Herbal Medicine
What is Herbal Medicine
Western Medical Herbalism uses plants mainly from the UK and Europe. Pure, whole plant extracts are combined by an herbalist to tailor a completely individual prescription to the patient, addressing their health symptomatically and holistically. Registered herbalists are trained in clinical diagnosis and require a complete medical history from the patient including current medications. It is relevant to a wide scope of ailments comparable to those of general practice, both as complementary and alternative.
How Does It Work?
Most prescriptions are in a water/alcohol herbal extract containing high and potent levels of phytochemicals, and combining 4 – 6 herbs. Choice of herbs are based on traditional knowledge from historical literature; science based research which has identified key phytochemicals and associated actions that inform our choices; clinical based research which means human trials; and case histories from informed practitioners which fuel further research. Herbs can affect many pathways in the human body, directly and via metabolites; hence potential drug interactions must be avoided. Being on a mainstream drug does not automatically exclude you from taking herbal medicine, many are suitable for a complementary approach, with only a few a definite NO.
What Does It Involve?
Treatment time may last for 3 months to 18 months, and is completely dependent on the condition and patient. Herbal medicine will mostly be taken 2-3 times daily, occasionally more symptomatically. The most common form is in a tincture, but teas and tablets may also be appropriate. Topical preparations are also available as creams, oils and suppositories/pessaries. Equally important is the therapeutic relationship between patient and practitioner. The initial consultation is 45 minutes, follow up consultations for 20 minutes, plus onsite dispensing time. Follow up intervals will be agreed with the patient, and after an initial 2 week check-up, intervals may be 6 – 8 weeks apart.
What Can It Be Used For?
- Skin conditions – psoriasis, eczema, acne
- Nervous system - anxiety, stress, nervous breakdown, panic attacks, insomnia,migraines
- Respiratory system – asthma, bronchitis, hay fever, immune system support
- Muscular skeletal – rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, post-trauma wound healing
- Gastro-intestinal system - constipation, cramps, diarrhoea, digestion, IBS, dysbiosis
- Endocrine system - diabetes support
- Women’s health & hormones - endometriosis, fibroids, hormone imbalance, menopause, PMT, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, thyrotoxicosis
- Cardiovascular system - hypertension, hypotension, hypercholesterolaemia
- Urinary system – infections, prostate problems
- Other - Chronic fatigue syndrome, general debilitation, recouperation, cachexia, anaemia, hepatic support
More information can be found here: www.lindenherbal.co.uk