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Herbs and Healing
Traditional Classical Western Herbal Medicine is not designed to treat conditions/diagnosis individually, but is a system of supporting health in individuals.
Herbs have been used throughout the ages by various cultures for a variety of reasons, from healing wounds in battle - yarrow as an astringent was often placed on open wounds to stem bleeding, to easing stomach cramps and nervousness in children -chamomile tea is a much loved traditional tea, and has numerous health giving and relaxing effects.
Traditionally the herbalist looks at the whole person, their circumstances and health history, as well as their current situation, described by the medical doctor as a condition as a diagnosis. These symptoms of the diagnosis are often the last and most obvious to the person who seeks answers to their health concerns, and when modern medicine cant provide the answer, it is here that a herbalist can provide herbs and make recommendations that will support the bodies own ability to come back in balance.
What does the herbalist mean by balance?
A healthy Balance means that you are enjoying life- balancing the family time, the work time and time to look after your personal/health needs.
When a person is out of balance they are often unable to concentrate, lack motivation to do things that they love to do, and possibly also are exhibiting the first signs of immunity break down by being susceptible to colds and flu.
Stress- that is stress that is negative is known to cause biochemical changes in the body that can lower the immunity.
If this is left unchecked, the person may then proceed to develop the first signs of a deeper homeostatic imbalance, that is reflective of genetic weakness- hence the reason to know about family history of things like heart disease and cancers.
Other concerns like environmental susceptibility, resulting in allergic reactions must also be considered because these things can be managed through careful dietary management or relocation of the stimulus that causes the reactions.
Stress that is positive is known to release the “feel good” hormones which actually improves immunity
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is a medical term used to describe the bodies internal balancing- the body has its own mechanisms which are working constantly to maintain homeostasis. Body temperature is a good example- we sweat when we are hot- hence cooling occurs and homeostasis is maintained.
If organ function is impaired through overloads of ingested substances such as the wrong foods, cigarette smoke, smog, drugs, even its own hormones that may be producing too much of one and not enough of the other, the body is under strain to maintain homeostasis.
Does a herbalist need a medical diagnosis?
A herbalist looks at body systems that are struggling to work efficiently, and prescribes as a result of this observation. This is why the herbalist asks so many questions about urine output, bowel movements, digestion and sleeping habits to name a few.
Herbalists do not diagnose medical conditions.
A herbalist does not treat medically named conditions either, but looks at the underlying systems and seeks to support these through providing supportive herbs that have been traditionally known to be supportive of the body’s health.
For example, Echinacea is known to improve immunity by supporting the white cells in the blood- A herbalist would only prescribe this herb in situations where pus was obvious and present such as in the case of boils or acne.
This is where confusion often comes into Herbal prescriptions, because it then becomes known that Echinacea is good for Colds and Flu, or just good for pimples.
From the perspective of a holistic practitioner, herbs are peak nutrition, and really, all the herbalist seeks to do is provide specific nutrition that allows the body to take what it needs for its full healthy functioning and thereby allowing the body to do its own handy work of healing.
Does a Herbalist Replace your Doctor?
Definitely not! A herbalist can work with you and your doctor.
Herbs given as we give them- in trigger (minute doses) have no biochemical reaction in the body that is unnatural- that is, a blood test cannot read if you had chamomile tea this morning, nor can blood tests pick up if you ate a carrot today.
There are no prohibitive substances in our herbs, however, its essential that if you are on medications that you maintain these and consult your herbalist about which combinations are best to support your body’s health and wellbeing.
If you choose to change your medications you are required to seek out your Doctor and speak to them about the effects of doing this.
A herbalist supports the body’s ability to heal, whilst a doctor manages conditions with prescribed medications – particularly life threatening conditions. Many drugs have contra indications, so Medical advice is necessary here.
A herbalist cannot save a life in an emergency and it is always advisable that you seek out Medical advice as well as Herbalist advice.
Why use herbs as part of your health and wellbeing?
Herbal medicine is the oldest system on the planet for supporting health and wellbeing. Chinese herbal medicine has records that go back over 2000 years, and Western Herbal Medicine evolved with equally as much history. Much of our herbal medicines early written history was destroyed by Constantine when he invaded Alexandria and burnt down the library there that housed all the written history prior to that time. Most of the herbal medicine that is considered classical and “western” is herbal lore from Egypt and Syria.
Hippocrates and Discorides to name a few of the early classical physicians that studied herbal lore, and the art of prescribing. It was Hippocrates who of course penned the “Hippocratic” oath, which our modern physicians are sworn to uphold when they graduate.
The use of herbal medicine is bound up in early mans evolution- from the seeking of food for survival, to the prescription of specific foods for health and wellbeing.
Mankind’s metabolism evolved eating plants, and hence our bodies are craving this type of synergy. Chemical medicine has its place, but cannot replace good food or biologically available vitamins and minerals.
There is a place for herbal medicine in your life to improve your health, and your wellbeing.
In the following pages, Herbal treatments offer a list of common medical conditions for your information.
If you would like to talk to one of our fully qualified practitioners, please contact us directly.
Yours in Health
Robert McDowell
Click here for the list of conditions commonly treated with Herbal Treatments.
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