What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine, also referred to as phytotherapy, is a traditional system of healing that uses plants and their extracts for therapeutic purposes, supporting health and the prevention of illness. Practised for centuries across diverse cultures worldwide, herbal medicine remains widely used today. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 80% of the global population relies on herbal medicine as a primary form of healthcare.
Principles
The principles of herbal medicine are founded on the understanding that plants contain therapeutic properties capable of supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Individual herbs contain bioactive compounds that exert specific physiological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, hormone-regulating, and immune-modulating actions, among many others.
Research
Herbal medicine is founded on the understanding that plants naturally contain powerful compounds that can support the body’s own healing processes. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have relied on plants to promote health and wellbeing, and this wisdom continues to be valued today. In fact, many modern medicines were originally derived from herbs—such as aspirin from willow bark, heart medications from foxglove, and pain-relieving compounds from the opium poppy. These examples highlight the remarkable therapeutic potential of plants and demonstrate how herbal medicine has helped shape modern healthcare. By working gently and holistically, herbal remedies aim to restore balance, support the body’s systems, and promote long-term health.
How could medicinal herbs help you?
Herbal remedies can be used to support a wide range of health concerns, including digestive and respiratory conditions, inflammatory and skin disorders, hormonal imbalances, stress and anxiety, sleep difficulties, and many others.
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Compared with some conventional medicines, herbal treatments are generally well tolerated and may have fewer side effects when prescribed appropriately. Multiple herbs can also be combined into a single preparation to address several concerns at the same time, providing a holistic approach to care.
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While herbal medicine can be highly beneficial, it is important to seek guidance from a qualified professional herbalist. A trained practitioner can determine which herbs are most suitable for your individual needs, source high-quality remedies from reputable suppliers, and ensure that any herbal treatment complements existing therapies and does not interact with medications you may be taking.
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Please note that there is currently no statutory regulation for medical herbalists, meaning anyone may use the title “herbalist.” When choosing a practitioner, it is advisable to check their professional credentials. Membership with organisations such as the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP), or the European Herbal and Traditional Practitioners Association (EHTPA) indicates that the practitioner is fully qualified and has met strict professional and ethical standards.
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