The Alternative Medicine Cabinet a fantastic resource for natural remedies. I especially liked the details and individual pages on blueberries, eggs, spinach, wild caught salmon, avocado, filtered water, and olive oil.
I found it helpful that it wasn't written in hard-to-pronounce words and was applicable for even the most nivice of alternative patients.
To a religious alternative medicine reader who devours said books Gruver's adaptation may not seem anything new; but for the reader with little time, or a first timer will find this easy to read and simple in it's explanations.
I thought "Kathy's Top 10 Picks" was a great, quick guide to nutrition.
Kathy Gruver's The Alternative Medicine Cabinet is a straight to the point resource for all considering small lifestyle changes for better health.

Reviewed on 07/26/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Tina Evans

Reviewed on 06/09/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Kathleen Albertson

First of all, I have to say I am an advocate of alternative health practices and because of that was interested in Kathy Gruver’s book “The Alternative Medicine Cabinet.”  I’ve read many books over the years and practiced many modalities.  I wanted to know if Gruver had anything new to say.   She didn’t, however, she didn’t disappoint me either.  I love her little book. It’s only 141 pages and in our busy lifestyles anything more than this would be too much.

Concise and to the point, Gruver gives us suggestions to better health, without drugs.  Being a massage therapist herself she starts off with encouraging getting a massage.  In her gentle way, she gives benefits and how to communicate with the massage therapist.

I was specifically interested in what she calls “Kathy’s Top 10 Picks” in nutrition.  She is on the same page as I am – wild caught salmon, broccoli with olive oil and garlic, and blueberries.  A simple meal of these nutrient and antioxidant packed foods will not only taste delicious but feed your body and soul.

But, there is so much more to this little book.  It’s packed full of information on women’s issues, obesity, sleep, winter office health, and more. Basically Gruver covers all the important aspects.

This is a great book for anyone that has been thinking of exploring alternative health. Gruver’s knowledge and experience shines through by giving the skeptic food for thought. (Pun intended!)  This book is also a wonderful quick resource guide for those that already consider alternative medicine as a way of life. Her recommended reading and resource guide is very helpful.

Reviewed on 05/08/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Irene Watson

When I first saw this book “The Alternative Medicine Cabinet’ and with what is listed as a summary, I was under the impression there would be ‘hundreds of ways’ or ideas to keep healthy. My impression at first before reading this was that I expected to see a list of symptoms or ailments with corresponding healing alternatives. However, that is not the case. I did find that Kathy was rather thorough in listing a variety of holistic modalities. All these modalities; Massage and bodywork, Reiki, Acupuncture to name a few) were briefly explained in easy to understand terms for those not familiar with the work. So for me, the title of this book is misleading with the ideas and content presented.

I do feel this would be the perfect book to have on hand or give as a gift to those unfamiliar with the holistic field of natural medicine. As I am a holistic practitioner as well, I know many view Massage or Reflexology as a simple luxury, especially in the current state of the economy. But I personally have benefited in so many ways when receiving my own work for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Migraines and the normal Premenstrual Symptoms alone to the point that all pain has ceased. There are many out there with limited motion range and chronic and repetitious- movement pain that can have results with the right therapist, so it is highly worth checking into. I also love that positive thoughts are mentioned as so many seem to feel apathetic or negative on their situation. If you think ‘sick’ then yes, you will be sick.

On Homeopathic remedies, Kathy does mention that if one does not work, then another should be used. From my own experience, I have found that in most cases a second remedy is required to complete the healing action. I personally use many traditional remedies (the most common one has access for.) for myself and my small child. The most common uses range from bumps and bruises to controlling my Rheumatic pains and I do so successfully. (In fact, I have stopped all modern medications while using alternative means, only as these resonate in harmony with me.).
Her ‘abchomeopathy’ website that is listed directs a person through a slew of questions to narrow down a remedy, and when I did it for my allergies, I was directed to something that does not work for me. So, I would say keep at it or invest in a good reference book.

All in all, even though this was not a book I originally expected, the information is invaluable to anyone. It serves as a good reminder even to the current holistic professional to make sure they also take care of themselves, as well as those in their care.

Reviewed on 05/01/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Ann Hauer