As Dr. Engel emphasizes in this "enticing, well-referenced, [and] entertaining book" (Science), we can learn a lot about human health by studying animal behavior in the wild. Indeed, some of the natural, holistic, and alternative human medicine being practiced today arose through the observation of wild animals. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Engel points out fascinating parallels between animal and human medicine. She offers intriguing examples of how animals prevent and cure sickness and poisonings, heal open wounds, balance their diets, and regulate fertility. For instance,*chimpanzees carefully eat bitter-tasting plant "medicines" that counter intestinal parasites *elephants roam miles to find the clay they ingest to counter dietary toxins *broken-legged chicks have been known to eat analgesic foods that alleviate pain.By observing wild health we may discover (or rediscover) ways to benefit our own health. As Craig Stotlz of the Washington Post noted, this "highly readable assessment . . . triggers more outside-the-double-helix thoughts about human health than anything I've read recently."

Wild Health: How Animals Keep Themselves Well and What We Can Learn from Them

Science & Math

Cindy Engel

Biological Sciences

Mariner Books

<p>How do animals keep themselves well in the wild? Folklore and traditional medicine have long laid claim to feats of self-medication by animals but, until recently, scientists have dismissed such stories as romantic anthropomorphism. This is now changing as more and more scientists uncover examples of insects, birds and mammals self- medicating their ills. Chimpanzees carefully select bitter-tasting anti- parasitic plant 'medicines' that counter intestinal parasites and elephants roam miles to find the clay which counters dietary toxins. This book explores the behavioural strategies animals use to maintain health. Many of these methods can be exploited to improve the health of animals in our care. By observing wild health we may even discover (or rediscover) ways to benefit our own health.</p>

Wild Health : How Animals Keep Themselves Well and What We Can Learn from Them

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Phoenix Paperbacks

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Books by Cindy Engel