Modern Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine) applies scientific research and the highest professional standards to this ancient medical field. Plant remedies have been used across the globe for centuries but modern research bears out its principles and traditions.
Simply put, Herbal Medicine means that instead of drugs, whole plants or whole parts of plants (leaf, root, etc.) are used to treat people. This retains all the active ingredients of plant origin without them being isolated and concentrated. Herbalism is an ancient art (from cavemen to "witches"!) but modern herbalists work on sound chemical principles. Medical Herbalism has special exemptions under the Medicines Act provided certain conditions are met and by choosing a qualified practitioner who is a member of a known professional body, you can be sure that you are in safe hands.
Approximately a quarter of all pharmaceutical drugs currently prescribed by doctors were originally derived from plants. The main difference between herbal medicines and orthodox drugs is that a herb contains many active ingredients which work in harmony rather than just one active chemical. For example, diuretic drugs ("water tablets") may cause the body to lose large amounts of potassium (which is important in heart function) and sometimes the doctor needs to prescribe a potassium supplement. In herbal medicine, dandelion leaf is often used as a potent diuretic but it also contains useful amounts of potassium salts, demonstrating the benefits of using the whole natural remedy.
By combining orthodox medical knowledge and skills with scientific understanding of plant medicines, many everyday and chronic conditions can be treated naturally and effectively using herbal remedies. Some people look to these when they do not wish to take drugs offered for their condition; if they wish to discontinue their medication (though this should never be done without professional guidance); to treat side-effects of their medication; or if medication has not helped them. Some simply prefer a more holistic approach to treatment, which does not solely concentrate on the symptoms, but on the whole person and how their body is working as a whole. Herbal medicine can be used effectively in all sorts of conditions and a Medical Herbalist is used to treating most of the conditions for which people might seek medical advice, both acute illnesses and long term conditions.
Herbal Medicine under supervision of a practitioner is safe to use as an alternative to, as well as alongside, conventional treatment and your Medical Herbalist will know which herbs you can safely take and which should be avoided. Factors such as your general health, lifestyle, current prescribed medication, over the counter medications and your own preferences are all taken in to account before prescribing a herbal medicine. Many herbs and drugs can interact with each other - some beneficially and some dangerously - so it is important to keep your doctor, and other healthcare professionals (including your Medical Herbalist) fully informed of your progress and prescriptions so that they can ensure you receive safe and effective treatment. Your practitioner can communicate directly with your doctor or other healthcare professionals (and vice versa) where you give written permission.
Most Phytotherapists (the modern term for Medical Herbalists who have undertaken formal education and examinations to qualify as practitioners) use herbs from around the world, but the emphasis tends to be on European and North American traditions. Most practitioners stock a core of favourite herbs based upon research and their own experience of the conditions they treat regularly but have access to hundreds more as needed, from specialist suppliers.
You could choose to buy herbal remedies over the counter, but there are a few things to consider when thinking of doing this.
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At present there are no quality controls in force and remedies vary widely in this regard - new legislation coming into force in 2011 will address this, and many over the counter remedies will no longer be available. Herbs prescribed by a practitioner are of medical quality and made to "Good Manufacturing" guidelines.
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Over the counter remedies may not work at all because they are the wrong herb, wrong part of the plant, not in a bio-available form, poor quality, or wrong dose (wasting your money.) Or they may interfere with medication or any other existing medical problems you may have. Herbs may be natural, but remember: if they can have a physiological effect, they COULD have a dangerous effect.
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Who will monitor the effects of the remedies? Does your doctor/healthcare team know enough about them to take on that responsibility?
It is always advisable for anyone wishing to access the benefits of Herbal Medicine that they seek a consultation with a qualified practitioner for the very best experience of the natural yet powerful ability of herbs to heal.
Herbs are a gift from nature which have the potential, if used well, to provide amazing health benefits by working in harmony with the body. Common conditions which respond well to herbal remedies include: Menopausal symptoms; Menstrual problems; Stress and anxiety; Insomnia and exhaustion; Infections and immune exhaustion; Abdominal discomfort; Irritable bowel; Migraines; High blood pressure; Coughs and colds; Asthma; Skin conditions; Muscle cramps; Depression; Convalescence; Glandular fever; Kidney and bladder infections; and more. Herbs can also be used to provide support along side conventional therapy in cancer and other chronic conditions.
