cynical and/or frustrated.
have not found an "understanding" physician is due to
her moral concerns related to their sexual behavior. While
this is undoubtedly the case for some physicians, other
considerations may also play a significant role. The premise
of this book is that everyone is entitled to nonjudgmental
health care, so below are some suggestions on how to get
the most out of your health care provider and to ensure a
mutually satisfying relationship.
what he is trained to do. Asking your traditionally
trained physician about herbal remedies is likely
to get a clueless answer: very little research has
been done on herbs, so even the most accepting
physician can only say things like "this herb has
helped a lot of my patients" or "many other
practitioners find this herb helpful in situations
like yours." (Some physicians do work closely with
naturopaths and other herbal healers and can refer
you to them for help.) If you want herbal advice,
your mainstream physician is unlikely to have
the answer. On the other hand, all medications,
including herbal remedies, have side effects: don't
assume the side effects you are experiencing are
from the prescription medication you are taking
rather than the herbs. You must tell your physician
about any herbal remedies you are using, since this