What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is the method of treating disease in the body through the use of plant extracts either singly or in combination to treat either a single condition or a variety of complaints. Herbal medicine is a patient centered approach to healing this means the focus of the treatment is on the individual and the medicine is tailored to the patient. Many factors are taken into account most importantly the overall condition of the patient presenting as well as the symptoms or source of complaint. During a consultation as detailed case history is taken, which usually lasts an hour, this may be followed by a physical examination or diagnostic checks such as pulse and blood pressure.
Does it work and is it safe?
Herbal Medicine is undoubtedly the oldest and safest form of medicine. According to the World Health Organisation 80% of the worlds population rely on herbal medicine as their primary health care and have done so for thousands of years. This track record of safe and effective use has stood the test of time. Hundreds of peer reviewed papers are published each year detailing the pharmacological effects of plant based medicine. Herbal medicine is safe to use on its own and with certain other prescribed medication under the guidance of a Medical Herbalist. If you are taking medication always bring these along with recent blood reports to your consultation. In training to be a herbalist I undertook a 4 year BSc in Herbal Science, which gave me a comprehensive understand of the science behind Herbal medicine, including herb - drug interactions.
Turkey tail mushrooms growing in Wicklow have strong immune stimulating and antiviral properties
What does herbal medicine treat?
Low energy: feeling tired, tired all the time, insomnia, disturbed sleep
Hormonal problems, PMS, menopause, infertility, menstrual difficulties, cramps, PCOS
Arthritis, stiffness in joints, pain, inflammation
Heart conditions: high blood pressure, cholesterol, poor circulation, feeling cold
Stress and stress related illness, emotional problems, sleep disruption and difficulties, concentration problems, anxiety and depression
Digestive disorders: poor digestion, bloating, IBD, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, wind, tired after eating
