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What is Herbal Medicine? Herbal Medicine is the use of whole plant preparations and is the oldest known form of medicine. It has been used for over 2,000 years and is still the major form of medicine for over 75% of the world's population. Our ancestors used trial and error to discover the most effective local plants for the treatment of illnesses. Advances in science have enabled a better understanding of the physiological effects of herbs on the human body and therefore their role in restoring health. Herbal medicines support the body's natural healing process, and aim to treat the person as well as the disease. This means it can bring about a deep and lasting change. What can it treat? Herbal Medicine can be used as an effective treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. It can be used to treat most conditions that patients would visit their GP about including : hayfever, eczema, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal and gynaecological complaints, cystitis, enlarged prostate, anxiety, depression and insomnia, recurrent infection, high blood pressure. Consultation and Treatment Medical Herbalists aim to address the root of the problem, rather than treating symptoms alone and therefore enabling you to break the cycle of poor health. They are trained in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors, yet have a more holistic approach to health care. The initial consultation lasts approximately one-hour. Details of current health problems, medications, past medical history, diet and general lifestyle are taken. Simple clinical examinations, simular to those conducted by a GP, may be necessary. Repeat appointments last approximately 30 minutes and will monitor the progress of treatment and allow appropriate changes to the presciption to be made. These are generally at 2-4 week intervals. Herbal Medicines are mostly dispensed as tinctures (easy-to-take liquids), teas or creams as appropriate. Nutritional and lifestyle advice may be provided. Safety Herbal medicine is very safe; the long traditional usage has demonstrated this. However, it is very important to maintain a respect for all medicines: this is why there is no real substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified medical herbalist. Herbal Medicine can be used alongside pharmaceutical drugs in most situations.
Practitioners at LNHC: Emma Overton
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists, Elm House, 54 Mary Arches Street, Exeter, EX4 3BA is the largest organisation of herbalists in the UK. Telephone 01392 426022 email: info@nimh.org.uk
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