Includes bibliographical references and index.

"It is easy to take the soil beneath our feet for granted but students will never look at it the same way after reading this book. They will learn about the forces of nature that formed the soil and gave it the properties that make life sustainable. Among the things found in soil are the minerals our bodies need and the bacteria that can heal us. This book touches on the history of natural healing, from the Native Americans using herbal remedies to the microbiologists developing drugs to combat dangerous diseases and takes a look at what the future holds. Detailed Table of Contents, Full-Color Photographs, Further Information Section, Glossary, How-To Section, Sidebars, Websites." --,(Source of summary not specified)