Your Period Handbook

Have you ever been told that there's nothing that can be done for your period problems? Or that taking the contraceptive pill will solve everything? For the millions of women who suffer from debilitating pain, erratic periods, heavy bleeding or the effects of premenstrual-syndrome every month, this book explores a crucial missing link - stress. Drawing on personal experience of overcoming crippling period pain and clinical expertise as a medical herbalist specializing in women's health, Natasha Richardson give a comprehensive overview of how stress is impacting our hormones, and our lives. Warning of the creeping effects of stress on our hormonal balance and wellbeing, she explores the science of slow living and gives practical advice on changing the way we approach our daily schedules - from sleep to nutrition and using simple herbal remedies. Relaxation is a life skill we have lost the art of practicing and we must fight to reclaim it. Common menstrual problems are explored in accessible language with advice on how to treat their underlying causes. Heavy bleeding, erratic cycles, missed periods, painful cramps, acne, breast-tenderness, PMS, migraine and anxiety are featured plus the red flag symptoms to watch out for. More complicated conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS and fibroids are looked at in-depth with accompanying treatment plans. This book includes practical recipes for herbal teas, tinctures, bath-potions and a section on herbal monographs giving a comprehensive overview of relevant herbs and their uses. Invaluable for anyone suffering from menstrual problems and a useful addition for practitioners with an interest in this field.