The Natural First Aid Handbook

Starred review from August 1, 2017

This first-class first-aid and emergency preparedness handbook from prolific author and herbalist Mars (The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine; Country Almanac of Home Remedies) covers all the bases and then some. Intelligently laid out, the first section deals with serious emergency information and instruction for resuscitation, cardiac arrest, broken limbs, and shock. The following chapter is an extensive alphabetical list (with excellent cross-referencing) of medical issues and how to treat them using herbal, homeopathic, and household remedies along with common-sense, noninvasive care and follow-up. Appreciated is the no-nonsense preface to the more serious entries that state, "Seek medical attention if," followed by detailed information and instructions for what to do while waiting for help to arrive. The third section covers a multitude of emergency scenarios such as getting lost in the wilderness or delivering a baby, providing clear instructions on how best to manage or just plain survive. The following sections are exhaustive lists for stocking natural first-aid and survival kits in the car, with recipes for creating salves and tinctures. VERDICT This book belongs in every home, car, and backpack.--Janet Tapper, Univ. of Western States Lib., Portland, OR

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