Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine has been used as a method of healing for over 10,000 years. It consists of using fresh or dried parts of plants such as the flowers, leaves, roots, stems and seeds. Each part is prepared differently to maximise the ingredients within it. Several herbs are generally mixed together to create a formula and this is normally done after you have had a consultation with a practitioner who will assess your health needs and match the right herbs to treat your problem. Herbal medicine is not based on old wives tales as many people think but is actually a very complex and scientifically based method of using selected ingredients from natures garden.

As with Acupuncture, the World Health Organisation has shown herbal medicine to be effective for treating the following problems.

• ·Infections: Colds, Bronchitis, Cystitis, Candida and Hepatitis.

• Skin problems: Eczema, Acne, Hives and Herpes.

• Pain: Back pain, Sciatica, Stiff neck, Headache, Migraine, Arthritis, Neuralgia, Bell's palsy, Stroke, Sprains and Sports injuries.

• General: Asthma, Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohns' disease, High blood pressure, Ulcers, Colitis, Indigestion, Haemorrhoids, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Diabetes, Hypoglycaemia, Deafness, Earache, Dizziness, Sinusitis, Sore throat and Hay fever.

• Gynaecological disorders: Impotence, Childbirth, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, PMS, menstrual pain and menopause.

• Emotional problems: Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Insomnia.

Herbal medicine works by introducing plant chemicals into the body which help the body to rebalance itself and heal. Different herbs have different effects and the varying parts of herbs also have varying effects. Take for example a herb known as Ephedra. Its leaves are used for increasing sweating if you have a common cold, but its root helps to stop sweating. This shows the complexity of plants and so a thorough understanding of herbal medicine is required by the practitioner.

At Healthwise all of our clients are assessed individually which enables us to choose and create a personalised combination of herbs and other treatments. Our aim is to help you to treat your problem as quickly and safely as possible. If you are taking any medication prescribed by your GP we will address this and build this into your consultation.

For more information about herbal medicine please call us.

Alternatively you'll find a more detailed description in Andrews first book: 7 Secrets of Healthy Living