WESTERN HERBAL MEDICINE

WHAT IS WESTERN HERBAL MEDICINE?
Western Herbal Medicine is based on traditional uses of medicinal plants from many parts of the world, particularly Europe and North America . Traditional use is supported in many instances by recent scientific research. A medical herbalist's approach is holistic, aiming to treat the whole person rather than simply address a set of symptoms, other health issues such as diet and lifestyle will therefore also be discussed and recommendations made.


HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Many drugs used in conventional health care are based on substances isolated and extracted from plants. Herbalists have found that using the whole plant is an effective yet gentler approach which avoids many of the side effects which can be caused by drugs. Since plants play such an important part in the human diet, using plant medicines can be seen as an extension of good diet, harnessing the substances which occur naturally in plants and our bodies to correct imbalances which cause ill health.


WHO USES THE MEDICINE ?
People of all ages find herbal medicine helpful in restoring health and wellbeing. Conditions commonly treated using herbal medicine include:
Herbal medicine is helpful in a very wide range of conditions including:

• Women’s health such as menopause, endometriosis, fertility problems and PMS
• Skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis
• Allergies
• Gastrointestinal problems, including IBS.
• Stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue
• Common childhood problems such as eczema and allergy
• Chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CONSULTATION ?
A first visit usually takes about an hour, during which a full medical history is taken and current health discussed. Because herbal medicine is concerned with the whole person, the consultation won't just focus on current symptoms, but will consider all aspects of your health so that the herbalist can get a holistic picture. Progress is monitored over subsequent visits, which take half an hour. The initial follow-up appointment is usually a fortnight after the first visit, and subsequent consultations are scheduled three to four weekly. Duration of treatment varies according to the condition being treated.


HOW ARE HERBS TAKEN ?
A specific combination of herbs is created for each individual patient. Herbs are prescribed in the form of tinctures (alcoholic extracts), pleasant-tasting teas and sometimes pills or capsules. Western herbs are usually taken in small quantities and are quite palatable. They are easy to use and take and do not require any special preparation such as boiling. Herbal medicines are dispensed by the herbalist and posted to your home or available to pick up from the clinic, usually the day after the consultation. The cost is generally £5 to £10 per week.

 

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