The Antibiotic Alternative: The Natural Guide to Fighting Infection and Maintaining a Healthy Immune System Paperback - 2000

From the rear cover

HEALTH / HERBALISM "The Antibiotic Alternative gives the straight scoop on antibiotics--how they work, potential side effects, dangers of overuse, and compelling reasons to use them with restraint. Dr. Jones's coverage of these subjects is balanced and supported by an abundance of research. This book is a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in maintaining optimum health." --Linda B. White, M.D., coauthor of Kids, Herbs, and Health and The Herbal Drugstore When antibiotics were discovered they were hailed as the magic bullet that would put an end to the threat of infectious disease. In fact, in 1969 the U.S. Surgeon General stated that "the war against infectious disease has been won." But in the last fifteen years we have faced an alarming increase in cases of bacterial infections that will not respond to antibiotics. Dr. Jones explains how overreliance on antibiotics is dangerous because bacteria have found ways to outsmart them, producing resistant strains that prove harder and harder to control. What is more, the use of antibiotics in agricultural feeds and the widespread overprescription of antibiotics has deepened the threat of resistant bacteria to potentially epidemic proportions. Even when appropriately prescribed, antibiotics weaken the immune system by altering the body's natural bacterial balance. While antibiotics have their place in treating acute life-threatening conditions, The Antibiotic Alternative shows how the best defense against infectious disease is to strengthen your own immune system. With advice on stress management and diet and complete monographs of a dozen readily available herbs, Dr. Jones shows you how to ward off infectious disease naturally without antibiotic overdependence. She provides directions for making herbal teas, salves, and tinctures and includes specific herbal recommendations for over twenty common ailments ranging from acne to yeast infections. CINDY L. A. JONES holds a doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Cincinnati. She conducted oncology research for several years at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver and currently works as a medical writer, consultant, and educator. She lives in western Colorado.