Herbal Medicine
Welcome to Herbal Medicine with Carol Thorogood
What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is natural medicine, derived from plants – from roots, bark, leaves and flowers. Each plant or herb contains many hundreds of natural constituents which are carefully dried or extracted to preserve their medicinal properties in a balanced nature-identical form. Herbs are used as a tea or in a capsule, or may be extracted and made into a liquid medicine.
The traditional use of medicinal plants for healing is well supported by scientific research.
Knowing which herbs to use and how to blend them into a prescription for an individual is both the art and science of herbal medicine.
Herbal medicine is suitable for people of all ages including children who respond especially well to the gentle actions of herbs and the elderly who may also be taking conventional medicine. Each patient is treated as an individual – a Medical Herbalist recognises that no two people are the same.
What to expect during a consultation
Carol will guide you through a discussion of your health issues and concerns. Your blood pressure and pulse may be taken and if appropriate, with your consent, a short physical examination may be carried out. Your diet and lifestyle will be taken into consideration alongside your symptoms to enable an individual treatment plan to be agreed. This will include herbal medicine in the form of a liquid medicine, dried herbs to use as a tea, capsules or a cream or balm. Your treatment plan will include advice on diet and nutrition; supplements may also be recommended. Carol will usually want to see you after two or three weeks to ensure you are happy with the herbal medicine, to monitor your progress and answer any questions that may arise. Thereafter appointments are scheduled as required.
What is the evidence for Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine has been used since ancient times and is the predominant form of medicine used by all cultures and societies. The evidence comes from results over hundreds of years of traditional use and is increasingly supported by scientific research including clinical trials.
Is Herbal Medicine safe?
Herbal medicine is very safe; it can be used on its own or alongside conventional medicine. A Medical Herbalist will take into consideration any prescription medicine and any supplements that you are taking when formulating your herbal medicine.
What sort of conditions can be treated?
Herbal medicine can be used to effectively treat many conditions including:
Digestion - IBS, IBD, reflux and bloating.
Hormonal conditions - menstrual or menopausal symptoms, thyroid, metabolic syndrome.
Cardiovascular - circulatory problems, haemorrhoids.
Immunity - recurrent infections, auto immune conditions.
Stress, poor sleep, anxiety.
Respiratory - infections, hay fever, ear ache, coughs and colds.
Musculoskeletal - cramps, joint inflammation, sciatica.
