Western Herbal Medicine

Western herbal medicine as it is practiced today has its origins in Ancient Greece, however plants have been our allies in health for far longer, with evidence from archaeological sites showing that Neanderthals used plants not just for food, but for ritual and for medicine. Every culture has a history of using plants to both treat and prevent illness.

Combining evidence from the best of rigorous scientific research with a vast history of traditional knowledge, western herbal medicine is a practice that treats plants with reverence, with an understanding of the complexity and synergy of the plants and their medicinal constituents.

Herbal prescribing involves understanding the client as a whole person rather than just the presenting symptoms, seeing the underlying drivers of illness and supporting the body’s innate capacity to heal, bringing the client back to healthfulness. It involves a deep understanding of herbal actions, indications and safety, which are used to create a unique prescription using a combination of herbs to support your individual wellbeing.

Individual botanicals, blended together to create complex formulations, create a unique synergy. The whole medicine is greater than the sum of the individual parts, and in this way, they are able to bring deeper support and healing to the body. This is one of the most powerful methods we have as naturopaths and herbalists in creating medicine that are specifically tailored for each client. It is the essence of care created just for you.

Herbalism

A system of medicine that relies on plants as the source of remedies. Traditional herbalism was practiced by the people as well as trained practitioners in almost all cultures prior to the impact of the Industrial Revolution.

Modern medical herbalism is a significant modern alternative to conventional pharmaceutical based medicine. Practitioners use a blend of modern and traditional diagnoses and treatments in a full range of health conditions. A key feature of herbalism is that remedies are used to support and modify bodily functions rather than directly suppress the symptoms of disease. Herbalism works to support and nurture the body's innate capacity for healing and balance.

Herbal medicines can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, either as the primary method of treatment, or in support or conventional medical treatments. Remember to always check with your healthcare professional as some herbal medicines can interact with pharmaceutical medications.

“The art of healing comes from Nature and not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature with an open mind.”

- Paracelsus