Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbal Medicine?Herbal medicine is the use of plant remedies (ointments, oils, dried parts, and extracts) in the treatment of disease. Along with massage, it is the oldest form of medicine known to man. Originally plants were found by trial and error and their effectiveness established over the millennia. Today, this wealth of knowledge is enhanced by scientific verification of a plant's chemical constituents, enabling practitioners to mix and prescribe plants with a high degree of accuracy and understanding. Herbalists apply this knowledge, along with the same diagnostic techniques used by doctors, to prepare individual medicines for each patient. What can Herbal Medicine Treat?Almost any condition that might be treated by a Doctor can be dealt with by a Medical Herbalist. Common ailments seen by herbalists include: digestive disorders such as; colitis, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Heart and circulation trouble like; angina, varicose ulcers, varicose veins, or high blood pressure. Skin conditions such as; acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Gynaecological conditions like; premenstrual syndrome or menopausal problems also conditions such as; insomnia, arthritis, stress, tonsillitis, migraine and headaches, and allergies like; hay fever and asthma. A qualified Medical Herbalist will know when a condition is best seen by a Doctor or some other type of therapist, such as an Osteopath. Over 80% of the worlds population rely on herbs for health and as such it is still the most widely used form of medicine in the world even though we think of it as an alternative therapy. How do Herbalists Work?Although trained in the same diagnostic skills as an orthodox doctor, N.I.M.H. qualified herbalists also take a holistic approach to illness. Rather than treating the symptoms alone, the underlying cause is sought and it is this which is treated, while symptomatic relief is given where necessary. After all, suppression of symptoms will not rid the body of the disease itself. At the same time herbalists seek to restore the balance of the body, thus allowing it to engage it's own healing power to fight off the disease. What is the Difference between Herbs and Pharmaceutical Medicines?When seeking new cures for illness it is still the plant kingdom that scientists turn to for new drugs. 'Active' ingredients are isolated, then synthesised in the laboratory and used in isolation. This is so that these 'active' constituents can be manufactured on a large scale and patented. Herbal medicines, however, are extracts from whole parts of a plant (e.g. berries, leaves, roots etc.), they contain hundreds, sometimes thousands of plant constituents. It is the Herbalists contention that these other constituents balance the 'active' ingredients, making them more or less powerful. In orthodox medicine, for example, an alkaloid from the herb Ephedra sinica is used to treat asthma, it has the side effect, however, of raising the blood pressure. Within the whole plant are six other alkaloids, one of which prevents a rise in blood pressure. Similarly, synthetic diuretics (drugs which increase the flow of urine) also have the effect of seriously reducing potassium. Herbalists prefer Dandelion leaves which are a powerful diuretic but also contain potassium to naturally restore the potassium which is lost. How do I train to become a herbalist?Training is available to become a NIMH qualified herbalist through either distance learning or a four year degree course at Middlesex University (other Universities are due to be accredited in the near future). For details phone the NIMH head office on 01392-426022, visit the NIMH website, or e-mail nimh@ukexeter.freeserve.co.uk |
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