Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements

I got this for my 200 lb. wife who complained of gout and incessant digestive issues, and pain around her lower ribs the Drs. couldn't diagnose. They kept wanting to remove her gall bladder, but tests didn't technically support that. After several days spent reading this book, she changed her eating habits. 8 months later she was down to 160 lbs, free of most of her gut issues, and rarely has the rib area pain. She lowered her Uric acid levels by following guidelines in the book, and affirmed that her gut issues weren't gall bladder, but rather gluten sensitivity. She's not totally gluten intolerant like some people, but the book helped her identify enough gluten-loaded foods that the gluten she does take in doesn't cause any problems. She did get a little prescription help for the gout/uric acid situation, but her more careful diet helps a lot in that department, I'm sure. And the most obvious result is the 40 lbs. she dropped in the process! She also went back to using Benecol spread and Benecol Chews, which provide plant stanols in the gut that ties up cholesterol in food, so it can't be absorbed. Her lipid panel blood tests confirm that Benecol helps enough that her doctors have cut her back on cholesterol prescriptions from 3 to 1. I'm not sure she needs even that, except it controls liver-produced cholesterol that the gut stanols don't. Like any great book though, it won't do any good to buy this one if you don't have the wherewithall to step up like my wife did and follow its guidelines, without fail. If you aren't up to that, then don't waste your money. If however, you are determined to rid yourself of a lot of your pain, physically and emotionally, and are willing to keep your nose to the grindstone for several months at least, and preferably for life, then order the book. The food choice routine gets easier as you get used to it, and may have a side benefit for your family too.

Comprehensive book that covers a MULTITUDE of topics, this book should be in every home. You never know when you may need to "call" on it! Just over a year ago, a good friend of ours stopped by saying that his wife was very sick having been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. (She was nor is a drinker.) He was not expecting her to be on this earth for much longer. At that time someone had lent us an older version of this book for another situation. After our friend left we immediately looked up what this book had to say and got the information to our dying friend. That information literally SAVED her life! As she began to follow the directions of what not to eat etc. we began to see her health improve. She had got that she could not walk, was extremely thin and yes, looked like death was on her doorstep. Today, she is not 100% cured and unlikely to ever be so BUT she is walking, she has put on weight and more importantly is still very much alive. When asked about helping someone else with a different diagnosis we figured it was time to purchase this book for ourselves. For the money this book is PRICELESS! Pages and pages of information and helpful advice to set you back on your feet towards a healthy life. We purchased this book used. We were not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz

I’ve been using these books since childhood. I haven’t purchased every updated version, but probably close to it. Some I end up giving away, because even after years they are still very informative and I don’t need more than one version for just myself. These have all the nutritional information you will ever need. Are you anemic? Then try eating more of these foods. Do you have anxiety? Try this. It’s so helpful whether you are looking to treat a certain condition, or just develop better nutrition habits. It has something for everyone. You really can’t go wrong buying these books. If you need one and can’t afford the newest version, you can always get a slightly older version. The only downside to an older one is that it might not have the most recent information, but I still find them all very informative and helpful. Of course you may still need to visit the doctor and take medication from time to time, but here you will find a lot of holistic/natural remedies that can help everyone either instead of or in addition to medication. But like I said, it’s even useful to someone who just wants to eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle.

The 2010 5th edition is excellent with pretty complete coverage of diseases/symptoms. The 2016 Prescription for Natural Cures is also excellent and more up-to-date, though a little lower quality info and a less comprehensive list of diseases. Stacey Bell has sold out to the harmaceutical industry in the 2023 6th edition. I looked at coverage of covid in the reference copy at Natural Grocers and low vitamin D and covid bad outcomes is only barely mentioned and there is no mention of zinc, which is as basic as it gets. It is neutral at best on benefit/risk of covid vaccination. My local Natural Grocers has a copy of the previous 5th edition nearby for anyone who no longer trusts the new version. The publishing/paper quality drop in the new edition is important, but the quality of the information is far more important. Needless to say, I didn't buy the new edition. Stick with the 5th edition.

All the way back in 1999 a 51 yo family member lay dying of liver failure due to the so called Celtic Curse/Hemochromatosis. Which is rather common among people of western European ancestory. We hadn’t been aware of such a problem until this happened. The doctors told us to prepare for their death. I had general knowledge that your liver can regenerate and didn’t want to give up hope. So I went to my local hippy health food store which I frequented on occasion and spoke to the owner. He opened his hippy store bible (this book) and showed me the things it would take to help purge the toxins and restore the liver. I had the doctor discharge her into my care to come home to die. She had a nurse coming to the house and was being interveinously hydrated etc. I began the hippy regiment immediately. It wasn’t easy and it took time HOWEVER she walked into her next doctors apptment and lived almost 2 decades longer (she recently passed away of another ailment). The doctors were astonished. Healing the body is not what medications do. The care and treatment this book guides us to is where true healing can occur. What is the body missing? What is the catalysis that the problem stemmed from in the first place? I use this incessantly, it is a book of true hope & healing.

I agree with some posters, that the headings are awful in this book. As for others who say that it is dangerous, ALL treatment of illnesses and diseases are dangerous; even those offered by doctors and hospitals. Are there errors? I suppose, but not more than can be found in any doctors office. Now for why I like it so much: I have an immune disorder, and just prior to meeting my husband and receiving this book from him, I was convalescing from my 5th surgery, and often seeking medical care. Pain meds and antibiotics no longer had their intended effects, I just kept getting sicker. I caught everything, and every virus out there would lay me up, and often turn into much more(ie: cold became pneumonia, etc). I began to undertake the recommendations, and eventually sifted these into a daily regimen, which has kept me out of the doctor's offices and hospital rooms for more than 15 years now. It is thanks to this book that I quit taking the doctor recommended St John's Wort and hormone shots. The SJW is now counter-indicated by doctors for my condition, but I learned it first here. The hormone supplements had me on a roller coaster, and I was able to end them, via the natural replacements recommended by Balch. I have since bought dozens of the vrious incarnations and give them out constantly to friends and loved ones, who consult it regularly as well. I do not take everything that is listed as gospel, but have found that Balch recommends often that readers talk to their doctors/homeopaths about their particular issues. In short, I find it indispensable, but not a replacement for face to face discussions with my healing professionals.

This is an update for me since I had an earlier edition. These books are invaluable to me since I do not have blind faith in traditional medicine with its coziness with prescription medicine. If you prefer natural methods and prevention, this publication is loaded with info for you. If you read the pamphlets that come with the prescription meds, you may find that the risks do not always outweigh the benefits. Ask your doctor to look this ratio up. Mine did and left the decision to me on cholesterol drugs. However, if you are not willing or able to also make life style changes, stick with prescription meds. I made a habit of reading about natural remedies and health many years ago including complicated medical journals. So this book is easy reading for me. However, this book is not at all difficult and would be an excellent starting place for anyone who wants to be in more charge of their own health and that of their family. Amazon makes this possible with their used books. Mine was in great preowned condition. Even though the Internet has so many good health sites, including MAYO CLINIC, I find I like to have inclusive publications like this on hand. Being able to read well is a invaluable tool in health management all through life including your youth to both avoid problems from developing and unnecessary harmful medical treatments and to assist with health and wellness issues.

I was first introduced to this book by my aunt's wellness doctor who she was seeing for alternative medicine treatment for breast cancer that spread to her pelvic bone. She had been accustomed to the typical Western treatments we see today (IV chemotherapy treatments, hair loss, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, other cancer drugs). Then she started seeing an alternative medicine doctor. I went with her the first couple appointments and using this book, he prescribed several of the herbal supplements, vitamins and minerals under the "breast cancer" section along with a few others to use in conjunct with the Western medicine she was receiving. With a couple weeks she was already noticing a difference in her overall health, energy and mood... Within months of a combination of the Western treatments and the supplements from this book, she is well on her way to making a recovery. Her most recent PET scan showed a 65% reduction in the size of the malignancies and she can still keep up with her four school-age children. As a registered nurse (RN) myself, I've recommended this book to my family and close friends for anything from mild anxiety to low back pain to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The wording is such that even those without a medical background can easily navigate through the book. All I can say is GET IT! It's a huge book with a small price. You won't be disappointed! :) -Lauren

Das Buch das nun schon in der 5ten Überarbeitung auf dem Markt ist ist für mich ein Muss. Es enthält für ca. 300 Krankheitsbilder. Alles was ein Mensch der in den USA auf dem Land ohne Krankenversicherungsschutz weit ab vom nächsten Arzt so alles braucht. Das Buch enthält für jede Krankheit eine Berschreibung, eine Selbstdiagnose, Empfehlung für Nahrungsergänzungen - Verhalten - Kräutern, Empfehlungen sowie Hinweise die für mich sehr ausführlich und neutral ausgeführt sind. Damit ist das Buch für jeden der sich mit dem englischen Text auseinandersetzt eine umfassende Ergänzung zu den Informationen vom Arzt. In Deutschland ist diese Art der Aufarbeitung von Krankheiten in Büchern den Medizinern vorbehalten. Anderst ausgedrückt gesetzlich verboten. Es gibt noch weitere Literatur aus der Schweiz, den USA und England. Hier möchte ich exemplarisch "Burgerstein' Handbook of Nutrition" (nur in englisch) und Patrick Holford's Buch "The Optimum Nutrition Bible" erwähnen.

This is a little old, but the info is still relevant and it is still useful for reference whilst studying. It help give a good picture of basic prescription medicine, supplements, diet, herbs and alternative methods together.

**"Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch** is a comprehensive guide to using nutrition and dietary supplements for improving health and combating illness. The book is well-organized, covering a wide range of conditions and the nutrients that can help address them. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in the therapeutic power of food and supplements, offering practical advice and extensive references. While it can be dense, its thorough approach makes it an essential reference for both beginners and seasoned health enthusiasts.

This version boasts that it is “totally revised and updated” and they’re not kidding. It is no longer a natural book, but full of pharmaceuticals advice. Do not buy!

The author has a great mastery over the subject. The book is in detail. I am glad that I made this purchase. Every household should have this.