HERBAL MEDICINE
What
is Herbal Medicine?
Herbs are plants that are used to maintain health and well being and
to promote recovery from disease. Cultures throughout the world have
at various times in history used herbs as the basis for their
healthcare systems.
Herbal Medicine is the oldest medicine known to us and is still the
most widely used form of medicine worldwide. Today, modern scientific
research is adding to our traditional knowledge of the healing power
of plants.
What
are the differences between pharmaceutical and herbal medicine?
Plants with medicinal properties contain many chemicals. Some
pharmaceutical drugs are based on a single active chemical that has
been taken from the plant and then synthesised in a laboratory.
These drugs may have undesirable side-effects. Herbalists believe that
medicines made from the whole plant and containing perhaps hundreds of
naturally occurring chemicals are more gentle and balanced.
The Herbalists Approach
Medical Herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as
doctors and undergo a 4 year course of study. Herbalists will look for
the cause of ill health and then treat that.
What can Herbal Medicine Treat?
Almost any
condition that might take a patient to their doctor. The gentle nature
of herbal medicine means that it is suitable for patients of all ages.