Herbal medicine has been around for tens of thousands of years.
The mummified remains of the man in Austria had plant material in his pouch that is believed to be medicinal plants for his health conditions.
Many of our current prescription medications originated from plants.
For decades we moved away from taking our mothers’ home remedies, but now we are realizing how effective those simple tonics are. Best of all, we receive their benefits without the annoying, potentially-dangerous side effects that western medicine can invite.
Beyond the simple preparations of chamomile or peppermint tea is a cornucopia of medicinal therapies and remedies. Naturopaths have their own paradigm of herbals and medicine. Chinese herbal medicine is vastly different but no less effective.
My training consists of pharmacological, western and eastern knowledge, herbal and prescription drug interactions, and some dietary tidbits.
I prefer to start by altering my patient’s diet. Then, if it’s necessary, I look to herbal medicine for additional relief.
The Chinese have formulas for:
- fatigue
- low back pain
- allergies
- menstrual problems
- edema
- hypo or hyperthyroid
- ibs
- crohn’s disease
- ulcerative colitis
- headaches
- colds, flu and other minor infections
- anxiety or stress
- depression
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- weight loss
- and other conditions
I typically use two different forms of herbal preparations. These are the tried-and-true formulas created centuries ago that are still used today in pill form. But because people don’t come in a ‘canned’ form or present with textbook symptoms, I also work with powdered herbs and formulas to create individual formulas. For an additional fee, I can encapsulate the powder for easier consumption.
Hippocrates believed that food was more important than medication.
He would prescribe dietary changes, fresh air and relaxation before medicines. I believe firmly in this, too, so I help people with lifestyle changes. But I also encourage my patients to take herbal formulas because it helps to get them better faster.