Main description:

For herbalists at all levels, this book presents recent insights into the hormonal basis of gynaecological problems in order to enable practitioners to devise effective treatment plans and explain them clearly to their patients.

Female hormones are comprehensively explained - from the metabolism and role of oestrogen in health and disease to the role of progesterone and herbal influences on its production. General principles of herbal treatment are based on the interaction of the digestive, circulatory, endocrine, and nervous systems to support health and recovery from disease. These principles are applied to treatment and case management of gynaecological problems, with detailed examinations of PMS and menopause. Specific herbs used in gynaecological treatment are categorised by their constituents and actions.

Contents:

- FOREWORD

- INTRODUCTION

- CHAPTER ONE: How the body produces oestrogen and progesterone

- CHAPTER TWO: Principles of herbal treatment of gynaecological problems

- CHAPTER THREE: Key herbs containing isoflavones and flavonoids

- CHAPTER FOUR: Key herbs containing steroidal saponins

- CHAPTER FIVE: Actaea racemosa (widely known as Cimicifuga racemosa) and Vitex agnus-castus

- CHAPTER SIX: Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza glabra

- CHAPTER SEVEN: Herbs, HRT, and the menopause

- CHAPTER EIGHT: PMS: common myths

- CHAPTER NINE: Some other gynaecological conditions

- NOTES

- INDEX