Herbal Medicine uses roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds of plants to improve health, prevent disease and treat illness. Herbal Medicine is suitable for any age group, and can help both acute and chronic conditions.
Did you know…
Western Herbal Medicine dates as far back as the stone age Much of its use in the middle ages was community based, and herbs were tied to diet and religion. While most healers were monks, one of the most influential was a nun named Hildegard von Bingen, who was also the first to be published. As time went on, the medical profession adopted the use of plant medicine, and some medications we use today are derived from plants.
Aspirin is derived from Salix alba, the willow tree.
How do naturopaths and herbalists use Herbal Medicine today?
Firstly, your practitioner will take a full case history which includes:
- Family history
- Medical history
- Diet
- Social influences such as alcohol and smoking
If necessary, your practitioner may request a physical examination to assist with their understanding. This may include:
- Taking your blood pressure
- Listening to your chest lungs or torso with a stethoscope
- Looking more closely at your skin, tongue, mouth, eyes, hands or nails
- Gently pressing on and around your abdomen
- Asking you to move your limbs
Western Herbal Medicine graduates from Torrens University are trained to work collaboratively with medical and allied health practitioners to ensure clients receive timely diagnosis and optimal health care.
These days, naturopaths and herbalists use herbs as medicine in numerous ways to establish the best possible treatment approach for you. Whether it is to boost immunity; address allergies, digestive concerns, or joint and musculoskeletal issues; or support hormonal health, cognition and focus, emotional wellbeing, energy and stamina.
This means your treatment may be in the form of:
- Specially formulated liquid herbal extracts
- Herbal teas
- Herbal extract tablets or capsules
- Food, such as juices
- Baths or washes
- Creams or ointments
- Steam inhalations
- Gargles and mouthwashes
- Pessaries and suppositories
Common foods can also be used has a type of herbal medicine.
Did you know broccoli is great for supporting liver function and helping your body’s natural detoxification processes?
Do you suffer from cold hands and feet? What about joint aches and pains? The active ingredient in chilli could provide some relief.
Want to know more?
Contact the Practice Wellbeing Centres in either Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne for a face to face or Telehealth appointment.
Want to study herbal medicine? Torrens University offers the only Western Herbal Medicine degree in Australia.
