The Intimate Herbal: A Beginner's Guide to Herbal Medicine for Sexual Health, Pleasure, and Hormonal Balance

Description

All-natural reproductive wellness remedies for the modern herbalist- an inclusive guide to making herbal infusions, tinctures, oils, and powders to enhance pleasure and sexual health. In an empowering, accessible, and inclusive guide, herbalist Marie White shows readers of all genders how to enhance sexual and reproductive health through plant medicine. A must-have for those looking to revitalize intimacy with the special touch of medicinal herbs--and a few selected seaweed and fungi--The Intimate Herbal includes tried-and-tested protocols rooted in an intersectional, non-binary approach to holistic health, herbal healing, and supporting the body through physical stress. Readers will learn how to address and treat specific conditions; what not to try at home; and all about- . The foundations of intimate herbalism- The history of herbalism for sexual and reproductive health--and why it works. . Becoming an intimate herbalist- An introduction to terminology, types of extracts and remedies, solvents and ratios, and the art of extraction and delivery. . Building an intimate herbal pharmacy- All about intimate herbs and full-spectrum aphrodisiacs--and how to make infusions, decoctions, syrups, powders, herbal baths, oils, salves, and extracts. . Intimate health conditions and herbal protocols- Herbal remedies for breast health, contraception, endometriosis, erectile dysfunction, fertility, hormonal imbalances, libido, lubrication, menopause, menstrual cycles, PCOS, ovarian cysts, prostate health, urinary health, and the vaginal microbiome. With tips on ethical plant-medicine sourcing and a focus on buying herbs that are organic, fair-trade, and local, White brings a sustainable, community-oriented lens to modern herbalism. She shows readers how, why, and when to use herbal medicine to address sexual and reproductive concerns, taking a holistic approach that honors the interconnected nature of our bodies, prioritizes preventive medicine, and promotes a healthy, open relationship to sex and sexual wellness. Appropriate for beginners, DIY natural-medicine makers, and at-home herbalists, this book is also written for clinical herbalists, naturopaths, community health advocates, and complementary and alternative medicine practitioners.

MARIE WHITE is a leading expert on herbal medicine, healing herbs, and fungi. She is passionate about nature connection, community building, holistic eros, and the reclaiming of sexual and reproductive wellness.

"As a woman who went through a lot of hormonal turmoil in my thirties, I know firsthand how using herbs and plant wisdom can bring us back to balance. I am so grateful for herbalists and writers like Marie White who are guiding us toward these beautiful, nourishing ways." -Shiva Rose, author of Whole Beauty, alchemist, mama, and creator of Shiva Rose Beauty "The Intimate Herbal is as practical as it is inspiring. Complete with herbal foundations for people of all levels of experience as well as comprehensive, holistic approaches to preventative care, imbalances, and herbal therapeutics, it creates a pathway into self-determined healing that is at once important to both the individual and the collective. People of all genders can find within these pages the tools for healing, pleasure, and renewal." -Brittany Wood Nickerson, founder of Thyme Herbal and author of Recipes from the Herbalist's Kitchen and The Herbal Homestead Journal "The Intimate Herbal is a powerful contribution to the literature available on sexual and reproductive health. Marie's herbal knowledge shines through on every page as she skillfully weaves together information from the latest scientific research and her own practice. Her clear explanations about herbal terminology and preparations as well as her specific recipes make this book both useful and empowering. It's a treasure trove of herbal goodness for anyone seeking sexual vitality!" -Kimberly Gallagher, author of Aphrodisiac, cofounder of LearningHerbs, and creator of Wildcraft! "The Intimate Herbal is a wonderful demonstration of what it can look like to thrive as a grassroots herbalist in a modern-day world. Marie thoughtfully covers a wide breadth of topics important to clinicians and students of herbal medicine intent on becoming sex-positive stewards of the plant world. Not meant as a solution or quick fix for sexual or reproductive concerns, this book instead teaches how to weave the pleasures of plant medicine into daily life for both our healing and our happiness." -Dr. Marisa Marciano, ND, author of The Botanical Medicine Manual and chair of the botanical medicine department at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Boucher Campus