About Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the traditional practice of treating dis-ease with natural plant materials. These plants or parts of plants are often made into tinctures, extracts, teas, infusions, decoctions, pills, capsules, lozenges, poultices, compresses, baths or sitz baths to be taken in order to treat dis-ease and re-establish balance in the individual. Herbs are prescribed and taken individually (simples) or in a blended mix, depending on the patient's need at the time.

Having trained under the guidance of Dorothy Hall, I rely on her teachings and those of the apothecaries before her time. That means, I practice in much the same way as traditional herbalists have throughout all of history. A few golden rules have stood the test of time:

"The smallest possible dose will have the most profound effect."

"Too much, can tip the balance and have the opposite effect."

"The living body is designed to heal itself."

"A little knowledge is a dangerous tool."

"... And first, do no harm."

There is much information already out there, about herbal medicine. So, rather than me simply adding to that... my suggestion is that as you wonder about a particular herb or medicine, you take the time to do some research on it for yourself. The important thing is to learn about the contra-indications as well as the indications for use... and to seek information from reputable sites. E.g. Herbalists accociations / qualified herbalists websites. Or best of all, locate a herbalist in your area to build your own natural health care relationship with. Part of the job (from my perspective) of a herbie is to teach people how to help themselves to achieve personal balance and ease of wellbeing. Having started out as someone who didn't even know that herbal medicine existed. I can say, from personal experience, that it's a most fascinating journey of learning once you start to wonder about herbs, nature and all it provides for our greater wellbeing.

I hope your own journey into the wisdom of nature's abundance is as liberating as mine!

Here's a good link for info on herbs and their uses: www.naturalnews.com/Index-Reference.html

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