It
is the oldest form of medicine known. We are now able to identify the
chemical constituents by means of modern technology, and many of these
constituents thought to be the main active ingredients have been
extracted or artificially manufactured in laboratories and are the basis
of modern pharmaceutical drugs.
Herbal
drugs have an advantage to pharmaceutical agents in that they are
extracts of the whole plant and contain hundreds or thousands of
chemical constituents, some which have been identified, and some which
have not yet been identified. In this “whole” form they contain
chemicals that are already in balance and very often the combinations
naturally counteract many of the side effects that are found in the
purified pharmaceutical drugs. In this way they are deemed to be “safer”
than pharmaceutical drugs if used in the correct manner by sufficiently
trained herbalists.
The
Herbalist approach to medicine is a holistic approach, taking all
symptoms, physical mental and even spiritual into account when
prescribing (similar to the approach of acupuncture, homoeopathy and
healing). Treatment may include advise on lifestyle, nutrition, and
other complementary medication or therapies.

Herbal
medicine works in a similar manner to conventional medicines in the
herb’s affinity for certain organ systems. Similarly to the manner in
which food nourishes the body, herbs can be seen to have an effect on
and nourish certain organs and organ systems, by means of detoxifying or
strengthening. As the body is strengthened, the immune system improves
and the body is able to fight off disease more easily and appropriately.
Heath then follows.
Herbs
can treat almost any medical condition that patients may take to a
Veterinarian or doctor.
Most
common complaints include, Skin conditions, Digestive disorders, Immune
system disorders, Arthritic conditions, Cancers, Gynaecological
complaints, circulatory problems, allergic conditions, Stress
conditions, some psychological conditions, migraine and headaches.
A
herbalist or properly trained holistic practitioner knows when it is
best to be seen by a different therapist or conventional doctor or
Veterinarian. |