What is Herbal Medicine?

[hervie44]

Herbal medicine is an ancient system of medicine that utilises seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers of plants. Herbal medicine is sometimes referred to as phytomedicine or botanical medicine.

Unlike orthodox (western/modern) medicine, herbal medicine is not just based in science, but has a strong component of art. It balances the art & science of medicine.

The Skills of herbalists have developed long before the science-based machines that go ‘beep’, and the skills of the doctor had to be far greater than simply looking at the blood test results from the pathology lab.

The herbalist has to be able to look at the physical, mental and spiritual health of the patient to interpret their state of health. That is not to say that modern day herbalists do not use technology. Of course they do, they use auroscopes, stethoscopes, and a variety of other technology, which is commonly used by a GP (orthodox general practitioner or MD – medical doctor).

As a doctor of Chinese medicine I am often looking at X-rays, blood test results and other test results that patients present to me. I also send patients for specific tests. After all, why not use technology if it can be of assistance in the treatment of my patient?

As a scientist, I also like to use these types of tests to get scientific validation that my treatments are working – why not, after all if I can actually measure the success of treatment why not do so.

A herbalist is also uniquely qualified to make natural herbal skin and personal care products, as their knowledge include an in-depth understanding of the skin and its needs.

In short, herbal medicine is a valid, safe and effective system of medicine that combines the art and science of medicine and uses plant-based materials to treat in individual’s health problems.

Best regards.

[amanda]

I know some herbal medicine such as ginger, capsicum, garlic and motherwort help to control the ailments related to blood circulation such as high blood pressure, varicose ulcers and others. Many of the herbal medicines are used to treat coronary artery disease and to reduce cholesterol level in the blood stream.

[Healthypeople]

Hi
Alternative medicine, more specifically herbal medicine and remedies have since time immemorial been the bane of any treatments given in most parts of the world, especially the ones with older civilizations. The importance of these alternative therapies, including Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Bio-feedback, Chiropractic, Yoga  etc., has been, of late, recognized by the more advanced nations (typically the western world) also, and their significance is increasing by the day. For example, herbal medicines account for a greater market share and penetration level than conventional medicines in some cases.

You can get all kinds of information on all kinds of diseases and treatments with herbal remedies at http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com

[Vikram]

Herbal remedies are made from plants or plant extracts. There are numerous herbal products available that claim to treat the symptoms of a wide range of problems, from depression to colds and flu.Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So it's important that you follow your herbal practitioner's advice.

[jremstuart]

Herbal medicines provides better healing than many other medicinal types. The most important thing that you will notice is that there is no side effects of its use. The only thing the you should take note about is the process of curing in many cases will be very slow but the positive results are sure to be seen.

[johnblack]

Herbal medicine are those which are made from plants and used to prevent or treat disease or promote health, that people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits, They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants.

[stathy34]

Hi

Herbal medicine -- also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine -- refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing disease.

Thanks

[emerald]

Being also called "alternative" medicine, I guess this type of medicine is sort of just a back up or preventive remedy and should not be taken simultaneously with duly prescribed conventional medicine. I believe it is much better to take herbal food ingredients naturally rather than in processed capsule forms.

[ronnyadam]

Herbalism out of the use of traditional medicine has a long tradition. Herbalism a traditional medicinal plants and plant or extracts.Herbal drug use based on the public medical system, sometimes Herbalism, Botanical medicine or as Herbology is the use of specific plants, a wide variety of forms, their therapeutic value Herbal Remedies. Are made from plants or plant extracts.

[lisabrown01]

Herbal Medicine is when the plants or plant parts used for its medicinal properties, either by having the form of capsules or tablets, tea, or even use its smell. Flowers, fruits, stems, leaves, bark, roots and bark can all be used in herbal medicine. This was used as the primary drug of cultures centuries ago.

[beverlyann]

Herbal medicine is the use of natural herbs, such as leaves, flowers, roots, seeds and berries for therapeutic purposes. This medicine are the physiological cause of your problem, unlike most drugs prescribed today that focus on treatment and disposal of symptoms.

[johndonald]

A medicine made from plants and used to prevent or treat disease or promote health is herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is a complementary therapy that uses plants or plant extracts to treat illness. Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to improve their health.

[dean-johnson]

Herbal medicine -- also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine -- refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. Herbal supplements are best taken under the guidance of a trained health care provider.

[Shane612]

Thing is that most medicines whether herbal or chemical come from plants so its not that simple to define it that way, I think the best way to put it in my opinion is that a herbal medicine is a medicine of which the contents have only partially been modified by human beings and so they still represent their original structure more than drug forms of medicine.