HERBAL MEDICINE

What Is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine makes use of plants (herbs) for healing. Herbal medicine has been used for people’s medical ailments since pre-historic times. Refinement from trial and error of the use of herbs over thousands of years has enabled us to create detailed pictures of the actions and applications of herbal medicines. As a herbalist, I use herbs therapeutically to try to heal and prevent illness and to encourage your body to heal itself. Some herbs can also be used to improve your general health and well-being and to nourish your body. This therapy offers a kinder alternative to harsh pharmaceutical products with their countless side effects.

Why Might I Choose Herbal Medicine Over Pharmaceutical Drugs?

Many pharmaceutical medicines are derived from plant products or are artificially produced plant chemicals. However, once chemists extract isolated parts from plants, their natural balancing and regulating effects are lost. For example, meadowsweet is used in herbal medicine to soothe and heal the stomach lining, to reduce acidity in the body (especially in the stomach) and to help manage fever. The pharmaceutical drug aspirin is made from the extraction of salicylic acid from meadowsweet. As you would know, aspirin is commonly used to treat fever and pain. However, since it does not contain the other important balancing constituents of meadowsweet, it is proven to have an adverse reaction on the stomach lining. The long term use of aspirin with its stomach-irritating side effects is likely to result in gastrointestinal ulceration and stomach bleeding among other effects. Other potential side effects include hives, difficulty breathing and tightness in the chest, facial swellings, confusion, dizziness, diarrhoea and vomiting to name but a few. Despite this, the majority of the population think nothing of popping a pill such as aspirin for even a relatively minor headache or fever.

Fortunately, nature has provided us with perfectly balanced medicines that we can pick straight from our gardens!

Is Therapy Using Herbal Medicine Holistic?

As a herbalist, I will care for you individually and not just focus on your disease or specific symptoms. Two different people may visit me with the same labelled medical condition, but I may prescribe totally different herbs based on their unique differences. There are many variables within each of us. For example, I will consider your state of vitality, other medications or supplements you may be using, whether your condition is acute (short term) or chronic (long term), your medical history and that of your family members. Each herbal medicine has multiple actions and constituents, so I will establish which of the thousands of herbs available will best suit your individual needs. I will make a mix of selected herbs that are uniquely formulated to best suit your needs. The herbal medicines that I use are obtained from the most reputable Australian manufacturers to ensure their efficacy, quality and reliability at all times. These medicines are only available to fully qualified and registered practitioners.

Are There Any Risks Or Cautions Using Herbal Medicine?

Some herbal medicines may be contraindicated (i.e. not suitable or safe) for you under certain situations. For example, Rosemary would be contraindicated if you have high blood pressure, as this herb is known to increase blood pressure. However, if you have low blood pressure, then this herb may be prescribed for you. Many herbs are also contraindicated during pregnancy or breast feeding. This would also include culinary herbs commonly used in cooking such as parsley, oregano, sage and many more. I will always exercise caution if you are taking other medications, to ensure that the herbal medicines prescribed do not interfere with them. Some herbal medicines may produce side effects in the incorrect dose. Thus, herbal preparations must be tailored to your individual needs and only prescribed by professional and appropriately registered practitioners like myself.

What Are Your Qualifications & Professional Affiliations?

I have a Diploma in Botanical Medicine which I obtained by completing 3 years of study at The Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT). I am registered with The National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA).

Contact me today so that we can improve your health from the ground up