Having a child raises more and more questions each day, and nothing is more priceless to a parent than having a one-stop resource available to answer those questions, especially when it comes to health concerns. And for those of us parents who want to treat our children holistically and not just shove another pharmaceutical down their throats, I found The Holistic Pediatrician by Kathi J. Kemper to be just that priceless resource; a comprehensive guide to safe and effective therapies for the 25 most common childhood ailments.

The book integrates the very best of modern medical science with tried and true therapies in the arenas of herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage, natural healing and other non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatments. Covering everything from acne to cradle cap to diaper rash to fever to hyperactivity to vomiting to warts, and all points in between, this book is truly a "bible" for solid, wholesome mind-body child healthcare. Best of all, it is written in a style and tone that does not bog the reader down with medical mumbo-jumbo, and the information is presented in an easy-to-grasp manner for those of us whose names aren't followed by an M.D.

Standard treatments for these common ailments are discussed, including medications and surgical techniques, along with natural and homeopathic treatments, giving the parent a choice as to how they deal with their own child's medical condition, and overall health. Choices are empowering, and there are plenty of choices here, -- and solid background information into all arenas of holistic healthcare, so that you never feel as though you are subjecting your child to something untested. With plenty of medical research to back up her information, Dr. Kemper has provided parents with an indispensable reference to use on their own, or when speaking with their chosen healthcare providers. Education is key, and this book indeed educates on a wide variety of topics, enabling the parent to feel confident speaking to healthcare professionals about getting the best possible treatments for their child.

The design of the book is such that each chapter covers a different ailment, for easy access to references when you most need them, and also offers plenty of layman's information to help ensure that you can choose from the different therapies based upon your child's own needs. Also discussed in detail are the necessities of good nutrition, exercise and a whole-body approach to caring for a child, rather than just treating the "parts". Dr. Kemper also provides a chapter with additional resources for those readers willing to delve more deeply into the science of holistic medicine.

As a mom of a toddler, I appreciate this book more than I can say. It is more than just a book about health; it is a tool I can and will use over and over again each time I am presented with a health problem at home. The hallmark of a good reference book is how much use you get from it, and this one will be dog-eared in no time. When it comes to caring for children, nothing is more important, and this book offers those of us who do not want to always drug our kids a powerful and invaluable resource for taking care of the ones we love most in the way we feel most comfortable.