Herbalism has a long, honourable and esteemed record as a healing art, with many pharmaceuticals having their roots in botanical medicines. From teas to tinctures, botanical medicine can be a powerful aid to supporting your health and wellness.
Encountering herbal medicine for the first time, you find yourself in a whole new world of plants, whose therapeutic potential is only now being tapped. The familiar herbal names of chamomile, echinacea and ginger have long been incorporated into our home medicines chests to help with everyday ills and niggles. Yet herbal medicine is sometimes referred to as ‘alternative medicine' which, to me, implies that it's somehow a softer option, or somehow separate from orthodox medicine.
Remember, however, that safety and efficacy are important and they should be addressed before embarking on a wellness program that includes herbal remedies. Research on your own and find a qualified practitioner who can advise you on the use of herbs. With the basics of herbal medicine in hand, you can visit Mother Nature's pharmacy and perhaps improve your general health.
Understanding Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine embraces the longstanding traditional use of medicinal plants, while also utilising science to unlock their healing potential.
There are many Herbalist courses available online that allow you to learn the basics quickly.
You will find evidence of global traditions of plant medicine and scientific investigation that underpin the quality and effectiveness of this natural form of healthcare.
Traditional Roots and Modern Practice
Herbal medicine has been around for millennia; it is the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a surgery and herbology-based system still practised today, and of Ayurveda – a sister tradition of TCM noted for its use of metals and minerals in healing.
Contemporary herbal medicine is often referred to as phytotherapy, a word derived from the Greek words for plant, phyto, and healing therapy. In many cultures, herbal therapies help to link old and new. Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng among many others.
We draw from both traditional use knowledge and modern clinical research to create effective herbal preparations for you – herbal teas and tinctures, capsules and creams. We're not practising just tradition or just science; we're bridging the gap between the two for a true holistic approach to healthcare.
The Herbal Pharmacopeia
The natural world provides us with a vast array of medicinal plants. Some you will know, such as chamomile and peppermint, but others are exotic to the Western world, having been gathered in remote natural habitats around the globe.
Pharmacognosy, the science of medicines from natural sources, becomes your guidebook explaining why and how these plant medicines work, their active compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes) and the magic of plant healing.
And herbal preparations can be many things: you might make an essential oil for aromatherapy, or try a herbal tea for digestive issues, or a salve for skin complaints. It's up to you.
Safety and Interactions
Though natural, herbal medicines can be risky, and you should be aware of side effects, as well as interactions with other medications. If you are considering using any herbal remedies, always consult your health professional first.
Some herbs can provoke allergic reactions or interfere with prescription medicine: for example, St John's Wort can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pills. You also have to watch your dosages, since some herbs are toxic in large quantities.
Good quality control can make a huge difference in herbal medicine. Choose products from reputable sources that are manufactured using good manufacturing practices. Informed and careful use of herbal remedies can allow you to enjoy their benefits as part of your health care regimen.
Practical Application of Herbal Remedies
Herbal medicine treatments provide natural alternatives to common aliments. These simple plants are easy to incorporate into your daily routine and may provide you with some relief as well as general wellness.
From Remedies to Relief
It is also good for depression, premenstrual syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome and there is clinical evidence that certain herbs work for some life-style related diseases and inflammation, such as St John's Wort for mild depression, or peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome.
If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome, perhaps evening primrose oil will make you feel better; maybe chasteberry could do the trick. If you have inflammation, purists suggest turmeric and ginger. Before trying anything new, especially if you're on medication, try to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Preparation and Usage
You can prepare herbal remedies in several forms:
Teas: Steep dried herbs in hot water
Tinctures: Concentrated liquid extracts
Decoctions: Simmered herb mixtures
Essential oils: Concentrated plant essences
For teas, use 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs per cup of water. Steep for 5-10 minutes.Tinctures, taken in smaller amounts, are usually put back into a small amount of water before use. Essential oils can be diffused or diluted and put onto the skin.
Start low and go slow to check for any adverse reaction. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it is safe. Quality is important, so make sure you are purchasing your herbal products from reputable sources.
