It is amazing how much information has been packed into this little book. It is a masterclass of photography and a truly beautiful piece of visual art, but inside there is so much more. A wealth of knowledge and wisdom gleaned from every corner of our planet is thoroughly reported in a crisp, easy-to-follow format and more fabulous photos illustrate each section.
Of course, I was intrigued by the title and lured in by the sensuous portrait of a red rose in full bloom on the glossy front cover. It was not the racy read I’d half expected, but a sound and factual piece of research that covers all aspects of this often overlooked but very important subject. Far from being salacious in any way, it is a serious study of sexual health and discusses both orthodox and herbal methods of helping people get the most out of their love lives.
In fact the emphasis is very much on a loving relationship rather than sex as an end in itself, and it quite rightly emphasises that the basis of a good sexual relationship is love and respect. The authors provide a pictorial example of this on the credits page.
The book covers plant medicine in great detail and includes herbs from all over the world. It is fascinating to read about local favourite remedies in different cultures and also how traditional dessert recipes for romantic dinners are based on their aphrodisiac qualities. It seems we’ve been onto something for a long time with the wide popularity of chocolate, almonds, figs and vanilla. Savoury recipes are not excluded either, and there are lots of good ideas on how to include chilli, cardamom, nutmeg and oats in both food and drink.
Aromatherapists are well aware of the complex, sensual and powerful effects of the absolute oils of rose, jasmine and neroli. These are looked at in some detail, with lovely ideas for recipes and massage blends.
There are fun things to do for loving couples but it will also be of real value to practising herbalists. Here is an in-depth reference manual for treating those clients whose love lives are not quite as perfect as they would like. You can find interesting facts on herbs such as Ashwaganda and Shatavari from India; Schisandra, a native of China; spiny Tribulus, which grows all over the temperate world; Muira Puama, which hails from the Amazon; and tricky, dose-dependent Yohimbe from Africa. The various ginsengs are given a collective study and you can finally find out the truth about Horny Goat Weed instead of reading all the rumours that abound about it on the internet!
Our sexual health is just as important as any other aspect of well-being. In this book there is valid acceptance that, as in anything else, we cannot be well in one department if we do not take care of the whole.
This would make a lovely Christmas present or indeed a fun, but informative, gift for lovers of both plants and people at any time of the year. I liked its small size – handy for the bedroom – and the rich, colourful pictures lend themselves very well to romance and the love of life in general.
Heartily recommended for lovers everywhere.
Reviewed by Alex Martin