Rosemary Gladstar's "Herbal Healing for Women" is at the top of my list of 'must reads'. I've taken her herbal homestudy course and read most of her books. As an herbalist student I have shelves of herb-related books and this is one of my favorites.
Gladstar is one of the most respected herbalists today. Her books are easy to read and understand and full of helpful recipes. One problem with many herbal books is that they only mention what certain herbs are good for. Gladstar also explains how to use them and simply enough for anyone to understand.
When my very pregnant daughter mentioned that her stretched skin felt sunburned I went searching for help. I checked through all my 'woman' herbals but only this book had a suggestion. I found the recipe for "Pregnant Belly Oil" which was easy to follow. The ingredients were easily found here at home and in town. The best part of it all was it works beautifully and smells great!
This is a wonderful book to use to expand your study of herbalism. I have to admit that the review concerning peppermint encouraged me to write my own. If that review has made you re-think this book, you might want to consider that I checked through my library and found almost all my books listed peppermint to ease heartburn. Only one "Green Pharmacy" mentioned the possiblity that peppermint caused heartburn BUT note the BUT it went on to say that they disagreed and suggested it was still a good herb for the problem.
Buy this book and use it! You won't be disappointed.
Rosemary Gladstar has a winner with HERBAL HEALING FOR WOMEN. She begins with a simple premise--women have needs different from men. Women, cannot escape the calendar, the seasons, and nature in general. Men don't experience menses, bear children, or go through menopause. Herbs that ease the pain women know first hand can only be seen as Goddess-sends if you will.
Because men and women are different, not all the herbs that work for men will work for women--and vice versa. Unfortunately, not too many "herbalists" clearly acknowledge this in their various books. In many herbal books and manuals you have to dig to find the information specific for age and sex, but Gladstar has arranged the female part in logical categories associated with the various phases of a woman's life.
For example, Black Cohash (Cimicifuga Racemosa), Linseed oil, and Isoflavins contain phytoestrogens and are used in Europe to alleviate the symtoms of menopause. Since the side effects of some of the regularly prescribed synthetic estrogens derived from mare's urine are not only acquired in despicable ways (ask PETA) but are dangerous to your health (don't belive me? read the little piece of paper that comes with your prescription) you might consider alternatives. I have and am here to say that some of the unhappy consequences I experienced from the over-the-counter drug are a thing of the past.
As part of my Master's Degree program (I am a sociologist-demographer), I studied mortality, morbidity, and biostatistics at Georgetown University and learned how to read biomedical research. I have maintained a personal interest in, and spent the last 30 years keeping up with, medical studies about women's issues. So, I am not ignorant of the strengths and shortcomings of various drugs used to deal with women's "complaints." The bad news is this--all synthetic drugs have bad side effects. Sometimes they are worse than what ails you. Synthetics simply aren't as good as the original, and as Gladstar points out, you even have to be careful where the original is involved.
For example, the current evidence for HRT with estrogens made from mare's urine is conflicted. Unfortunately, for ages and ages, males were the only medical subjects in scientific studies. So, it will take awhile to find out just how effective and/or damaging therapies like HRT are. In the interim, my daughter's midwife recommended herbs known to women through the ages and I am taking these to deal with the symptoms of menopause.
Ms. Gladstar discusses the clinical reseach associated with each of the herbs listed in her book, including those of interest to me at this phase in my life. Thank goodness, she doesn't limit herself to research conducted in the U.S. And, unlike the European herbalists, she includes herbs known and used by American Indian women.
I have a number of favorites, many I've known about since I was a child. I will never forget discovering the cure for warts from a little classmate in 4th grade. I rushed home to tell my mother because my sister suffered from warts (all over her hands). Mom had tried everything, but this procedure worked. I tried it years later on a horse that broke out with warts all over his body--they are caused by a virus--and he survived the virus and lost all his warts. My little friend was only nine years old, and had an amazing knowledge of home remedies. Of course we know these are just old wives tales.
Buy Herbal Healing for Women Now
This book is a pleasure to read and a gem for every woman concerned for her health. As an acupressure practitioner I find Rosemary Gladstar's advice invaluable, and her recipes and herbal suggestions complement nicely my books on Chinese herbs. The teas, tinctures and salves are easy to make, and the explanations are clear and knowledgeable. The Materia Medica at the end of the book is extremely useful. I particularly enjoyed Ms. Goldstar's suggestions for younger women's skin problems, have made without any problems and with common kitchen appliances the range of facial prducts described in the book, and am enjoying them immensely. Not only are they better than any commercial brand of skin care (because they only contain the best and purest products) but one has the satisfaction of taking an active role in caring for her own health and beauty. Even if you already own several herbal books, do not miss this one. It will become your favorite!
Read Best Reviews of Herbal Healing for Women Here
this is the best [price] you can spend on your health! I own a herb store and have been working with herbs for years but periodically pull this book out and learn something new every time. I've told dozens of people to buy this book, for themselves and others. The recipes are simple and really effective. As both a beginners guide and for an experienced herbalist it just can't be beat. buy it!
-maggie
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I bought this book a few months ago becuase I've been showing symptoms of endometriosis and also have fibroids. I used her herbal formulas and castor oil packs as recommended and my symptoms have improved dramatically. I would recommend this to any woman who's having "female trouble". We really can take our health care into our own hands, contrary to what doctors would have us think....
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This book has guided me through my certification in gerontology, my mother and aunt's days in assisted living, their days in skilled nursing, my mother's days in hospice in my home, and my master's degree in social work. Now I am a gerontological social worker and use it with my clients. Few of my clients have an Alzheimer's diagnosis, but the book applies to all who need "gentlecare." I have loaned my copy countless times and, thankfully, have received it back each time. The book is too valuable and informative to keep on my bookshelf and dust periodically! What a super resources!
