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What
is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is the use of
plant remedies in the treatment of disease. It is the oldest form of medicine known. Our ancestors, by trial and
error, found the most effective plants to heal their illnesses. Now, with the advancement of science enabling us to
identify the chemical constituents within these plants, we can better understand their healing powers.
Herbalism, in this country, is now classed as an 'alternative'
or 'complementary' discipline but it is still the most widely practised form of medicine worldwide, with over 80% of the world's
population relying on herbs for health.
What
can Herbal Medicine treat?
Herbal medicine can treat almost
any condition that patients might take to their doctor. Common complaints seen by herbalists include:
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skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and acne
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digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers, colitis, irritable
bowel syndrome and indigestion
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problems involving the heart and circulation, like angina,
high blood pressure, varicose veins, varicose ulcers, etc
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gynaecological disorders such as premenstrual syndrome
and menopausal problems
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arthritis
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insomnia and stress
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migraine and headaches
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tonsillitis and influenza
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allergic responses such as asthma and hay-fever
Qualified herbalists know when a condition is best seen
by a doctor or another therapist.
The
Herbalist's Approach
Medical Herbalists are trained
in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors but take a more holistic approach to illness. This underlying cause
of the problem is sought and, once identified, it is this which is treated, rather than the symptoms alone.
The reason for this is that the treatment or suppression of symptoms will not rid the body of the disease itself. Herbalists
use their remedies to restore the balance of the body thus enabling it to mobilise its own healing powers.
How
do herbs work?
People have always relied on
plants for food to nourish and sustain the body. Herbal medicine can be seen in the same way. Plants with a particular
affinity for certain organs or systems of the body are used to 'feed' and restore to health those parts which have been weakened.
As the body is strengthened, so is its power and ability to fight off disease and when balance and harmony are restored, health
will be regained.
What
are the differences between Pharmaceutical and Herbal drugs?
Many of the pharmaceutical drugs
used today are based on plant constituents and, even now, when scientists are seeking new 'cures' for disease it is to the
plant world that they turn. They find, extract and then synthesize in the laboratory a single active constituent from
the plant (the part that has therapeutic value). THis can then be manufactured on a large scale.
Herbal drugs, however, are extracts from a part of the whole
plant (eg. leaves, roots, berries, etc) and contain hundreds, perhaps thousands of plant constituents. Herbalists believe
that the active constituents are balanced within the plant and are made more (or less) powerful by the numerous other substances
present.
For example, the herb Ephedra sinica is the source of the
alkaloid ephedrine which is used, in orthodox medicine, to treat asthma and nasal congestion but it has the side effect of
raising blood pressure. Within the plant are six other alkaloids one of which prevents a rise in blood pressure.
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists was establised
in 1864 and is the oldest body of practising medical herbalists in the world. All members have undergone a rigorous
4 year training and adhere to a strict professional code of ethics. They have the letters MNIMH or FMIMH after their
names.
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