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ix Book Club Marianne Hughes reviews
Sleep— the elixir of life: How to Restore Sleep with Herbs and Natural Healing (Herbert, C.; Aeon Books, 2021)
Reviewer: Marianne Hughes
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Christine Herbert was a biomedical scientist with the NHS for nineteen years before qualifying as a herbalist. She has now practised as a herbalist for twenty-two years. Her wide knowledge of physiology and the action of herbs is reflected in this book, and— showcased through interesting and engaging case studies — so is her wealth of experience in direct practice with clients. While she states that her book is aimed at herbalists, I’d consider it useful to anyone with sleep problems or an interest in sleep.
The book is divided into eleven chapters, with themes such as the effect of stress and anxiety on sleep, the effect of diet and digestion on sleep, and helping babies and children sleep better. She also considers the urinary system, and issues of pain that cause sleep disturbance. This book could, therefore, serve as a useful reference manual for specific issues. Indeed, in chapters nine and ten— Materia Medica —the author collates all the herbs and flower essences she uses as remedies, giving explanations for their actions.
It is clear from the way the book is written, and from the case studies, that the author takes a holistic, systemic approach to sleep problems. She investigates her clients’ diets and tests for food allergies, as well as exploring life issues and any use of pharmaceutical medications. She makes it clear that there are no quick fixes to sleep problems, and that coming to an understanding of cause is crucial.
In a crowded field of titles about sleep, this is an interesting and informative book. The clear, cartoon-style drawings add a liveliness to the volume, and the recipe for a green smoothie (p.178) looks delicious.
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