Herbal medicine explained

Herbs are not only the most important element in folk medicine but also the origin of many modern conventional medicines. Anne Woodham explores the power of plants

Ancient civilisations from China to the Americas relied on medicinal herbs, but the writings of Roman, Greek and Arab physicians formed the basis for Western medical herbalism, developed by 16th century practitioners Paracelsus, John Gerard and Nicholas Culpeper.

Herbalists make use of the whole plant in their remedies, rather than isolating one component as modern pharmaceuticals do. They believe that all the components work as a whole, creating a greater therapeutic power together than one substance on its own. Moreover, when the active agent is extracted and used by itself, it can have side effects that would be offset by other substances in the plant.

For example, the herb meadowsweet is used to treat fevers, rheumatic conditions and infections. It contains salicylic acid, which in isolation in the drug aspirin can cause internal bleeding in people with sensitive stomachs. But meadowsweet also contains tannin and mucilage, natural protectors and healers of the stomach lining, and is even prescribed for digestive disorders.

Creating cures
Medical herbalists prepare remedies in dispensaries, tailored to individual patients. Thanks to modern mass production methods and standardisation techniques that ensure a certain level of active ingredients, over the counter herbal products are widely available as tablets, capsules, tinctures, oils, creams, ointments and teas. This means people can self-treat for minor complaints, provided they follow instructions and choose products from reputable suppliers, but they should remember that herbal remedies often take longer to work than conventional drugs.

How does it work?
Herbalism matches specific treatments to particular diseases, but like all traditional systems, it seeks to restore what is called 'vital force' and stimulate the body's self-healing processes. A medical herbalist will not just hand you a cream for a rash, for instance, but will try to uncover the source of the problem, which may be poor diet, an unhealthy lifestyle or excessive stress. These destabilising factors can disrupt the body's natural state of harmony, known as homeostasis.

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

What to watch out for
Tell your practitioner what drugs and supplements you are taking and if you are pregnant, have heart disease, high blood pressure or glaucoma. Herbal remedies can have side effects or may interfere with conventional medicine, so always consult a qualified medical herbalist or ask the pharmacist. Do not discontinue a prescribed medication without telling your doctor.

How much does it cost?
The initial consultation may last an hour and subsequent sessions are 15-30 minutes. Fees vary according to where you live and the herbalist's experience, but range from £30-£60 plus for your first appointment.

How can I find it?
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH)
56 Longbrook Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 6AH
Tel 01392 426022
http://www.nimh.org.uk/

Graduates of NIMH-accredited BSc (Hons) degree courses in herbal medicine qualify for membership (MNIMH). Those with at least 10 years experience can apply to become fellows (FNIMH).