Herbal Medicine (phytotherapy)
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine known to man. It involves the prevention and treatment of disease by use of plant derived medicines used almost exclusively in their natural composition.
How can Herbal Medicine help?
Herbal medicine can help with a wide range of complaints ranging from more physical disorders to mental/emotional conditions. Amongst others, herbal medicine is successful in treating:
- Menopause, PMS, fibroids and other female conditions
- IBS, IBD, flatulence, indigestion and other digestive complaints
- Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and other joint complaints
- Chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, depression, fatigue, insomnia and other nervous conditions
- Asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, colds, sinusitis, hayfever and other respiratory conditions
- High blood pressure, palpitations, obesity, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions
- Psoriasis, eczema, fungal infections and other skin conditions
- Cystitis, enlarged prostate and other urinary tract conditions
Almost half of modern pharmaceuticals are plant derived. The herbalist emphasises the use of whole plants in which the sum of constituents are often more beneficial than individual components.
The modern day herbalist is trained in a similar way to conventional medical practitioners, including diagnostic skills. They seek to balance the modern day scientific understanding with a traditional holistic understanding of the body and its treatment, using tried and trusted formulas.
How does treatment work?
An initial consultation in which a broad case history is taken comprising detailed assessment of all bodily systems and presenting complaint, nutritional analysis, drug history and social welfare, is supplemented by any necessary physical examination.
Treatment usually comprises a multi-herb formula tailored specifically to the patient's presentation. Medication may take the form of tinctures, creams, capsules, teas or other forms to be taken internally or applied externally.
A typical treatment plan involves an initial consultation followed by a follow-up two weeks later with further monthly or bi-monthly intervals between following appointments.
