Herbal medicine is the use of plant-based medicines to promote good health and treat illness. It is the oldest form of medicine known. Modern Western herbal medicine (sometimes known as 'phytotherapy', phyto- being the Latin for plant) combines this traditional knowledge with insights from clinical and scientific laboratory research into the ‘active constituents’ of herbs and their chemical actions.
How does herbal medicine work?
Western herbal medicine aims to improve the function of key bodily systems to restore a balanced state of health. These include the digestive system, immune system and the organs responsible for elimination of waste, e.g. the urinary system and skin. It is useful to think of herbal medicines in a similar way to using plants as food – they nourish and sustain the body as well as treating illness. In some cases, herbs can also be used in a similar way to orthodox drugs, such as ‘anti-inflammatory’ or ‘antibiotic’ herbs. Treatment is tailored to the individual by the prescription of several herbs with different actions, and by assessing aspects of diet, lifestyle and behaviour which may be contributing to the illness.
How does herbal medicine differ from homeopathy?
Herbal medicines and homeopathic remedies differ in the source, preparation, and administration of the remedies. Homeopathic remedies are made from mineral and animal sources as well as plants and are made by repeatedly diluting and shaking the original substance until no molecules remain, only an 'energetic imprint'. Another difference is that in homeopathy, remedies are prescribed on the principle of ‘like treats like’.
How does Western Herbal Medicine differ from Chinese herbal medicine?
Western herbal medicine makes use of a conventional understanding of disease diagnosis, rather than traditional systems such as the ‘five elements’ used in Chinese herbal medicine. The range of herbs tends to be different, with herbs of mainly European and Native American origin, although the major, well-researched Chinese herbs are also used (such as Ginkgo biloba and Ginseng).
Are herbs safe?
Herbal medicine is safe
- if prescribed by a competent practitioner with good medical and herbal knowledge
- if the herbal medicines are from a reputable source.
I can guarantee both of these vitally important elements, being a qualified consultant physician with an additional qualification recognized by the
I use the best quality herbal medicines available anywhere, from companies which hold UK Manufacturing Licenses (or equivalent) certifying that they achieve ‘Good Manufacturing Practice’ (GMP) requirements. This ensures that:
1. Each herb has been identified correctly
2. The herbs are manufactured to pharmaceutical grade quality
3. There is no contamination of the herbs, for example with steroids or ‘heavy metals’
4. If the effectiveness of a particular herb has been shown to depend on certain ‘active constituents’, these are present in sufficient quantity
Interactions of herbs with orthodox medicines
Some herbs, such as