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Western
Herbal Medicine
What is Western Herbal Medicine?
Herbal
Medicine is the professional use of plants as medicine. It is one
of the oldest forms of medicine in the world, and can be valuable
in treating a far wider range of complaints, both chronic and acute,
than is generally suspected. Administered by a highly qualified Medical
Herbalist, plant medicine provides a gentle, powerful and holistic
approach to healing dis-ease.
In treatment, herbalists seek to identify the underlying cause of
dis-ease, rather than focusing on symptoms, and aim to restore the
body’s natural health and vitality. Treatment consists of whole
plant preparations – made from roots, stems, leaves or berries
– prescribed in the form of tinctures, teas and creams. Prescriptions
are individually prepared for each client, based on the information
exchanged during the consultation.
Plant medicine can work successfully alone or alongside other treatments,
and is suitable for all ages. Herbalists are skilled in the safe
administration of medicinal plants in conjunction with orthodox medicines,
and referrals to other health care professionals can be made where
appropriate.
Herbal
Medicine is seen as a kinder alternative to mainstream medicine,
with its over-reliance on pharmaceutical products. Administered by
a qualified Medical Herbalist, plant medicine can offer a gentle,
powerful and holistic approach to treating a wide range of complaints.
How
Does It Work?
Although herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills
as orthodox doctors, their approach to treatment differs. Herbal
medicine goes beyond a symptoms-orientated approach, looking to identify
the underlying source of dis-ease. By doing so, herbalists focus
treatment on the individual, rather than ‘prescribing’
for an illness.
Treatment is uniquely tailored to support and treat each person’s
needs - which means that no two people visiting a medical herbalist
will receive the same prescription, even though their conditions
might appear identical.
Who
Can Benefit From Treatment?
Herbalists
treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Most conditions
that might be managed by a GP respond well to plant medicine, as
do more non-specific ailments (such as 'stress', depression, lowered
vitality/immunity, fatigue, allergies and insomnia).
Herbal medicine can work successfully alone or alongside other treatments,
and can be beneficial to people of all ages. There are also many
herbs that can be safely used in pregnancy.
Herbalists undergo lengthy training to qualify for registration,
and adhere to a strict code of ethics. They are therefore skilled
in the safe administration of medicinal plants in conjunction with
pharmaceuticals, and referrals to other health care professionals
can be made where appropriate
The Medicine
The
medicines used by herbalists are prepared from whole plants (leaves,
stems, roots or berries), and are prescribed in the form of tinctures,
teas or creams.
The complex array of constituents in these plants works to restore
the body's natural balance, enabling it to mobilise its innate healing
powers. Treatment is therefore not directed simply at relieving symptoms,
but at redressing the root of dis-ease, and restoring health.
The healing process is powerful but gentle, and often prompts change
in other facets of wellbeing, such as diet and lifestyle.
What to expect in a consultation
The
first visit to a Medical Herbalist will generally last about an hour
and will involve a detailed case history. This is aimed at establishing
a comprehensive profile of the individual’s state of health,
and identifying contributing factors in dis-ease.
It will include relevant physical examinations, and take into consideration
other treatments/ medication. Treatment incorporates regular (usually
monthly to six-weekly) follow-up visits to support the progress towards
health.
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