Medical Herbalism
What is Herbal Medicine?
The principles of Western herbal medicine are based on the reconnection of the body and mind unity, the restoration of dynamic function, and enhanced resilience of our physiology. Similar concepts are followed in traditional Chinese, and Indian Ayurveda medicine, with beliefs founded on inherited or learned imbalances in a person’s overall constitution are the root cause of disease or dysfunction. Herbal medicine promotes health rather than just focusing on illness and uses medicinal plants that are both powerful and gentle in their effects to treat and prevent illness. New discoveries and scientific research alongside traditional understanding bring herbs into their relevant place in modern healthcare. Treatments are patient centred and acknowledge complexity and interconnectedness. Whole systems are considered comparable to the science of ecology and whilst individual components are considered they are always done so as part of a whole. Strategies are directed at root causes, the restoration of health and wellbeing, and a rebuilding of resilience.
How does Herbal Medicine work?
Many plants continue to be the foundation of modern medicine, following years of scientific research into active ingredients and their isolation. The synthesised drug Aspirin from Willow bark is a great example and continues to be used worldwide. Herbalists recognise that healing relies on more than solely a drug or single constituent, in comparison to conventional medicine where the treatment of symptoms involve an isolated active ingredient. Hundreds of active constituents from whole plant parts create complex interactions that are shown to act synergistically; a greater than the sum of parts effect, resulting in better than expected outcomes. These complex interactions can be used safely alongside other treatments to help avoid the use of higher doses of pharmaceuticals, reduce toxicity in the body and decrease side effects. Several different herbs are typically prescribed together to utilise the principle of synergy and mitigation, especially useful in chronic conditions.
How are the remedies taken?
Entire plants or parts with the most relevant active ingredients are used in combination, typically roots, leaves or flowers. They can be applied internally and /or externally and in a huge variety of ways. Treatment is individualised to the situation and the person and their preferences. Powders may be applied externally or used internally in capsules or in loose form added to foods, drinks, creams, and balms are useful for skin complaints or muscular problems. Tinctures (plants soaked in alcohol) often the mainstay of treatment are taken internally twice daily with small amounts of water. Infusions (dried or fresh herbs steeped in boiling water) and decoctions (tougher plant materials like roots or bark simmered in water) are taken as hot or cold teas. Steam inhalations are a significant way of directing herbs to act on lung tissue with immediate effect and syrups are often used for those that find the herbal tinctures unpalatable. Poultices and compresses are softened herbs kept in place with a cloth for localised healing, other applications include bath and skin washes, gargles, pessaries and suppositories.
Is Herbal Medicine safe?
Yes, under the guidance of a qualified professional. Misidentification, adulterated or contaminated herbs have been mostly linked to herbal consumption and adverse effects. Unscrupulous companies can sell defective, adulterated products which highlight the importance of using herbal suppliers with high standards of good management practice and quality products. A medical herbalist is trained in materia medica and pharmacology, and is an expert in using plant medicines in context of conventional drugs and over the counter remedies. Training takes over 4 years and involves completing over 500 supervised clinical hours. Over this time a deep understanding of human pathology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, diagnostic procedures, health and safety, medical legislation and clinical skills is developed. Herbal remedies are fully personalised with considerations given to any orthodox treatments, they can be prescribed deliberately alongside other treatments and medications making them both safe and effective.
Day to day practice is guided by strict professional and ethical guidelines from the National Institute of Medical Herbalist’s (NIMH), a governing body that ensures high standards of education and works to raise the professional standing of Medical Herbalists. Only those that meet the high criteria set from the institute are able to become a member. Alongside professional membership continuing professional development (CPD) allows the herbalist to stay up to date with evidence based practices and keeps skills and knowledge up to date with industry trends. Evidence informed clinical decisions keep the patient safe and are at the centre of care.
Medical herbalists have a yellow card reporting scheme for herbal medicines, the same exists for conventional medicines. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ The Yellow Card scheme is run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which safeguards medical products quality and efficacy in the United Kingdom.
Who may use Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is for everyone, it is effective in preventative health and for both acute (short term or self-limiting illness) and chronic conditions (those lasting over three months).
What conditions respond well to Herbal Medicine?
Colds and coughs.
Aches, pain and inflammation in joints and muscles.
Heart and circulatory health.
Digestion, nutrition and nourishment.
Women’s reproductive health including menopausal support.
Emotional health.
Fatigue.
Allergies.
Anxiety and stress.
Sleep problems.
Skin conditions.
What is sustainable medicine
Given the surge in popularity and use of herbal medicine there are concerns surrounding populations and supplies of many herbs used today which raises the question of sustainability. Sustainable medicine can be defined as herbal products that are produced and consumed in ways that sustain environmental and human health. With this in mind, wherever possible, herbs are sourced from reputable suppliers that promote authenticity and create ecological, ethical and fair herbal products. The industry acknowledges that there is an urgent need to better understand and further reduce the climate impacts and work continues to develop better sustainability outcomes.
Do I need to consult my doctor before an appointment?
No. Any previous or ongoing health interventions are explored and where appropriate and with permission the development of relationships with other healthcare providers are encouraged. This promotes positive healthcare resources and provides better patient outcomes.
What happens at the consultation?
The consultation is conducted in a positive setting, a medical herbalist takes time over the consultation allowing the person to speak and be heard. In orthodox medicine there is often an unequal dynamic between expert healer and passive recipient. This way of consulting facilitates a relationship of active partnership in the healing process, aiding one’s own natural self-healing capabilities. Time is given to collate information about the whole body not just current symptoms or focus of primary diagnosis. Lifestyle, diet and physiological well-being are recognised as significant therefore time is taken to fully understand these areas. The extent of weakness or a lack of function is identified and a timeline and chronology of events from wellness to un-wellness is mapped out. A differential diagnosis list is compiled to help direct physical examinations, select any special tests or guide referrals. A blood pressure check is taken and a record made, this becomes a useful reference over time. Finally a working diagnosis is created with a relevant treatment plan, subsequent prescription and a follow up appointment date. Please allow up to one and a half hours of your time for a first appointment.
Follow up appointments are an opportunity to better understand your responses to treatment, to adjust the prescription, record any future plans and provide further support with any diet or lifestyle recommendations. These typically take up to forty minutes. Consultations are available both in person and online, face to face appointments are available with Michelle at the Naturopathic Clinic Plymouth (https://plymouthnaturopathicclinic.co.uk/ )
How many consultations will I need?
An initial consultation and ideally at least two follow up appointments will be necessary to start, however, this is very much dependent on individual requirements.
How much does treatment cost?
An initial investment of £75 is required for the first appointment (scheduled for 90 minutes), with subsequent follow up appointments charged at £40 (scheduled to last about 40 minutes). The medicine usually costs between £12 – £15 per week, depending on treatments.