Most medicines have their roots in plants. Today we have to ensure they are ethically harvested, and many companies are starting to replace products like propolis (from bees) with plant-based alternatives, in line with modern demands. Many prefer to use medicines that are not tested on animals (as happens by law for orthodox medicine at present).
Unlike homeopathy, herbal medicine (including St John’s Wort) can interact with medication, so get permission from your doctor (same for pregnancy/nursing). Be sure to avoid anything from suspected powdered bone. Read how to grow your own herbs (includes tips on pet-safe gardens).
In Germany, naturopaths have the same status as GPs and often prescribe herbal medicine for illness. Some GPs are also trained but usually it’s easier to get them refer you to a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, who are trained to the same diagnositic levels, and have years of training.
Herbal medicine takes longer to work but often has fewer side effects, and sometimes work for ailments that conventional medicine can not help, to help:
- Bone & joint health
- Heart & circulation
- Emotional health
- Fatigue issues
- Hormonal health
- Skin & hair health
- Nutrition problems
- Fertility, pregnancy & childbirth
- Digestion problems
- Allergies
- Immune problem
music break: Willow
Many people pooh-pooh herbal medicine, but aspirin comes from willow bark. We love Hildegard von Blingin, a Canadian singer who (with her brother Friar Funk) remakes pop songs – Medieval style!
