Herbal Medicine
What is a Medical Herbalist?
A qualified Western Medical Herbalist will have completed a four or five year BSc degree course in phytotherapy (herbal medicine).
During their training they will have studied: biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, anatomy and physiology, medicine, medical laboratory science, Materia Medica, botany, nutrition and horticulture.
They will have also have undertaken a minimum of 500 hours clinical practice under supervision.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine, the therapeutic use of plants is the original medicine. It has been in use for thousands of years. Research and chemical analysis responsible for therapeutic actions has given scientific backing to empirical use of many plants.
As herbal medicine treats the person and not the condition, it is beneficial to consult a qualified herbalist for the most appropriate and effective treatment regime.
Herbal medicine is suitable for any age, from babies to elderly. As a general rule, the longer a condition has been present, the longer treatment may take.
Herbal medicines can be administered in a variety of ways, for example:
- Liquid tinctures, this allows a mix of herbs to be given together. The active parts of the herb are concentrated in an alcohol/water mix.
- Infusions of fresh or dried herbs.
- Powdered herbs in capsule form or sprinkled onto food.
- Creams, ointments and balms.
- Chest rubs, inhalations, mouthwashes and gargles.
Although herbal medicine can be regarded as natural and safe, there are some plants which are dangerous or plants which may have adverse effects due to incorrect dosage or interactions with other medicines a person may be taking.
It is not safe to self-medicate, especially if suffering from serious medical conditions, on conventional medicines or suffering with liver or kidney disease.
For more information, please follow the links to the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy www.thecpp.uk and the National Institute of Medical Herbalists www.nimh.org.uk