Western Herbal Medicine
What is Western herbal medicine?
Western Herbalism is a long established medicine tradition using the medicinal properties of plants and plant extracts, based upon ancient Grecian and Roman sources.
The first generally accepted use of plants as healing agents were depicted in the cave paintings discovered in the Lascaux caves in France, which are believed to be between 13,000 - 25,000 years old.
Many of the pharmaceuticals currently available to Western physicians have a long history of use as herbal remedies, including opium, aspirin, digitalis, and quinine.
In the United Kingdom, the training of medical herbalists had been undertaken in private colleges. However, accredited Bachelor of Science degrees in herbal medicine have recently been offered at universities, such as the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), where this practitioner has been rigorously trained.
At UCLAN the training of medical herbalists is extensive, and involves the study of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, differential diagnosis, drug-herb interactions, and clinical examination. Nutrition, philosophy: contemporary and ancient, as well as lifestyle issues form part of the training. This enables the medical herbalist to be able to talk on equal terms with conventional medical practitioners. They learn about when they can treat, and when they should refer. They study the biochemistry of the body and the chemistry and structure of plants. Alongside this, they study traditional herbal medicine: Indications, Actions, and Energetics. Recognition of where conventional medical opinion diverges from traditional herbal medicine doctrine is taught along with different models for health care. A significant amount of self-reflection is required. A medical herbalist is trained to view a situation from multiple perspectives in a non-dogmatic way.
Medicinal plants can be used by anyone, for example as part of a salad, an herbal tea or supplement, although some herbs considered dangerous are restricted from sale to the public. Herbalists, both professional and amateur, often grow their own herbs and may dispense them as herbal teas, tinctures, fluid or solid extracts, poultices, powdered, tablets, capsules, ointments, essential oils, lotions, supplements, and flower remedies.
Mixing Herbs.
To counteract the various complications and side effects of an ailment, or to produce a more rounded taste, a number of herbs may be mixed, and 'formulas’ or ‘remedies’ are the preferred method of giving herbs by professional herbalists.
Risks and benefits.
A common misconception about herbalism and the use of 'natural' products in general, is that 'natural' equals safe. However many plants have chemical defence mechanisms against predators that can have adverse or lethal effects on humans. Examples are poison hemlock and nightshade, which can be deadly, although they are not sold as herbs. Herbs can also have undesirable side effects, just as pharmaceutical products can. These problems are exacerbated by lack of control over dosage and purity. Furthermore, if given in conjunction with drugs, there is danger of herb and the drug with similar actions making an 'overdose'.
There is a danger that herbal remedies will be used in place of other medical treatments, which have been scientifically tested for safety and efficacy, resulting in the development or worsening of a medical condition. There is also a danger that an herbal remedy may itself cause harm, due to a lack of a full understanding of its composition and biochemical effects.
However, if a qualified Medical Herbalist, is consulted, he or she will have the required knowledge to prescribe and dispense herbs tailored to the individual, taking into account their medical history and medications. A qualified Herbalist will have studied and passed exams in botanical and medical subjects, and will be a member of one of the profession's governing bodies. These include [http://www.phytotherapists.org/ The College of Phytotherapy Practitioners] and [http://www.nimh.org.uk/ The National Institute of Medical Herbalists. ]
Forthcoming changes to laws regulating Herbal products in the UK, will ensure the quality of herbal products used. Most Medical Herbalists will be using herbal products from a supplier who already meets these standards.
Effectiveness
As noted above, there have been scientific studies, which show that certain plant products can cure or prevent certain diseases.
Most herbal traditions have accumulated knowledge without modern scientific controls to distinguish between the placebo effect, the body's natural ability to heal itself, and the actual benefits of the herbs themselves. Latterly clinical tests are revealing that many herbs have shown positive results in in-vitro, animal model or small-scale clinical tests. Scientific researches into the action and effectiveness of herbal remedies are justifying their traditional use. High quality trials involving proper controls and double blind methods are being increasingly carried out, with many useful results.
Standards and quality control. In the UK, herbal remedies that are bought over the counter are regulated as supplements. However, herbal remedies prescribed and dispensed by a qualified Medical Herbalist, after a personal consultation, are regulated as medicines. A Medical Herbalist can prescribe herbs not available over the counter, covered by Schedule III of the Medicines Act.
Medical interaction.
Not all physicians may be familiar with the effects of different types of herbal medicine, but general practitioners may be able to refer patients to a specialist, or investigate the medical literature on their behalf. A qualified Medical Herbalist, however, will be familiar with most commonly used medical drugs and their modes of action and therefore will only prescribe herbal remedies which will not interfere with these.
What Can Medical Herbalism Treat?
- Arthritis and rheumatism
- Heart problems
- Depression; including anxiety, pre-menstrual tension, menopausal conditions and a general state of feeling ‘down’.
- Breathing problems; such as bronchitis, acute or chronic coughs and colds.
- Allergy problems; e.g. eczema, hay-fever and asthma.
- Digestive problems; diarrhoea or constipation, ulcers, IBS and gastritis.
- Addictions; smoking, eating disorders and drug or alcohol related problems.
- Sinus and sexual problems
- Menstrual and menopausal problems
- Autoimmune problems; e.g. psoriasis
- And many more
How Do I Book a Treatment?
Bookings can be made over the phone on 01606 891 864 / 07730 123 227, or by contacting us. If it is your first treatment then you will first need to book a consultation.