Medical Herbalist

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine, also known as phytotherapy, is a form of healing that uses medicines made exclusively from plants. The use of plants as medicine is common to all cultures and traditions, it is the oldest system of medicine in the world and still a primary form of healthcare for more than 75% of the world's population.

The tradition of herbal medicine has been passed down through the centuries with each culture. Different traditions used to, and often still do, rely on native plants available from their own environment.

Herbal medicine is a forerunner of modem orthodox medicine. Many chemical drugs were originally derived from plants. For example aspirin was developed from compounds in willow bark. Herbalists still use willow bark as a pain-killer and to relieve inflammation.

Whilst orthodox medicine relies on drugs made from concentrated isolated compounds, medical herbalists use the whole plant material. Herbalists believe the whole plant contains a complex mixture of constituents that all work together to give a gentle healing action without side effects.

Using the same example - willow bark not only works as an anti- inflammatory agent but also has antacid properties which makes it suitable for the patients with stomach acid problems.

Worldwide there has been a huge amount of research into medicinal plants. In many cases science has confirmed the traditional use of plant medicines or gave a new insight into such use. The past decade has witnessed an unprecedented increase in public awareness of the role that herbal medicine can play in modem healthcare.

What happens at consultation?

Your first consultation will last up to an hour, during which time the medical herbalist will take a full case history, discuss your past medical history, medications, diet, lifestyle and family medical history.

The herbalist may take your blood pressure, ask for urine samples and make other examinations which may be required, such as listening to the heart or palpating your abdomen.

The herbalist may also refer you for further tests, for instance blood tests.

At the end of consultation your treatment plan will be discussed, which will involve taking herbal medicine in a suitable form and may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes.

Most herbal medicines are given in a form of a liquid tincture and taken in teaspoonful or drop doses. The tincture will be made up of a number of different herbs, chosen individually for each patient.

In addition some dried herbs for teas, as well as ointments, creams and tablets may be used.

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs as the medical herbalist recognizes that no two patients are the same, even if they have the same ailment.

A follow up visit will be arranged for two to three weeks later, when your progress will be assessed and your prescription adjusted if necessary.

You should expect between three and five consultations with your herbalist, although often the progress can be much faster.

The herbalist Anna Newton

Anna qualified as a medical herbalist after training on a four-year degree course at the College of Phytotherapy, East Sussex.

The course incorporated in depth medical training with the study of medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses.

Anna ascribes to the Western medical herbalism which relies mainly on European and North American herbs.

Wherever possible she buys organically grown plant material or wild crafted from sustainable sources. She will not use endangered species that cannot be cultivated.

She deals only with reputable and well established manufacturers and suppliers to provide the best quality plant medicines.

Anna holds membership of the two major professional bodies that regulate the training, practice and professional development of medical herbalists in the UK, namely the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy.

Safety

Although herbal medicine has been proven over the past generations to be one of the safest forms of the effective treatment it must be used with care and respect.

There is really no substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified medical herbalist who can use herbs to tremendous benefit without side effects.

In many cases herbal medicine can be combined with orthodox treatment. The medical herbalist will aim to work alongside your doctor in such situations.

What can herbal medicine treat?

Herbal medicine can be used beneficially for a wide range of conditions. Most ailments, both mild and serious, acute and chronic, can be treated with success by herbal medicine and there are very few cases in which it cannot offer some help.

Herbal medicine can be used to treat illness at any stage of life. It can be suitable for newborn babies, children of any age, adults and the elderly. Generally, children respond to herbal treatment exceptionally well and faster than the adults. Under the guidance of a practitioner certain herbs are safe and effective during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Conditions that respond particularly well to herbal treatment include:

• Digestive (e.g. indigestion, ulcers, colitis, IBS)
• Rheumatic (e.g. different kinds of arthritis, gout, painful joints)
• Skin (e.g. eczema, psoriasis, acne)
• Allergies (e.g. hay fever, food intolerances)
• Immune system (e.g. reduced immunity, recurrent infections, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Circulatory disorders (e.g. high or low blood pressure, Raynaud' s, varicose veins)
• Respiratory (e.g. asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, coughs and colds)
• Hormonal (e.g. period and menopausal problems, hormonal imbalances)
• Psychological (e.g. insomnia, anxiety, depression, effects of stress)