Why You Should Use Herbs

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine used in all cultures around the world. In fact, the use of plants for healing predates recorded history and is the basis of most modern medicine.

The specific constituents and phytochemicals in a herb provide the vast array of healing properties and actions exerted on the body, mind and soul. As opposed to modern medicine, the various constituents and phytochemical in each individual herb provide ‘synergism’ to increase healing potential unlike any pharmaceutical. These multiple phytochemicals and constituents not only enhance and increase the healing properties of each other, but also can prevent adverse effects, and work on other therapeutic outcomes which further promote healing in a more wholstic manner geared towards permanent resolution.

Herbal medicine can be used in any situation and condition, whether acute or chronic, to exert a dominant function when needed, or provide underlying support for protection, or even be used to modulate organ, tissue, hormonal, immune, digestive, nervous system function. The intelligence of plants never ceases to amaze, and modulatory herbs are a clear example of how a plant can perform a different function depending on your body’s individual needs at that moment in time, in order to bring it back to balance.

Have you ever picked calendula flowers and placed them in a vase in your house? Even after being picked, these flowers will close in the evening and open in the morning light. There is so much going on in 'plant intelligence', and we are fortunate to be able to use plants for healing and harmony.

Herbal Energetics

this is the study of the subtle energies emitted by plants, and this energetic language was understood by the world’s ancient civilisations.

Herbal energetics allows the patient to reach health and homeostasis, to achieve healing from a condition or illness in a way which supports the entire body to come together as one. For example, one can treat anxiety with know anxiolytic herbs. But a true herbalist will choose a range of herbs for the mix which incorporates, not only anxiolytics, but herbs which balance the persons energetics (warming remedy if cold, drying if damp).

But it doesn’t stop there. There are a number of anxiolytic herbs which can be used, and the herbalist will choose based on the imbalances occurring which contribute to this anxiety. Is there fatigue? Are there specific organs requiring support? Is there liver stagnation? Or underlying imbalances elsewhere?

Modern Herbal Medicine

Qualified herbalists and naturopaths work under research based science but still incorporate traditional medicine throughout treatment. Research is constantly evolving to highlight how and why various herbs can heal symptoms and illness, prevent side effects for western medicines, support remission or management of ‘uncurable’ diseases. The modern herbalist uses research to safe guard against adverse interactions with western medicines, and other contraindications as a duty of care. This is why a qualified Herbalist must hold a Bachelor of Health Science.

In addition to ‘research based medicine’, traditional herbalism and ancient texts are also used. Herbalists also work within categories similar to ancient Asiatic medicine, referring to humeral energetic properties such as heat, cold, dry, humid, and elemental properties (fire, air, water, earth, etc)

A Brief Look at Different Tissue States in Herbal Medicine

Heat - irritation, oxidation, inflammation and fever. Red and warm to touch and can have a red tongue, sharp pains and hyperactivity. Cooling and moistening herbs are chosen and can often be directly anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and reduce ‘irritation’.

Cold - depression, cool to touch and pale, dull and achy pain, hypoactive funciton of orange and tissues, pale complexion and tongue. treated with warming herbs that stimulate circulation and metabolism, and can be aromatic and pungent (much like those stimulating spices in your kitchen).

Damp - stagnation such as fluid retention in tissues, swollen lymph nodes and sluggish lymphatics. tongue also pale but damp. use alternative herbs (blood purifiers) and lymphatics, often bitter tasting herbs with a drying energy.

Dryness - atrophy, dehydration, tissues dry hard and brittle, lack of good fats and water and often associated with ageing. The tongue will by dry and withered. treat with herbal tonics to revitalise people, often these herbs will have a sweet flavour, can be demulcents (to soothe and heal mucous membranes) and other herbs that are moistening.