Medical Herbalism
Val Thomas – Herbal Therapist
What is medical herbalism?
Herbal medicine is a key resource for those looking to treat illness and regain vitality using natural means. By working with body and mind (and perhaps soul too), major improvements in health become possible. Herbal extracts make potent medicines. Though they can help in acute illness, they are most likely to prove helpful in treating chronic health problems. Herbal medicines are best seen as allies – they can help you walk the path back towards good health, but they cannot necessarily walk it for you.
How does medical herbalism work?
Things such as a sound diet, adequate sleep and rest, exercise, relaxation and a positive attitude are the building blocks that lay the foundations for the return to
good health.
Attention to these areas of one’s life is an important part of the herbal approach to health. Herbal medicines can then be used to treat specific concerns or problems such as poor immune function, chronic inflammation, anxiety or digestive weakness.
With appropriate advice and an accurate choice of herbal extracts, this approach can produce rapid results where the person is basically healthy, though gradual, week on week, improvement is more common.
What conditions can medical herbalism respond to?
Herbal medicines can be selected to treat specific health concerns and improve the below;
- Poor Immune function
- Chronic Inflammation
- Hormonal Problems including infertility, anxiety and depression
- Skin Problems
- Digestive Concerns
Herbal medicines
Andrew mostly uses European herbs, such as Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) but will use herbs from across the world, such as Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng), where these are more likely to prove effective. He stocks approx. 200 herbal medicines in his dispensary in Edgefield, Norfolk where he also has a herb garden, growing organic herbs some of which are processed into tinctures. Herbs bought in are mostly organic and the suppliers are known for their commitment to strict quality control and plant conservation. Andrew usually prescribes tinctures (liquid herbal preparations), teas and tablets but herbs can be recommended in many other forms e.g. ointments, powders. Side effects can and do occur but they are infrequent and almost invariably mild, e.g. headache. Overall, herbal medicine is extremely safe.
Contact
Call our friendly reception team to book. 01603 665173
