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Here is a quick introduction to Herbal Medicines and some of the terminology that we use
Don't forget to email me if there are any specific subjects that you want me to cover in my column
What is a herb?
A herb is a plant that has medicinal, culinary or cosmetic uses, so virtually any plant could be termed a herb
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What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine (Phytotherapy) is the oldest system of medicine known, having been used for over 3000 years
Currently an estimated 80% of the world's population relies on herbs for their health. With the advancement of science we can now identify the chemical constituents within these plants to better understand their healing powers
Medical Herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors, but take an holistic approach to illness seeking the underlying cause rather than treating the symptoms alone | |
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How are Herbal Medicines dispensed?
Herbal Medicines are normally dispensed as tinctures, teas, creams, juices, and tablets
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What do these terms mean?
Tinctures are herbal extracts suspended in alcohol
Teas are a mixture of dried herbs tailor made to an individuals needs
Creams normally consist of a soothing base to which essential oils and tinctures may be added
Juices are fresh extracts of a plant. e.g. Aloe Vera juice.
Syrup is an extract of dried or fresh herb in a sugar solution used often in the treatment of children or those who have to avoid alcohol.
Tablet a compressed dried extract often combined with an innate filler
PLUS
Along with this list we have poultices, inhalants and baths.
Poultices consist of a fresh or dried extract of herb which is ground, water added, then wrapped in muslin or similar and applied directly
Inhalant essential oils added to boiling water and inhaled.
Baths a mixture of herbs wrapped in muslin and allowed to steep in bath water | |
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What can Herbal Medicine treat?
Herbal Medicine can provide treatment for almost any condition that people might take to their G.P.
It is an excellent option for those with chronic (long term) illnesses which don't respond well to orthodox treatment
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