Herbal Medicine
Herbalism is probably the oldest recorded form of medicine, beginning in ancient
cultures more than 5,000 years ago. Western herbalism combines the ancient teachings
of the East with indigenous traditions and folk remedies, complemented by modern-day
scientific study.
What is herbalism?
The term 'herb' includes any plant, and any part of a plant, that can be used to make
a remedy. This can include seaweeds, ferns, flowers, roots, bulbs, barks, seeds and
leaves. It includes cooking herbs, spices, and many fruits and vegetables.
Herbalism is the use of plants as medicines to restore and maintain health by
keeping the body in balance. It relies on specific qualities of individual plants to
stimulate the body’s healing system and restore health.
Herbs can be given in powders, capsules, tablets, syrup, infusions, tinctures,
essential oils, suppositories, douches, baths, ointments, creams, compresses and poultices.
Qualities of herbs
Herbs have many properties. They can be antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, sedative,
relaxing, tonic, nervine, carminative, restorative, stimulating, insecticidal, and more.
The purpose is also to alleviate disease and prevent it recurring, to detoxify the
system of poisons that can cause disease, and to support the immune system and maintain balance.
Is it safe?
Herbs can be toxic in large quantities, and many herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy,
for children, and in some medical conditions. All herbs must be carefully administered,
it is important to know other treatments you are receiving.
How long does treatment take?
The number of treatments varies with the type of complaint, how long it has been established,
medical history and the general level of health of the person. Herbalism is a therapeutic
process that very much depends on the individual.
The initial consultation and case history takes up to two hours with follow-up visits
taking between half an hour and one hour.
-Follow-ups are usually at monthly intervals depending on need.