 |
 | Herbal Medicine |
|
|
|
Herbal or botanical medicine is the oldest and still most widely used system of medicine in the world today. It is used in all societies and is common to all cultures.
Traditional use of herbal medicine is increasingly being validated by clinical trials and other types of scientific investigation which seeks to understand the active chemistry of the plant and its mechanism of action.
|
 |
Many modern pharmaceuticals have been modelled on, or derived from chemicals found in plants.
Herbs are used both in the treatment and in the prevention of illness as well as a means of maintaining health and vitality.
Many herbs are 'tonics'. Tonics have properties which support and strengthen either specific organs, systems or the whole body.
|
|
 |
Examples of herbal tonics:
* Immune System: Echinacea spp
* Cardiovascular System: Crataegus spp
* Nervous System: Hypericum perforatum, Withania somnifera
* Liver: Silybum marianum, Taraxucum officinale
Herbs have a variety of actions on the body depending on the specific properties of each herb:
1. Herbs calm overactive areas such as the nervous system
2. Herbs stimulate & tonify underactive organs
3. Herbs assist the body to detoxify
4. Herbs balance the body's immune system
5. Herbs enhance circulation of blood and lymph
6. Herbs aid digestion and absorption of nutrients
7. Herbs soothe reduce inflammation
8. Herbs help regulate hormone production
Herbal prescriptions may be individually formulated to address the specific needs of each patient.
Madeleine David has been awarded a National Herbalist Association of Australia (NHAA) award for "Outstanding Herbal Medicine in Clinical Practice" and has written for the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism.
|
