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What is a herbalist and what does one do? |
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Page 1 of 3  Hypericum 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.
Our ancestors, by trial and error and other means, found the most effective local plants to heal their illnesses. Now, with the advancement of science enabling us to identify the chemical constituents within these plants, we can better understand their healing powers.
Herbalism, in this country is now classed as an "alternative" or "complementary" discipline but it is still the most widely practised form of medicine worldwide with over 80% of the world's population relying on herbs for health.
The Herbalist's Approach
Medical Herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors but take a more holistic approach to illness. The underlying cause of the problem is sought and, once identified, it is this which is treated, rather than the symptoms alone. The reason for this is that treatment or suppression of symptoms will not rid the body of the disease itself. Herbalists use their remedies to restore the balance of the body thus enabling it to mobilise its own healing powers.
The first consultation will generally take at least an hour. The Herbalist will take notes on the patient's medical history and begin to build a picture of the person as a whole being. Healing is a matter of teamwork with patient, practitioner and the prescribed treatment all working together to restore the body to health. Treatment may include advice about diet and lifestyle as well as the herbal medicine.
The second appointment may follow in two weeks, subsequent ones occurring monthly - this will depend on the individual herbalist, the patient and the illness concerned.
Herbalists use a wide range of plant based materials for internal and external use. Preparations such as tinctures, fluid extracts, syrups, capsules and creams are all produced to a very high standard.
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