HERBAL MEDICINE
The use of herbs to maintain health is surely the oldest form of alternative medicine. Botanical medicines have been prescribed for thousands of years, and today there is a vast new interest in herbalism, with modern science re-evaluating many of the old-time remedies. No single person or culture can take the credit for the initiation and development of herbal medicine. There have been many influences, from Asian to Arabic cultures. Many drugs in common use nowadays were originally derived from plant sources - for example, the herb wild yam was the original source of diosgenin, which was used to make progesterone for the contraceptive pill, and the bark of the white willow tree was originally used to make aspirin. Throughout history and the world, herbs have played an important part in our development. Providing food, medicine and cosmetics, herbs have the power to heal and nourish the body.
PHILOSOPHY
Herbs have always contributed a great deal to human health. Despite scientific advances, the use of herbs as medicine has never disappeared. In China, for example, two entirely separate schools of medicine have evolved, one based on western drugs and surgical techniques, the other based on acupuncture and traditional herbal medicines. Herbalists prescribe remedies to help the body's natural healing process. The aim is to alleviate the symptoms and also to support the various body processes that may be responsible for allowing the condition to manifest in the first place. In this regard, herbal remedies are prescribed for the person and not their condition. This means that a particular remedy prescribed for a sinus condition of one person might be completely different to that of another person. Herbalism is an effective treatment for most illnesses and disorders.
TREATMENT
A consultation with a Herbalist begins with an information gathering process that will allow the practitioner to assess the client in a holistic way. Questions are asked about medical history and background, including family history, as well as appetite, eating patterns and general lifestyle habits. Other medications that a client may be taking will be of particular interest to the practitioner because some herbal preparations may be contraindicated with some prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines. As well as aiming to treat a particular condition, a herbal practitioner will look to support the various systems in the body that may contribute to overall health. Acute conditions usually can be resolved within a few days. Chronic conditions may require several appointments and the herbal prescription may need to be re-evaluated as the condition improves.
Jennifer Chalmers is a Herbalist available for appointments at the Phoenix Holistic Centre. For more information or to make an appointment call 02-93861225
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