What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine has been present throughout history. Today about one quarter of pharmaceutical preparations contain at least one active ingredient extracted from plant sources. Whereas conventional medicine tries to isolate the active ingredient of a plant, herbal remedies use the whole plant. Herbalists argue that the natural chemical balance in the whole plant has a better effect on the body than giving a patient just the active ingredients. Herbal treatment uses plants to try to mobilise the self-healing powers of the body.

Herbal remedies are very popular with some people who believe that they help to cure different forms of rheumatism. Some clinical trials have found some benefits, but there is not yet enough information about any specific herb to be absolutely certain about their effects.

If herbal remedies are going to work, you usually need to take them for about 3 months before you feel the full benefit. They are usually safe (non-toxic) but they may sometimes, like drugs, cause side-effects. These side-effects can include nervous depression, irritability, sleeplessness, and even aches and pains in the muscles or joints. If you are thinking of using these remedies, make sure you buy them from a reputable manufacturer to ensure product quality.

Practitioners who hold a Herbal Medicine qualification (as opposed to one in herbalism or herbal essences) have undertaken a full degree course in the subject and have studied the use of herbs in treating many conditions.  They are becoming statutorily registered practicioners and as such are able to give in depth advice and treatments.

Menopause
Doctor recommended herbal alternatives for prescription medication.

Sleep
Great working herbal alternative to sleep medication.