Therapy name: Medical Herbalism
Regulatory Body: Self-regulating
Efficacy: Any health issue
Overview: Medical herbalism is the treatment of mental and physical disorders using a system of natural medicine that uses plants and herbs.
How it works: Certain plants and herbs have natural chemical properties that are of medicinal value. Many conventional medicines are made from isolating chemical compounds from plants. However, medical herbalists believe the whole plant or herb needs to be used as it represents perfect balance. Medical herbalists believe that healing requires the combination of elements in the plant not just an isolated chemical.
What to expect: The medical herbalist will ask questions about your case history, diet and lifestyle. They will usually give you a full physical examination, taking your blood pressure and pulse. Sometimes urine and blood samples will be taken.
The herbalist will make a diagnosis and prescribe specific herbs. These may be in tincture, fluid extract, capsule or tea. The herbalist may also suggest other therapies to help the healing process, exercises and dietary changes.
Known Contraindications: Toxicity, nausea, vomiting