Herbal medicine is an ingestive therapy, which uses the healing properties of plants to treat disease and enhance health.
Benefits of using herbal remedies include:
- The way in which they work with the body’s own physiological processes
- The option of adjusting the strength of the remedy to suit the needs of the individual
- They have an excellent safety record when used appropriately and often lead to fewer, and less severe, side effects than conventional medicines
- They can be safely self-administered in minor conditions
- Many can be taken long term in low doses with no known adverse effects
- As the remedies are natural products, in most cases they can be considered renewable resources
- When sourced organically they can have a positive impact on the environment
- They are not embroiled in the same controversial politics that pharmaceuticals are
- Many herbs also have nutritional value
- They support self-esteem rather that diminish it
One of the greatest advantages is that a good Herbalist will always take a holistic approach to treating his patient. A full history is taken, which involves exploring medical history, family history, physical symptoms, clinical signs, psychological well-being, emotional health, diet, environmental and occupational factors, and past approaches to dealing with the issue at hand. The consultation may involve an element of counselling if appropriate, however an Herbalist should never claim to be a qualified counsellor, unless he or she has the relevant accreditations.
At the end of the session an individual prescription is given to treat a range of the physical signs and symptoms, whilst the client can go away and work on any necessary management strategies. The Herbalist may help to set lifestyle or nutritional targets to support the course of herbal medicine. He or she may also recommend complementary therapies such as osteopathy, nutritional therapy or counselling if they feel it would beneficial.
Regular review sessions and follow-up are encouraged and the treatment program is adapted as progress is made. Each person is treated like an individual and there is opportunity to build a solid, trusting relationship that supports positive progress further.
Finding a Qualified Herbalist
There are different ways to go about finding a reliable Herbalist in your area:
- Recommendation is a great one. Ask friends, family and colleagues and be prepared to probe - find out whether anyone you know has had any good (or bad!) experiences
- Search listings in local telephone directories and on the internet
- Health food shops often have information on local practitioners and nowadays many GP surgeries will have an Herbalist affiliated with the practice
- Trust your instincts and be very wary of anybody who tries to sell you a lot of products
- Make sure the practitioner is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (UK governing body)
- If in any doubt contact the NIMH directly for advice
Remember, that the herbal consultation should not replace professional medical treatment – always seek advice from your GP in the case of any issues related to health and in a world abundant in information, both accurate and misinformed, do not be tempted to self-diagnose or diagnose others or you may find yourself on a journey down completely the wrong garden path.
