Western Herbal Medicine

In recent decades, the incidence of chronic diseases, allergies, auto-immune conditions and insomnia has skyrocketed in modern societies. One overlooked reason is the immune system began functioning less efficiently as humans increasingly separated themselves from the earth's energy

With all the flu lingering round these days it’s a timely look at the scientific research carried out on a very old treatment. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been used as a herbal medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, and has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex (cold sore virus). This is a tincture I use extensively at the clinic each winter.

For the first time, scientists at Exeter University have captured on film the process by which plants alert each other to possible dangers. When a plant is under attack it releases a gas which warns neighbouring plants to protect themselves.

This video showcases the work of University of British Columbia professor Suzanne Simard, who explains how "trees in a forest ecosystem are interconnected with the largest, oldest 'mother trees' serving as hubs

A new study just published in the journal Archives of Medicine, May 21, 2012; has completely changed the views of treating Osteoporosis with the current very common bisphosphonate drugs (fosomax, fosavance, fostepor, actonel)

Students everywhere suffer stress to some degree before and during exams - but there are natural remedies and tips that can help, read on .....

New research now shows that antidepressants do more harm than good(ScienceDaily Apr. 24, 2012) Find out the natural approach to this ever increasing condition in Ireland

The herb Thyme may be better at fighting acne than prescription creams, a new study has shown. The study, ‘Effectiveness of herbal tinctures against Propionibacterium acnes compared to benzoyl peroxide’

With sleeping tablets now linked to increased risk of cancer and death, its time to seek out effective and safe natural medicines to improve your sleep

Find out some great tips for a natural approach to Aphonia, Laryngitis, hoarseness and general inflammation of the vocal cords

St Marys Thistle Halts the Inflammatory Chain Known to Promote Lung Cancer Progression: Study

Up to 50 % of infertile couples are turning to alternative therapies like Herbal Medicine to help boost their chances of conceiving and managing the stress that struggling with infertility creates

Certain Fungi have been used throughout history in herbal medicine and more so today, they truly are a remarkable member of the plant kingdom. Watch this great TED Video on how fungi can help save the world

This article focuses on certain herbs that are not only effective, but can make a valuable contribution to modern medicine

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or commonly known as the winter blues, is associated with winter depression and feeling ‘normal’ or very happy in the summer. Although many variables may be responsible for SAD, lack of exposure to full-spectrum natural light appears to be the most logical explanation.

“I was really stunned when I saw the results of the first placebo-controlled study. It was the most effective treatment I have ever seen in these patients” Professor Gerald Holtmann, Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Professor of Medicine, University of Queensland.

Experts claim that this current allergy season could be the worst in recent memory! Find out what you can do to treat your seasonal allergies

Cancer researchers have been intrigued by the potent and beneficial biological activity shown by some natural products and are testing ways to incorporate them into standard and experimental treatment regimens, both to enhance the anticancer effects of therapy and reduce the side effects.

Ireland has the highest incidence of hereditary haemochromatosis it the world. Haemochromatosis is an iron overload disorder. It is a genetic condition that causes people to absorb excessive amounts of dietary iron. This excess absorption may in time lead to serious organ damage

Middle ear infection(MEI) also called Acute otitis media is one of the most common childhood infections, the leading cause of doctors’ visits by children and the most frequent reason for children to receive antibiotics or undergo surgery

Is there anything I can do to lessen the adverse health effects from consuming too much alcohol? Though it seems like a daft question, it is very common. The answer is ‘Yes’

Every year Dr Dilis Clare, GP and Medical Herbalist opens up her herb garden for charity and Medical Herbalists volunteer to talk about the medicinal actions of the herbs growing there. This video is extract from the 2010 herb walk by Gabriel MacSharry Medical Herbalist

Investigations into the Antibacterial Activities of herbal medicines against Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni have highlighted important herbs.

Now mistletoe has been found to be reasonably effective in extending survival in cancer patients, according to a German meta-analysis published in December 2009

Irish people get about 25 percent less sleep than they did a century ago, and this isn’t just a matter of having less energy.

This is a great introductory video documentary by a colleague of mine Dr Linda Page, which explains the practice of herbal medicine for those who are not sure what herbal medicine is

Chlorella acts as an efficient detoxification agent by binding to toxins, such as mercury, in your body and carrying them out of your system

Withania somnifera is a truly beautiful herbal medicine that i prescribe at the clinic very regularly due to its diverse properties and profound actions

Oral preparation containing certain seaweed herbal medicines are being investigated for their ability to reduce plaque and calculus in the body.

Results of the first trial to test milk thistle in children who were undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) show that the herb seems to reduce liver damage related to treatment. More specifically, milk thistle reduced liver inflammation, which is a common complication among children who receive chemotherapy for ALL.

According to Japanese researchers, thyme, the delicate and fragrant herb with a long history of use in natural medicine has now been found to suppress inflammation

The current issue of Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter reports that analysis of products labeled as containing “black cohosh” (Actaea racemosa; syn: Cimicifuga racemosa) and associated with liver-associated adverse reactions have been found to be adulterated with “related herbal species.”1

This is a very interesting question. The majority of people asking it literally mean is there a natural “pill” (herbal or otherwise) that one can take on a daily bases that will provide the same effectiveness regarding contraception as the hormonal pill one gets from the chemist

See this great video documentary explaining the history of traditional Tibetan medicine which has powerful parallels with the history of traditional Irish medicine

Symptoms and degrees of symptoms vary greatly with Menopause, find out what you can do to reduce them

Researchers from Germany have reported that herbal preparations given to alleviate menopausal symptoms may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Herbal Medicine can play a valuable role in achieving a healthy gut flora by working with the patient's intrinsic organisms as outlined here

ENDOBIOGENIC MEDICINE is a new and interesting concept that uses a neuroendocrine approach to herbal medicines

Yet again scientific studies validate the use of herbal medicines. In this case as an adjunct to cancer treatment

An interesting, factual and beautiful piece of research from a colleague and friend Rosari Kingston, outlining the fascinating history of medicine in Ireland

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a form of dyspepsia. It’s a condition where stomach acid and enzymes flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain in the esophagus.

The typical Irish diet that is high in simple carbohydrates--white flour, processed salt, and processed food--is aging us. We are getting all the bulk without the nutrients, plus adding to our propensity for developing real food cravings.

Normal or desirable blood pressure is a reading of 120/80, which is said as Systolic/Diastolic. A little above or below this mark is ok. High blood pressure (Hypertension) is anything above 140/90

More than 300 million people worldwide -- about 6 to 7 percent of men and 15 to 18 percent of women -- suffer from severe migraine headaches, yet to this day, it’s one of the least understood medical disorders.

For more than 5,000 years, turmeric has been an important part of traditional medicine in India, traditional Chinese medicine and more recently it has earned its place in Western herbal medicine.

I get asked allot by medical professionals and the lay person about the scientific evidence available supporting herbal medicines, this following article reviews the current evidence for some of the popular herbal medicines i use on a daily basis at the clinic

New research shows that Herbal Medicines Help Digestive Problems Better Than Drugs

Not only is Type 2 diabetes now appearing in younger people but its also appearing in the general population in epidemic proportions

An estimated one in eight people in Ireland suffer from sinusitis of some form. For some this can be mild and for others this can be a debilitating condition.

After many years researching herbal medicines, and what improves their efface in treating illness, I have come to the conclusion that it is essential to use organically grown plants if one is going to use herbs as medicine.

Sometimes people say to me that "Ive tried herbal medicine and it did nothing for me" and when i quiz them further on where they got there herbs and instructions on dose etc. its always pretty obvious why the herbs had no effect. Its very important when using herbal medicines to use good quality herbal preparations. So what defines Quality?

Ginkgo biloba is a remarkable natural medicine with multiple applications. The research on this herb is ongoing and is moving at a rapid pace. I feel Ginkgo has already established its place as a possible front line medicine for treating Dementia and vascular disease, and with the continuous positive results form more current research I feel it will soon be established for use in the treatment and prevention of oxidative stress and possible many more common health problems.

Western herbal medicine has its roots both in the indigenous practices of the British Isles (Bryce, 1988), and in the European and Greco-Roman traditions, and can be traced back to prominent physicians such as Hippocrates (Acker, 1995).

Crataegus spp.(Hawthorn) and derived extracts are rich in polyphenols and are currently prescribed to treat moderate heart failure, nervousness and sleep disorders. Hawthorn leaf and berry are cardioprotective, hypotensive, peripheral vasodilator, antiarrhythmic, antioxidant, mild astringent and collagen stabilizing

What is herbal medicine? Herbal Medicine is the use of plant remedies in the treatment of disease. It is the oldest known form of medicine.

Yet another scientific study on Echineace concludes its effecasy. Charles Clover today reports in the Irish Independent how the medicinal plant Echineace decreased the risk of catching a cold by 58%

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), a herbal medicine, provides mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures for men with enlarged prostate glands (benign prostatic hyperplasia).