What is Herbal Medicine | herbalmedicine

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What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal Medicine is the therapeutic use of plants. It is the oldest form of medicine in the world, is still the most accessible and today we rely on the therapeutic properties of plants for the development of over 75% of our modern drugs.

Modern herbal medicine combines traditional herbal knowledge from this long history of effective usage with up-to-date scientific research to address causes of illness and to support restoration of physical and mental health and well-being. This then provides a truly holistic and also evidence-based practice that takes into account a person’s current symptoms, medical history, diet and lifestyle as well as any medication already being prescribed by a GP to build a really clear picture of a person’s whole health. In this way, herbalists are able to treat the root cause of a problem as well as helping to alleviate the symptoms.

What is a Medical Herbalist

As well as training in the use of many western, (and Ayurvedic) herbs, Medical Herbalists are trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical diagnosis in a similar way as other western medical health practitioners. They are trained to spot any red flags, will advise on the safety of any herb/drug interaction and will make referrals will make to GPs or other healthcare practitioners as necessary.

The plants themselves are taken as tinctures (in small amount of alcohol), teas, creams and ointments and can be the leaves, roots, berries, bark of a plant or a combination depending on the actions required. Most plants have a vast range of active constituents and the skill and art of the herbalist is in the selection and balance of the different plants and plant parts to support the exact health needs of an individual patient at that time.

The sorts of conditions that can be helped by herbal medicine include:

Skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and acne
Digestive problems including IBS, reflux and indigestion
Allergies such as asthma and hayfever
Anxiety, stress, low mood and difficulty sleeping
Circulation problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Fertility, pregnancy and breast-feeding issues
Menopause and all the symptoms that can accompany this transition
Hormonal problems including Type II diabetes, thyroid issues, irregular/heavy/painful menstruation, PCOS, endometriosis and BPH (enlarged prostate)
Joint/muscular aches and pains e.g. arthritis (rheumatoid or osteo-), bursitis, sciatica or fibromyalgia
Fatigue syndromes such as post viral fatigue, chronic fatigue, Long COVID