cover image The Essential Guide to Women's Herbal Medicine

The Essential Guide to Women's Herbal Medicine

Cyndi Gilbert. Robert Rose (Firefly, dist.), $24.95 trade paper (288p) ISBN 978-0778805069

This invaluable addition to the growing field of alternative medicine contains practical and comprehensive information on various women's health conditions that may be prevented or treated with the healing powers of herbs%E2%80%94widely available in pharmacies, health food stores, and one's own backyard. Gilbert, a naturopathic doctor and professor of botanical medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, grounds her approach in the safety and efficacy of medicinal and culinary herbs while describing their history and energetic characteristics. The introduction covers topics ranging from the advantages and disadvantages of the botanical preparation of familiar herbs to plant classification and therapeutic actions. Specific women's conditions such as endometriosis, menopause, and vaginitis are discussed, as well as some general ones such as acne, arthritis, and diabetes. The final part methodically examines the scientific evidence for the use of 66 herbs. Detailed yet concise, the book discusses the signs and symptoms of each ailment, first-line herbal care, folklore and background tidbits, case studies, risk and contributing factors, and outlines of conventional medical treatments, also suggesting sources for further reading. This compendium is an indispensable reference work for women of all ages. (May)