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Western Herbal Medicine

Western herbal medicine is the use of herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations, and finished herbal products exclusively taken from plants or plant materials as active ingredients.

What is western herbal medicine?

Western Herbal Medicine, also known as herbalism or phytotherapy, is a wholistic approach to healthcare rooted in the therapeutic properties of plants. This time-honoured tradition treats the body as a wholistic system, addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just symptoms. Herbalists create tailored treatments based on individual constitutions, blending tradition with modern scientific research for safe and effective healing.

Western Herbal Medicine offers a natural and gentle way to address various health concerns, including digestive issues, stress, skin conditions, and more. Herbalists, trained experts in this field, prescribe remedies in forms like tinctures, teas, or capsules, working collaboratively with other healthcare practitioners. This approach empowers individuals to take control of their health and well-being through self-care and prevention.

With its sustainable practices and minimal side effects, Western Herbal Medicine provides an alternative path to wellness. Whether you seek relief from specific ailments or aim to optimise your overall health, this wholistic approach offers a personalised journey towards vitality and long-term well-being.

How can a western herbal medicine practitioner help you?

Herbal Medicine ATMS-accredited herbalists utilise a variety of holistic and functional analysis methods within their clinical practice. These analysis methods facilitate a holistic and comprehensive assessment of health, allowing accredited practitioners to help identify the root cause of symptoms, monitor and track progress, and assist in the personalised management of a patient. Examples of some of these analysis methods include iridology, food sensitivity and intolerances, hormone testing (via saliva or urine), metabolic hormone testing (via saliva or urine), mineral and heavy metal testing (via hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA)), genetic polymorphisms (such as MTHFR), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) (via breath), and digestive microbiome test. Holistic and functional analysis methods can be used alongside conventional assessments, such as blood tests.

We recommend you always consult an accredited practitioner who is part of a professional association in Australia before using herbal remedies.

Some common herbs you might have heard of include:

  • Chamomile
  • Echinacea
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Ginseng
  • Lavender
  • Saint John’s wort
  • Tea tree
  • Turmeric

Use the ATMS Find a Practitioner tool now to start your search for an accredited herbalist.

Did you know?

Herbalism is holistic so promotes prevention of disease as well as treatment of acute or chronic disease.
Conditions that herbal medicine can help treat include cold and flu, headaches, skin problems, digestive disorders, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
Herbs contain a large number of naturally occurring chemicals that have biological activity and compounds from plants that are used to produce reliable pharmaceutical drugs.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is a federal government department that regulates all medicines in Australia, including complementary medicines.

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