Herbal Medicine
- What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is one of the earliest forms of health treatment. The World Health Organisation estimates that 70% of the world’s population still use herbs for their primary health care and herbal remedies are being increasingly validated by modern pharmacology research.
Each herb contains many different chemical constituents; herbalists prefer to use the whole herb rather than isolated extracts. Herbalists practise holistically, aiming to treat the whole person and find the underlying cause of their symptoms. Herbal treatment supports the body, enabling it to function optimally and heal itself.- Who can benefit?
Everyone can benefit from herbal medicine, from babies to the elderly. Many herbs are safe and helpful to take during pregnancy. Each prescription is tailored to suit the constitution of that patient. Some patients benefit from just one or two visits.
As a rule, chronic conditions require longer treatment.- What conditions can herbal medicine help?
- Immune system including acute and chronic infections; allergies and hayfever.
- Auto-immune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis; Crohn's Disease; multiple sclerosis.
- Energy and stamina.
- Emotional health including stress, mild depression, insomnia and mood swings.
- Menstrual health including PMS, period pain, endometriosis, firboids.
- Fertility, pregnancy and childbirth.
- Menopause.
- Hormonal health including managing blood sugar levels.
- Digestive health including IBS.
- Skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis.
- Heart and circulation health including high blood pressure, varicose veins and Raynauds syndrome.
- Muscles, joints and bones including osteoarthritis.
- Respiratory system including asthma, sinusitis, chronic and acute infections.
Spring Tonics
Spring is the time to support your body as it revives after the winter “hibernation”.
Traditionally people took spring herbs that were high in vitamin C and other nutrients to restore the deficiencies of a winter diet, and that had a stimulating and restoring action on the liver.
The liver is responsible for many essential functions including the metabolism of nutrients and hormones and storage of blood sugar, and is also involved in efficient digestion. Supporting the liver nourishes vitality.
Remember to take herbs to help relax and restore
Valerian, Limeflower and Chamomile help to relax and sleep, soothing spasm in the body as well as mental and emotional tension.
Wild oats (Avenal sativa) are highly nutritive and relaxing, helping the body and nervous system to recover after illness. Try eating porridge oats! Vervain (Verbena officinalis) also helps convalescence.