jiastar's Full Review: Hygieia: A Woman's Herbal Books
NOTE: this book is actually over 200 pages in length
This book deals with every aspect of a woman's reproductive tract: Menstruation, Infertility, Birth Control, Aphrodisiacs (increases the sexual urge), Anaphrodisiacs (depresses the sexual urge), Pregnancy, Childbirth, Lactation, and Menopause. It also deals with overall health and discusses the use of herbs as spiritual tools.
What I especially like about this book:
Unlike many other herbals this is not at all textbooky. Many sections are written in a conversational tone. The text is accented with script style fonts and charcoal sketches, drawings and photographs.
It covers a specific group of herbs instead of overwhelming you with more information that you need.
The author's attitude that menstruation and childbirth are simply natural parts of life. Nothing to fear and certainly nothing to inspire shame.
The appendix which includes entries from the author's own dream journal. I found this interesting as personally various points in my cycle are associated with more intense dreams.
The index which helps you find the exact herb you are looking for whether you are searching by it's common name or it's Latin name.
What I didn't like
The only thing that I can say that turned me off this book was her discussion of consuming the placenta.
Over-all if you are looking for a book which will gently introduce you to the use of herbs in assisting a woman's health... this would be a good choice. Another title which serves equally well is "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" by Susan S. Weed. However Ms. Parvarti's book is better for a woman who is not yet or no longer concerned with her fertility.
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