Textbook of Natural Medicine (Third Edition)

Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr. and Michael T. Murray
Churchill Livingstone (2006)
ISBN 9780443073007
Reviewed by Juanita Watson for Reader Views (12/09)


As a nutrition consultant student, I have found the “Textbook of Natural Medicine, Third Edition,” to be an indispensible resource in my studies.  The first book in this set, and the larger of the two, is an extensive collection of chapters written by well-known professionals in the field.  They cover a wide variety of topics under sections covering: the philosophy of natural medicine, supplementary diagnostic procedures/laboratory testing, therapeutic modalities, syndromes and special topics, and pharmacology/botanical medicine/nutritional supplementation. Highly referenced, the depth of this book is impressive. As I continue to delve deeper into sections relevant to my studies, I am in awe of the profound amount of knowledge compiled by Pizzorno and Murray.

The second book outlines 70+ specific health problems and their related diagnostic summaries, therapeutic/general/environmental considerations, nutritional and botanical suggestions, risk factors, and much more.  Pizzorno and Murray were either the writers or they co-authored with other practicing professionals.  The scope here again, is impressive.  Highly referenced to peer-reviewed literature, these protocols delve into the heart of naturopathic and functional medicine.

Obviously, this 2-volume set would make a fantastic contribution to any health practitioner’s library. I haven’t seen any other collection that comes close to what these two ND’s have published.  That said, there are topics lacking, one being Lyme. Clearly, it would be impossible for a collection of books to definitively cover the vast subject of natural medicine.  I don’t believe this book actually set out to accomplish that.  What I do see with “Textbook of Natural Medicine, Third Edition,” is a highly useable and current compendium of many subjects relevant to natural medicine and alternative/holistic practitioners.  As far as use for the layperson, I think these books are too advanced.  Both Pizzorno and Murray have written books specifically designed for the general public, and I’d suggest looking into those first.

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