This book takes the myth and magic out of complementary medicine and presents us with a simple, straightforward formula for helping ourselves to better health. For far too long, the alternative to drug-based medicine was to take another medicine labelled 'natural' or 'alternative'. Usually rather expensive and provided without the confidence installed by the backing of a practitioner. Now the gap between the two has been bridged by this straightforward down-to earth advice on integrating natural remedies into our day-to-day living via the Spice Shelf. This little fountain of knowledge, liberally illustrated with delightful live drawings by the author, and containing as it does such a wealth of invaluable information ranging from the treatments of acne to wounds, the making of cookies to combat the effects of junk food. Several different cost effective and pleasant ways of relieving that bane of society - stress etc. It should be on the spice shelf of every home in the country (that is when it is not being pored over, laughed with and thoroughly enjoyed by its readers). Containing as it does something to help people in every age range, it can be given as a very useful present to suit all occasions and I am sure will prove to be a real treasure to its readers for years to come.