Striving to sustain optimum health in today’s society is no easy task. With chronic stress, pollution and infectious diseases, more and more people are turning to herbs and natural health alternatives for the solution. Herbal Medicine, also referred to as Herbalism or Botanical Medicine, is the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medicinal value. Botanical science recognizes and identifies the chemical substances inherent in herbs that act to recreate the healthful conditions of balance in the body & mind.

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to humankind. Herbs have been used by all cultures throughout history for medicinal, aromatic, or savory purposes. Primitive man observed and appreciated the great diversity of plants available to him and their many benefits as a source of food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. From these humble beginning’s herbal medicine has grown. Medicinal use of herbs seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals, and by trial and error. Various cultures have methodically collected information on herbs and developed well-defined herbal pharmacopoeias. Some of the earliest recordings date back to 60000 BC with ancient Egyptian, Greek, Babylonian, Roman, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian origins. Most scientific medicines of the 20th century have been derived from the herbal lore of native people and culture. Substances derived from plants remain the basis for a large proportion of the commercial medications used today, some are made from plant extracts, others are synthesized to mimic a natural plant compound.

Why should I choose Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine in its pure form is widely becoming the health treatment of choice. Being milder and with fewer side effects than conventional medicine, herbs work with the body’s natural inherent ability to heal itself. For example, St. John’s Wort is widely used in the treatment of mild depression without the need for Prozac. St. John’s Wort does not have the side effects that Prozac does. There are some Ayurvedic (Indian derived herbalism) herbs that are very useful for reducing cholesterol, diabetes etc. Similarly the popularity of Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is rising due to its beneficial medicinal effects on fatigue and memory.

As more people are becoming aware of the therapeutic value of herbs, individuals are starting to take control of their health, becoming empowered and experiencing a sense of optimal health in body & mind not ever attained before. 

        When is it best to use herbal

medicine?

The wonderful world of herbal medicine has many varied uses and applications for the treatment of health disorders and disease.

Herbalism works wonders in the following situations:                             

   For disorders affecting the immune system, e.g. – allergies, asthma, lupus & rheumatoid arthritis

    Psychosomatic and psychiatric complaints, e.g. – depression, nervousness & anxiety

    For subjective symptoms, e.g. – for menopausal discomfort, P.M.S & fatigue.

    As an alternative for people who have allergic or other adverse reactions to conventional treatment.

   In combination therapy – to enhance the effects of conventional therapy and to reduce its side effects. Especially useful in treating elderly people suffering from numerous complaints.

   For long term therapeutic benefit and overall wellbeing.

   Herbal remedies can successfully treat many other ailments including arthritis, digestion, constipation & flatulence, coughs & colds, fever, lack of libido, shin complaints as well as burns, cuts & abrasions, hay fever & other allergies, insomnia, muscle aches & pains, snoring, stress and tension.

It is important to remember that herbal medicine, with its many benefits does however have limits, as does self diagnosis & self care. Should a complaint or condition persist a professional physicians advice should be sought. In emergencies or life threatening situations immediately seek conventional medical treatment.

How can I get started with Herbal Medicine?

In today’s society, herbal medicines are finding much more commonplace in our everyday shopping environments in health food stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Many herb farms and herbal societies are also prevalent providing excellent quality herbal plants and products.  

Herbal Medicines are available in a variety of forms including: capsules, tablets, powders, as liquid extracts, tinctures, syrups, plant juices, creams and gels, as lozenges and tea.  They can be taken orally, applied to the skin, absorbed in baths, or inhaled.

When choosing to take a herbal remedy be sure that it is from a reputable grower, be wary of ultra-combination products, watch for side effects, choose the right herb for the symptoms experienced and most importantly give it time to work.