Herbal medicine explained

Medical herbalists are trained to know the action of certain plants on different body systems. Which plant, for example, calms the digestive system, or which acts as a tonic for the reproductive organs?

What to expect
On your first visit, the practitioner will take a detailed medical history, including information about any conventional medication you are taking to ensure remedies are compatible, and ask extensive questions about your diet and lifestyle. You may be given a physical examination or undergo simple tests, such as having your pulse taken.

Depending on their conclusions, the herbalist will prescribe one or more herbal remedies tailored to your individual constitution, and the remedy is usually made up on the spot. You will be asked to return in a week or two to check progress and adjust remedies if necessary. If appropriate, you may be advised to see a conventional doctor.

Herbal remedies come as:

• Decoctions: plants are boiled in water and the liquid strained and taken hot or cold
• Tinctures: herbs are soaked in alcohol and water and the liquid strained
• Infusions: boiling water is added to herbs then left to infuse and the liquid strained
• Creams: herbs are added to melted wax in boiling water, simmered, strained and cooled
• Ointments: herbs are heated with olive oil and beeswax, then strained and cooled

What is it good for?
Herbal remedies can help with most illnesses, including chronic or recurring conditions such as migraine, arthritis, cystitis, skin complaints, PMS and menopausal problems, respiratory, digestive and circulatory disorders, mild depression, anxiety, insomnia. Many scientific studies now show that herbal remedies are effective. For example:

• St John's Wort is an effective antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression, according to several trials published in the British Medical Journal
• Garlic has been found to lower blood cholesterol and fat levels and reduce high blood pressure; research in Germany, Japan and the US shows it is antibiotic and antiseptic
• Ginger was shown to relieve nausea in post-operative patients
• Ginkgo biloba can improve blood circulation in the extremities and delay memory impairment in the elderly
• Echinacea appears to stimulate the immune system and prevent infections by increasing the flow of white blood cells