What is Western Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine has been used for thousands of years and stretches over all cultures worldwide. Western Herbal Medicine (WHM), also sometimes referred to as phytotherapy or Medical Herbalism, is a herbal medicine tradition based in Europe and it is used for a wide variety of ailments and to improved general health. The foundation of my Herbal Medicine training was in University of Westminster and hence my training is largely based on the English Herbal Medicine tradition although we also did explore other traditions during our training. The core of the practice of WHM revolves around using natural plant medicine to promote health and wellbeing. This is done through offering wholesome support to individuals incorporating their symptoms and signs, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle, and more. WHM incorporates this knowledge together with a modern evidence-based approach that is continuously evolving as our scientific understanding of the properties of plants grows. Scientific research increasingly supports herbal medicine effectiveness and demonstrates its safety.
Medical Herbalists deal with a wide range of health conditions in every age group. Herbal medicines are selected mainly to strengthen or stimulate the body’s normal functions and so help the body heal itself. Unlike most conventional medicines which usually have a single ingredient, herbs contain many ingredients and so may support the body’s health in several ways at once.
Can Western Herbal Medicine assist you?
Western Herbal Medicine can benefit all ages and may assist with a wide range of conditions including:
- Skin disorders
e.g. eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne. - Gynaecological disorders / Hormonal imbalance
e.g menstrual disorders, menopausal problems, PMS. - Cardiovascular disorders
e.g. poor circulation, high blood pressure, varicose veins. - Nervous disorders
e.g stress, insomnia, anxiety, migraine, mild depression - Urinary disorders
e.g. cysititis, prostate problems - Respiratory disorders
e.g. colds, coughs, asthma, laryngitis, hayfever
- Musculoskeletal disorders
e.g. arthritis, gout - Digestive disorders
e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, ulcers, bloating
Some medical conditions may not be treatable but most conditions can benefit from herbal treatment as it may improve general well-being and quality of life.
