About Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine, also known as botanical medicine, or Phytotherapy, is based on an amalgam of ancient tradition, clinical experience and modern scientific thought. Herbal medicine is the use of seeds, berries, fungi, seaweeds, roots, tubers, leaves, bark, fruits or flowers to treat and prevent ill health. Herbalists manufacture a variety of remedies from quality-sourced whole herb ingredients such as tinctures; herbal teas; decoctions; syrups; poultices; infused oils; essential oils; salves; ointment or creams.

The three main branches of herbal medicine are: The Western Herbal Tradition based on Greek, Roman and Medieval sources; The Ayurvedic Tradition of India; Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

Many well established medicines originally come from plants. For example, the world's most efficient painkiller morphine comes from the opium poppy (Papavar somniferum); aspirin was originally produced from the bark of the white willow (Salix alba) while digoxin (a drug used to treat heart failure) comes from the common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). The World Health Organisation (WHO) now estimate that over 70% of world population use herbal medicine as their primary source of health care. In Germany, roughly 600 to 700 plant-based medicines are available and are prescribed by approximately 70% of German physicians, and across the Western world more and more people are reconnecting with natural medicines; much to the chagrin of the pharmaceutical industry who seek to demonise a profession that is as old as humanity itself, and whose evidence base has been established over millennia.

Herbalists believe that the chemical balance of the whole herb is essential for greatest effect and to reduce any potential side effects; a fact that is often overlooked by the reductionist view that seeks to isolate 'active ingredients' misunderstanding the symphony of phytochemistry which comes from use of the whole plant in herbal preparations. When used appropriately herbal remedies have an excellent safety record.

Despite recent restrictions under THMPD there are still a number of herbal remedies and food supplements for self treatment available as over the counter products. Prevention is better than cure after all and could save the Department of Health millions annually if only it were more encouraged. For a more serious complaint you may like to consult a herbalist in your area (see find a herbalist section here:...) though if you have a life-threatening condition we urge you to visit your GP before consulting a herbalist.

The first consultation will last about one hour, during which time you will be asked detailed questions about general health, medical and family history, lifestyle and emotional state.  Treatment will include advice about diet, lifestyle as well as herbal medicine prescription.