Nowadays herbal medicine exists with influences from traditions, combined with and enormous body of scientific research and information. Some of the modern day drugs such as aspirin have been derived from compounds found in plant medicine. In herbal medicine the constituents are the herb are important factors regarding the herbs action and potential uses in medicine. However isolating just one active principle and using that in isolation is not considered a healthy approach to healing our bodies. When we use the complete constituents of a plant there are components that we may not be fully aware of that can balance the healing process. This lessens the chances of side effects and is a way of supporting the body's ability to restore prefect health.

Herbal Medicine

The use of plants to maintain health is one of the oldest forms of medicine. An herbal consultation involves treatment of the whole person, not just the disease. Herbal extracts are then formulated for each person.

Plants have been used as medicines since the beginning of time. Both eastern and western cultures have, and often still rely on the potent properties of plants as their primary source of medicine. Many pharmaceutical preparations contain isolated constituents of plants. Herbal medicine may be used to treat specific illness, such as Echinacea for the common cold, or they may be used to support and detoxify systems in the body. See our Newsletter on Winter Herbs...

Various parts of the plant may be used depending on the desired effect e.g. leaves, stems, flowers, root, rhizomes, bark, seeds, fruits, essential oils or inner fluids (sap, gels). Different parts of the plant often contain different compounds providing varied therapeutic effects e.g. dandelion root affects the liver and gall bladder, whilst the dandelion leaves affect the kidneys. A combination of parts may also be used for enhanced effect, whilst some parts are potentially poisonous and should not be used. *

Traditionally herbal medicines were used as infusions (teas), decoctions, pastes and poultices. Today modern herbal manufacturing has advanced to provide quality herbal medicine products in a convenient, practical and palatable form such as tablets, capsules, tinctures, powders and topical creams. The issue of potency remains at the forefront through the manufacturing processes. The chemistry of plants (phytochemistry) is becoming increasingly understood with advanced technological and analytical equipment. In Australia, herbal medicines are either made from pure wildcrafted, organically grown or imported plants.

Herbal medicine works to enhance the body's natural healing capacities. Many conditions both acute and chronic, respond remarkably well to herbal medicines. Body systems such as the digestive, immune, lymphatic, reproductive, nervous and circulatory systems may all benefit from herbal medicines. They may be used for short or long term affect and continue to offer a quality source of complementary or alternative medicine to orthodox or pharmaceutical substances. This is often done without the side effects of modern drugs or the long-term dependence, as herbal medicine aspires to optimise the body's natural functions and restore balance.

It is recommended you consult a qualified and accredited Herbalist or Naturopath for your specific needs. Self-prescribing can often be time wasting and costly. A practitioner often designs specific herbal formulas and dosages for your individuals needs.