What is Herbal Medicine? Last edited: 09 04 2011 07:50

Western Herbal Medicine

When most people think about herbal medicine the first thing that springs to mind is usually something to do with a specific herb – for instance, that valerian root is good for helping you sleep. In fact, the expression “herbal medicine“ refers to the practice of herbal medicine - a holistic outlook on health - which uses herbs and herbal preparations in support of a holistic healing strategy. So when herbalists talk about herbal medicine, they are referring to the whole philosophy which guides their practice, and which has evolved over thousands of years.

Western herbal medicine can trace it origins right back to ancient Greece, and today western medical herbalists combine historical knowledge with the latest scientific research. Medical herbalists train for at least three years, receive botanical and medical training, and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Training in phytotherapy includes the study of medical sciences, diagnostic and differential diagnostic skills, pharmacy, materia medica, botany, pharmacognosy, and nutrition, in addition to a minimum of 500 hours supervised clinical experience.

Western herbal medicine is characterised by a person-centred approach, where the patient rather than the disease is the focus of the practitioner’s attention.

The patient is assessed through a thorough case history, taking account of family history, personal health history and lifestyle choices.

The therapy is directed at the causes, not just the presenting symptoms. Treating the body as a whole involves working not only with the physical, but also the mental and emotional aspects of the condition.

The practitioner uses the information obtained during the taking of the case history to make an assessment of the vitality and constitution of the patient. The choice of herbs in the prescription is based on this assessment.

The prescription, rather than being based simply on the diagnosis of a disease or condition, is determined by an understanding of the significance of the signs and symptoms in that individual. Prescriptions may vary substantially between individual patients apparently presenting with a similar condition.

Herbal treatment is commonly backed up by appropriate advice on lifestyle, particularly nutrition, and the practitioner works at all times to create a positive ambience of mutual trust in the therapeutic relationship.