Herbal Medicine

Medical Herbalism is the most ancient and natural form of healing known throughout all cultures and peoples world-wide. Over the thousands and thousands of years of empirical use, plants have been employed as food and medicine to procure health. It is only in the latter years (since the end of the 19th Century) that modern medicine, (known as 'orthodox' or 'allopathic') has made it's mark in an attempt to procure 'magic and instantaneous cures'. Unfortunately, any such 'miracles' are fraught with danger and the side effects we have increasingly become aware of since the tragedy of Thalidomide.

In reality, there is no magic in healing. We become sick (dis-eased) as a result of a hostile environment, lack of care and attention to our dietary and other needs or as a result of genetic predispositions. Only gentle nurturing and re-education will, in due time, restore a proper state of health.

What is health? with the constant employment of antibiotics and other suppressant drugs, we have forgotten the true meaning of health. We no longer sense that feeling of contentment, joy and zest for living that should be a normal part of life. We are tired, lack energy, suffer headaches and other aches and pains, too readily accepted as part of growing up or growing old. We have lost the knowledge and understanding of what it is like to feel really well.

Herbal medicine in the hands of a skilled and properly qualified practitioner can offer a way in which to regain that wonderful state of well being. Unlike modern pharmacy which uses synthetic chemicals to directly alter the delicate structure of the body. Herbal medicine extracts the whole plant without interfering or altering it's chemical constituents; thus retaining the natural balance and maximising healing potential.

Modern drugs had their roots in Herbal Medicine and were originally isolated from plants. For example, the common pain-killer aspirin was first synthesised from constituents of the herb Meadowsweet, a gentle plant with digestive, anti-rheumatic and antiseptic properties, useful in reducing stomach irritation, acidity and internal bleeding. Aspirin used in similar circumstances, actually causes irritation and internal bleeding.

However, professionally practiced Herbal Medicine is more than simply substituting a chemical drug for a more natural or less harmful one. Medical Herbalism is seen as part of the naturopathic and holistic health movements and emphasis is placed on providing the best environment for the individuals own, natural self-healing ability. Given the right conditions the body is capable of healing itself.