Homeopathy

Review by Erica L. Mcphee: 
I stumbled upon Amy Lansky’s website while researching treatments for my own son’s autistic symptoms. We had seen dramatic improvements in my son after beginning homeopathic treatments with a gifted, classical homeopath and I was researching to learn more. Though I had been researching since we began our journey to cure our son for a little over a year, I had not yet been able to find any concrete information regarding the practice of homeopathy – how it worked, why it worked, etc. – in straightforward, interesting, and applicable terms. Lansky’s book, Impossible Cure, fills this void.

Although we had little experience with “alternative” medicine and none with homeopathy, we were willing to try anything to halt the headbanging, stimming, and unsettling behavior my then 18 month old son repeated day after day. We saw almost immediate improvement with the first dose of remedy. In the past year and a half my son has gone from a toddler who did not speak, play, or interact much to a happy, sweet, loving, typical 32 month old who by all means is normal – talks, laughs, plays, and tests out at or above his age on all developmental tests. People meeting him for the first time can not believe he was ever on the spectrum. While we have done many interventions on behalf of our son, it is clear to us through our documentation that homeopathy has had one of the most dramatic impacts.

Lansky’s book played a pivotal role in my son’s continuing success. Although homeopathy had dramatic results for my son very quickly, I wanted even faster results. I read the book at a time when I was losing patience and ready to give up on the homeopathy and move on to more dramatic treatments. The Impossible Cure helped me understand the history of homeopathy, how a remedy is created, why it works, and reinforced its legitimacy as a proven treatment option. Of the many medical texts, personal accounts, and research I have read in the past year, this book stands out as integral to my son’s recovery.Impossible Cure is not a “treating autism” book but rather a comprehensive yet quick-read guide to understanding the “science” of homeopathy. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for validation and explanation of this miraculous treatment option.

Review by Alan Lekan: 
In today’s medical environment, the word cure is rightfully avoided for legal and ethical reasons. So, for an author to not only put the word “cure” in a title but then follow it with the word “promise” is indeed a bold premise of what is inside.

Author Amy Lansky’s history is an increasingly common scenario: a mother who was desparately trying to find hope and help for a sick child – one diagnosed with Autism – but getting no where with conventional approaches. In her search for a solution, Ms. Lansky applied her valuable business and technical accumen (a former Silicone Valley phD tech-wiz) to identify the best approaches that seemed to truly offer a potential to cure. The word “cure” here basically means that some intervention was done (medicine or some treatment) and now it is completely resolved with no need of further intervention. This search eventually led her to the 200-year old system of medicine called homeopathy. A good part of this book describes her son’s journey and treatment with homeopathy that eventually led to his restored health and balance – which was the primary motivation for Ms. Lansky to leave a lucrative career to study and practice homeopathy.

While relatively unknown in the USA, homeopathy is widely practiced in most western countries and in many parts of the world (Europe, Australia, Russia, India). It is just lately gaining a greater understanding and acceptance in the USA – a trend that is forecast to accelerate with a medical system that has become exhorbantly costly and with consumers who are not willing to take expensive medications for years or even for life. Even Intergrative Medicine Departments at major hospitals are increasingly studying its curative potential. In this well-written book, Ms. Lansky effectively presents cases and arguements of how homeopathic medicines effectively stimulate a person’s innate healing mechanisms to allow chronic or acute disease to be eventually resolved. Her son’s case illustrates realistically how homeopathy, like all modalities that stimulate true healing, is no “magic bullet” for immediate results but brings about the deep, curative effects over time and often with much patience. That is important for patients to know and accept if they go down the path of natural healing.

Amy’s book is considered a landmark book (and is much loved) within the homeopathic community. It is a substantial introduction to the topic (briefer introductions include, “Flat Earth Medicine” and “The Patient’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine.”) In this book, Lansky gives simple but meaningful technical descriptions of the history and curative effects of homeopathy. She illustrates the unique contributions homeopathy can make to relieve suffering in a world of ever-increasing chronic illness. Wisely, Ms. Lansky doesn’t pretend to “scientifically explain” precisely how these seemingly-benign medicines work (as science has not quite explained the whole picture yet). But many things in life – even modern quantum physics – cannot be fully explained either, but this does not disallow its use and contributions to mankind. Rather, she illustrates that true cure of the root causes of illness is possible (and routinely realized) with careful homeopathic treatment over months or even years. From someone who cured many “layers” of limiting chronic illness with homeopathy, I can confidently agree with Amy that homeopathy is one of the deepest-acting and truly curative modalities anywhere.

However, the challange of such approaches like homeopathy is that it is not easy to master by the practitioner (part science, part art like anything) – and results can widely vary like any approach. It is a modality too that does not lend itself that well to uneducated home care (apart from some simple acute illness treatment like bites and burns). As such, Amy puts forth the need for evolving homeopathy to higher levels of professionalism, one being national certification of all practitioners. She also lays out the vision for a nationwide environment where alternative medicine can be practiced without fear of unwarrented government interference, giving a good summary of the current Health Freedom legislation movement. All-in-all, probably the finest introductary (yet in-depth) book on homeopathy with something for most unbiased readers – from the scientific skeptic to the mother whose kids suffer with asthma, allergies or behavioral disorders. It is written with skill, precision, compassion and vision. Most importantly, her story here can restore a sense of hope for people who have given up that things can get better. And they can with skillful homeopathic treatment as she illustrates.

Review by M. Bolling: 
With three kids I need a book I can understand and find the information I am looking for as quick as possible. This book has a great index and it makes looking up remedies we need very easy. I don’t have to read descriptions of 10 different ones to find what is needed.

Her writing style is easy to read and she really gives a lot of information here that I haven’t seen elsewhere. Part One tells the history of homeopathy, guidelines for deciding what you should be able to treat yourself and teaches how to take a case history and how to prescribe. This includes dosages, information on how often to dose, how to assess the progress and effectiveness of the remedy and explains how there are antidotes to homeopathy and tells about them. Part Two goes through a series of remedies and information on each. She tells where each comes from and lists specific information you need to decide if it is right for you. First though, she talks about the different forms each remedy can come in be it liquid, ointment or the little tablets we see in the health food stores. In Part Three she really goes over when we can self treat and when we should see a licensed homeopath. There is a case-taking questionaire and symptom checklist. There are even sample cases where you can put to test and see what you learned.

I really enjoyed this book and have already purchased a second copy to loan out…

Review by Mrs S Mason: 
This is my 2nd Miranda Castro book (1st being Homeopathy for Mother and Child) she continues her common sense, practical approach in this book. Homeopathy has worked amazingly well in our family for everything so far – and each time I have referred to Ms. Castro’s books; particularly good for my little boy from new-born to now 3½. For those looking for safe, non-drug alternatives this will be welcome help and support.

Review by P.L. Gilly: 
I have purchased many herbal and homeopathic books, but this one is my new favorite. It’s very easy to understand. The author explains how to choose the right remedy and gives real-life situations which is great for moms like me who’s kids are constantly bumping or scraping themselves! Thank you Mr. Schmukler! You’ve made my job as a mom a lot easier! Arnica is a wonderful thing to know about with little ones!

Review by Midwest Book Review: 
If you’re looking for an easy home handbook of natural remedies simpler than most yet filled with the essentials, here’s a handbook of nearly two hundred illnesses, injuries, and physical conditions ranging from flu and headache to food poisoning remedies and tick bites. Symptoms outlines are followed by prevention tips, then natural remedies in a book very simple to follow and perfect for newcomers to the subject.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch

Review by : 
We’ve only had this book for a few months and it’s dog-eared already. Granted, since then, we’ve been overseas and back so we’re a little predisposed to being stressed out and sick. Disclaimers aside, it’s been a fairly comprehensive guide to combating colds and other problems — even a first-degree burn. It has a very helpful section on casetaking and is well-organized. It’s not exhaustive, but it serves its purpose well — as a guide to situations which arise most often in the home. It tells you when to seek outside help and what to do yourself. It also gives suggestions to go along with the remedies (the use of ice, heat; when to make rest a priority) and explanations (what’s the definition of a croupy cough). I’d say if you had to choose only two books on homeopathy for your library I’d recommend this and the Materia Medica.

Review by Allen Leigh: 
This was the second book on homeopathy that I bought, and it quickly became the only book I use. I like its clear explanations, organization, and use of modalities in the descriptions. It’s easy for me to ask myself questions and compare my responses with the descritptions in the book. It’s been my guide for over 20 years, and during that time I haven’t taken a drug for any reason!

Review by Sherry: 
I’m a beginner in homeopathy and I really like this book. It’s small and easy to carry with me when I travel. It has an alphabetical listing (materia medica) of the homeopathic remedies and another section which lists conditions. There is also a section on support therapies and essences. Color photographs on almost every page. It’s quite thorough, a little thick (400 pages), but overall a great small size.

Review by Tenna Merchent: 
Calling this book “The Definitive Guide to Remedies” is grossly misleading. It is a very brief overview of homeopathy, remedies, and acute prescribing. Because of the book’s size 6 ½” x 5 1/2″ the description of each remedy covers two pages but there is really very little detail on each remedy.

It has remedies for asthma, which is really scary business. I’m all for self-treatment if you can do it safely, but in a life threatening illness such as asthma, I would seek professional assistance.

It gives only one remedy for sciatica, while there are over 50 remedies that are commonly given for sciatica, and no doubt many more that are given less commonly. Leading someone to believe that Rhus Tox is the only remedy for sciatica is really short changing them, because if they try it, and it doesn’t work, they may not know there are many other remedies that may be more appropriate.

The book talks about vaccine side effects and says that if you suffer serious side effects you should seek medical attention. I can’t believe a homeopath would say that. If you suffer serious side effects after a vaccine, you need to see a homeopath and get them detoxed homeopathically.

There are some moderately interesting things in this book, but overall I would say it offers some risky and misleading advice. If you want a good book on homeopathic self-treatment, I recommend

Homeopathic Medicine At Home.

Review by Rough & Tumble: 
Great Kit, excellant variety, and I love the case it holds all the rememdies and has spaces for extra’s. Definitly worth the money!!!

Review by LaurenK: 
This is a must for every home, especially since it takes so long to get in to see a doctor and the cost of insurance is so outrageous. Read up on homeopathics and protect yourself and your family.

Review by Laura Haggarty: 
This book, along with the Balch & Balch (Prescription for Nutritional Healing) are my two bibles. I have worked in the field of natural medicine for years now: managing a web site on natural medicine, as an energy healer, and as a lay homeopath, and find this book the one I look to whenever I feel a situation will respond well to homeopathic treatment. The book explains the concept of how homeopathy works, gives a history of its use, explains the various dosages, includes a section on constitutional remedies, covers a huge variety of symptoms, and presents snapshots of the properties of some of the more common remedies.This book is an invaluable reference for anyone who wishes to use non-invasive methods to deal with common health problems. I’ve had results with homeopathic remedies that were practically miraculous! They are safe, inexpensive, easy to use even for small children, and quickly effective. This book will educate you in the proper use of homeopathy for the layperson, and give you insight as to when to consult a homeopath for more in-depth matters. Don’t hesitate to buy this book, it’s a keeper!

Review by : 
A copy of this book was lent to me by a co-worker. Having never tried any type of alternative medicine before, I was very skeptic. However,since this co-worker had already given me such useful information on nutrition and diet; I figured that I would see if this would work as well. After looking up my various ailments and then going to a homeopathic pharmacy in the suburbs for the remedies prescribed in the book, my cynicism was still not abated. However, when I started to take the remedies, the symptoms that I had experienced for months (ranging from infections to headaches to depression) were alleviated or gone. This book has been a great help to me, especially since I don’t have health insurance (my status at work doesn’t entitle me to an employee insurance plan and my physical profile prevents me from getting individual insurance from most insurance companies). This, along with my co-worker’s help, lead me to homeopathy. Despite the fact that I have a salary that would have allowed me to pay out-of-pocket for treatment of many of my ailments, most doctors would have refused to treat me. Homeopathy has provided me with an economical and responsible alternative.This book is an excellent introduction to homeopathy. It allows the reader to be more in charge of their health. It educates the reader on homeopath terms (e.g. constitutional,dosages, and definition and content of the actual remedies themselves). It also provides information on self-help, general health and nutrition, and how to treat acute and chronic ailments. It also advises the reader when to seek the help of a homeopathic practitioner or conventional doctor. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in homeopathy, especially those who are in need of a good introduction. This is such a useful book, I have just ordered my own copy from amazon.com. If I hadn’t, I probably would never give my co-worker’s copy back.

Review by Marilyn Piper-Brosch: 
I have been a patient of homeopathy for the last ten years with excellent results. In talking with my friends, however, I often had trouble putting the theories into words that they could understand. This book solves that problem! It is eminently readable for the new homeopathic patient or simply the person who is curious about what homeopathy has to offer. I highly recommend it!

Review by Christina Rovics: 
My homeopathist recommended reading this book before my first visit. My experience was so successful that I ordered several more books to lend to family, friends, and acquaintances who show an interest in homeopathy. This book really prepares you to get the most out of the homeopathic interview and cooperate with the healing process.