In brief, within this article the focus lies on herbalism insights, with specificity of approaches to learning herbs for health benefits.

What is herbalism?

Herbalism (herbal medicine) is the practice of making or prescribing plant based herbal remedies for medical conditions or is the use of plants for therapeutic purposes to treat and prevent diseases and promote health.

Scope of Medicinal plant

A huge variety of plants can be used in a medicinal way, with each part of the plant having different medicinal qualities and requiring different approaches. Medicinal properties derived from plants can come from many different parts of a plant including leaves, roots, bark, fruit, seeds, flowers. The different parts of plants can contain different active ingredients within one plant. Thus, one part of the plant could be toxic while another portion of the same plant could be harmless. Also, in some both fresh and dried plant parts can be used, but this will depend on the herb. Moreover, herbs are made up of complex constituents that have unique qualities. These qualities can support the body to heal and overcome illness. All herbs have their own uses and trained herbalists will be able to recommend the appropriate herb for the condition one is seeking help with.

Types of Herbal Preparation

Herbal medicine can be prepared in different ways, 1. Water-based preparations; these are common and can include the following: – infusions (steeped herbs in boiling water) – syrups (a thick, sweet liquid made with herbs) – poultices (cloth wrapped in moistened herbs for localised use – decoction (similar to infusions, but often used with harder parts of the plant material) – lotions (infusions or decoctions made into a smooth liquid) – compress (a wrung out cloth that’s been steeped in an infusion or decoction) 2. Tinctures; these are another common preparation in herbal medicine, they could be alcohol-based, non-alcoholic based like glycerine based, oil-based preparations. Other commonly used preparations include: 3. steam inhalations 4. baths 5. powders taken internally or applied externally 6. gargles and mouthwashes 7. pessaries and suppositories Herbs can be used singly (known as single remedy) or mixed with other herbs to create a formula. Herbalists may recommend a single remedy or a formula they’ve made and used before, or perhaps a relatively new procedure that is unique to you.

Approaches into Herbalism

Under the umbrella of herbalism, there are two main approaches; Western herbalism and Traditional herbalism. Western herbalism combines the ancient knowledge of plant-based medicine with scientific research and clinical trials while Traditional herbalism is the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness. Here at Farm Herbal Pro, we explore Western herbalism in more detail, including what it can help with and what to expect in a session with a western herbalist. Farm Herbal Pro uses contemporary scientific evidence as a base for the herbal medicine they use. They do use texts and records of traditional herbalism to inform their work, but they do so by combining it with their knowledge of conventional medicine. You can learn more about these Western herbalism on our featured health articles.

Is herbal medicine safe to use?

Just like other forms of medicine, herbal medicine will affect the body and therefore has the potential to harm the body if used incorrectly. We should treat herbalism with the same respect as we do conventional medicines, so do keep your clinal herbalist updated about any herbal medicines you are taking. If you fall into any of the following groups of people, be sure to speak to your clinical herbalist before trying herbal medicines: – people taking other forms of medication – people with serious health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease – people who are due to have surgery – people who are pregnant or breastfeeding – elderly people – young children Bottom line, Herbal medicine is suitable for people of any age, including children, who respond especially well to the gentle actions of herbs. Each patient is treated as an individual and a clinical Herbalist recognises that no two patients are the same. It is very important that people do not self-diagnose any health conditions. Any herbal supplements should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable and qualified medical herbalist.

What can a herbalist treat?

Trained clinical Herbalists treat a wide variety of conditions. They focus on treating the whole person, both physical symptoms and emotional health. Click on the links below to find out more about how a clinical herbalist approaches specific categories of diseses and their remedies; 1.Blood, Heart and Circulation Problems 2. Bones, Joints and Muscles Problems 3.Brain and Nerves Problems 4.Digestive System Problems 5. Immune System Problems 6. Liver, Kidney and Urinary System Problems 7.Lungs, Chest and Breathing Problems 8. Skin, Hair and Nails Problems 9. Female Reproductive System Problems 10. Male Reproductive System Problems 11. Eyes and Vision Problems 12. Cancer 13. Injuries and Wounds Problems 14. Ears and Hearing Problems 15. Mental Diseases

How long will herbal medicines take to work?

As we are all different biologically, the amount of time our body takes to process and heal when using herbal medicines will differ. Factors that will influence how long it will take to feel better include the severity of your condition, your past medical history and your current state of health. Speaking to your herbalist about this will help you get a better idea of when you should feel the effects. As herbal medicine is all-natural, it may take longer than conventional medicine, but the effects should be long-lasting with minimal side-effects. What to expect when you visit a herbalist When you first visit a clinical herbalist, you will have a consultation where they can learn more about you and what you are hoping to achieve with the help of herbalism. To make up a picture of your health, the herbalist will likely ask about your medical history, your diet and lifestyle, any medication or supplements you take and potentially your family’s medical history too. You can discuss what it is you want help with and have the opportunity to ask any questions about herbalism and how it works. If you are unsure about anything at any stage, be sure to bring it up with your herbalist, they should be more than willing to provide more details. Once you have had your consultation, your herbalist will have a better understanding of what could be the underlying cause of your illness. At this point your herbalist will formulate a treatment plan, using whichever herbs and preparations which suit your individual needs. Your herbalist may also recommend dietary or lifestyle changes to support healing. After this initial appointment, you may require additional appointments to follow up and check your progress. You may then be asked to come back every three to six months, depending on the nature of your illness.

Do not self-diagnose ailments

It is very important that people do not self-diagnose any health conditions. Any medication (herbal or otherwise) should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable and qualified practitioner.

Special considerations for herbal medicine

Herbal medicines can be mistakenly thought to be completely safe because they are natural products. This is not correct. Herbal medicines may produce negative effects such as allergic reactions, rashes, asthma, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea that can range from mild to severe. Like other prescription medications, herbal medicine should always be prescribed by a qualified practitioner.

Always tell your herbal therapist:

• which over-the-counter, herbal supplements, vitamins and prescription medications you are taking • any allergic reactions you have experienced • if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. By following your medical herbalist instructions, herbal therapy can be safe and beneficial. If you have questions, ask the medical herbalist who is qualified to give you advice about herbal supplements.

Purchase herbal medicine products from a reputable supplier.

Not all herbal medicines that are sold are safe. Always purchase products from a reputable practitioner or pharmacist. Be careful about purchasing herbal medicines over the internet. Unregulated herbal medicines from overseas may not be manufactured to the same quality and standard as regulated medicines. In some cases, products bought over the internet have been found to have dangerous levels of lead, mercury or arsenic, which can cause serious health problems. In a nutshell, Interest in herbalism has increased significantly in recent years, with a growing concern over the overuse of conventional drugs and a trend towards alternative and natural forms of treating illness, injury, and disease. Drawing on the fact that herbal remedies have been used successfully for millennia, dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China, where the health benefits of herbs are well documented.