by Ralph W. Moss
Book Description Text dealing exclusively with herbs in the Western tradition. Focusing on the conflict of regular doctors versus advocates of natural agents used to prevent, treat, diagnose, or mitigate cancer. Traces the history and controversies around the use of herbs to treat cancer. Synopsis
The author, Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D., August
21, 1999
I set out to write a small guidebook for cancer patients on the use of herbs in cancer prevention and treatment. I conceived of this as an update and expansion of the section on herbs in my 1992 book, Cancer Therapy. What evolved was something else. That is why I added the subtitle "History and Controversy" to the book. I first needed to answer the question that nearly every cancer patient confronts, "If herbal treatments are as good as often claimed, how come my doctor does not recommend them?" In preparation, I think I read every book (and most of the articles) in English on the topic of herbs and deals exclusively with the controversy over herbal treatments in the Western tradition. Most other accounts are promotional or derogatory. Before the recent openness to complementary medicine, herbal treatments were under continuous attack. What was written about was sharply divided into either "quackbusting" exposés or breathless advocacy. I set out to examine the question as dispassionately and fairly as possible. I was surprised by what I found, and I am sure you will be too. There are some popular herbal treatments that are surprisingly lacking in documentation. On the other hand, there are some little known treatments that should be immediately researched by the National Cancer Institute. Others offer intriguing hints of benefit, but need more intensive development. I tremendously enjoyed writing this book and hope you will enjoy reading it. I think the story of herbal cancer treatments is fascinating. Readers tell me they not only derived practical information but a new perspective on how to think about the claims of unconventional cancer treatments. Please visit my website, http://www.ralphmoss.com, for more information on these topics.
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