SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. (December 11, 2007) – There are many books on herbal remedies written with women in mind, but Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health, by acclaimed practicing herbalists Christopher Hobbs and Kathi Keville, provides comprehensive, up-to-date and accessible scientific information on how to best use both Western and Chinese herbs, as well as nutrients and dietary supplements, for treating a variety of female conditions. Recipes for specific herbal preparations are included, along with suggestions for healthy habits and diet.

This updated edition is timely, since the use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased considerably in the United States, according to a benchmark national survey.[1] A 2002 study found that sixty-two percent of those surveyed used some form of complementary and alternative medicine in the past 12 months.[2] Specifically, dietary supplement use has increased substantially, with herbal supplement use increasing more than use of other complementary and alternative medicine modalities.[3],[4] Women and people with a college education were more likely to use herbs (with the exception of echinacea) concordant with scientific evidence. [5]

This rising tide of interest in herbal remedies creates a need for scientifically accurate and up-to-date information on how to use herbs safely and effectively. “There is a sea of information – and misinformation – about herbs and their uses. I felt it was important to provide a research-based, reliable guidebook to help women navigate these waters,” explains Christopher Hobbs. “That’s why we’ve updated Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health to reflect the expanding body of scientific evidence on herbal remedies for natural hormone balancing to address menopause or PMS symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis and heart disease, or supporting a healthy pregnancy and childbirth, to name a few.”

The book provides detailed information on how to safely and effectively use important women’s herbs and includes multiple case studies and personal stories. "Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health links conventional medicine, Chinese herbs, and Western plants. It answers common questions with a graceful philosophy that empowers women to make a choice," writes Amanda McQuade Crawford, President of the American College of Integrative Medicine, author of Herbal Remedies for Women and The Herbal Menopause Book

Published by Botanica Press, Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health is available online at bookpubco.com, or at Barnes & Noble and other fine bookstores and natural products stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $16.95.

Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac, AHG, is a fourth generation herbalist and licensed acupuncturist with 30 years clinical experience, currently pursuing his doctorate in ethnopharmacology and ethnobotany at University of California, Berkeley. He is the Director of Herbal Formulation at Rainbow Light, the author of more than 20 books on herbs and supplement use, and an international lecturer at major medical, academic, and industry venues. He has been formulating herbal supplements exclusively with Rainbow Light since 1985.

Kathi Keville, director of the American Herb Association, has been working with medicinal herbs for 30 years and lectures throughout North America. She has written more than 100 herb articles for national magazines and is the author of ten herb books, including Aromatherapy, The Complete Guide to the Healing Art and Herbs for Health and Healing.

Botanica Press, established in 1984, has a vision of providing solid, well-researched herbal information to consumers of health products and services, as well as to health practitioners.

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A leader in natural nutrition for over 25 years with the #1-selling multivitamin in the natural products industry, Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems, Inc., delivers Food-Based, Potent and Bio-Balanced™ formulations that combine evidence-based, highly bioavailable nutrient potencies and forms, energizing whole foods, enzymes and herbs from worldwide healing traditions to address specific health and lifestyle needs for men, women, seniors and children.  The benefits of this integrated, research-driven approach are an immediate, positive difference you can feel, and optimal support for lifelong health. Choose your best. Choose Rainbow Light. For more information on Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems, call 1-800-635-1233 or visit www.rainbowlight.com.