What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine, which is also referred to as Herbalism or Phytotherapy, is the art of using herbs to heal and re balance the body's systems.  A qualified Medical Herbalist will be able to use hundreds of herbs at their disposal to heal a myriad of complaints and also prevent illness. 

Herbs have abundant properties which can ease or cure most common infections, illnesses and diseases if used correctly.  Herbs can be used in herbal teas, as tinctures, in their natural form or as capsules.  A herbalist will be able to create balms, wines, ointments and oils with various herbs to create healing tools for all sorts of problems.

Simple treatments are available in most Pharmacies - such as echinacea for treating the immune system during the cold season or arnica for bruising.  This is only scraping the surface of this amazing healing art but can be great for beginners to get started with.

It is not something to be taken lightly and herbs have extremely potent properties and effects.  Some of them are contraindicated with certain medications or would affect some conditions negatively.  If for example you were taking St Johns Wort which can ward off depression, you would have to be very careful if you were on birth control medication as it could make it less effective.  It can be worrying for herbalists to know that people can self medicate so easily with these very powerful herbs and if you see a qualified Herbalist they would always check any herbs they recommend closely with your current medication or conditions. 

Recently the laws surrounding the availability of herbs has tightened significantly.  In April 2011 EU Legislation implemented a large reduction in the available remedies.  Although this is bad news for people who use these herbs wisely, it does protect people from self medicating without realising the strength of some of the tinctures and remedies.  Herbs in capsule form are still readily available and visiting a qualified Medical Herbalist is definately the best way to understand and use these herbs most effectively and safely.

In the meantime, get creative with the herbs in your garden which are readily available and highly effective. 

Rosemary for Headache Relief - Tea

Take a sprig of Rosemary from the bush, wash it well.  Chop it finely and add one teaspoon to a pint of boiling water with a plate over the top to protect the volatile oils from escapting.  Leave to cool and then drink this to ward off a headache!

Josie
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