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What Is Herbal Medicine? Herbal medicines are naturally occurring, plant-derived substances that are used to treat illnesses within local or regional healing practices. These products are complex mixtures of organic chemicals that may come from any raw or processed part of a plant. Herbal medicine has its roots in every culture around the world.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”Hippocrates.

Science has shown multiple times that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the prime factors in overall health and wellbeing. Consuming the correct proportions of vitamins and minerals from original food sources can combat many symptoms of poor health such as extra weight, fatigue, and even many illnesses.

There are many home remedies from foods we eat and drink daily: herbal teas for a cold, essential oils to dull a headache, plant-based supplements for a better night’s sleep. For example Turmeric for inflammation, ginger for upset stomachs, lavender for burns and headaches, hops and valerian for sleep to mention just a few.  

Healthcare systems are a logical delivery or connection point for food is medicine interventions, but integration depends on many factors. It’s important to tailor different food and nutrition interventions, increased patient knowledge and familiarity with foods that are beneficial to health.

https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m2482

Herbal medicine can be safe and effective if used under direction of a qualified herbalist or health care practitioner. Misidentification of medicinal plants and mislabeling herbal medicinal products are sometimes responsible for some of the very few observed adverse events or interaction. Please take advice from a registered practitioner or health provider before taking a herbal supplement, especially if you’re  taking any other prescription medication.

Yes – when administered properly. Herbs (plant/botanical medicines) have a profound effect on the human body. Comprised of thousands of medicinal constituents, herbs can affect multiple body systems in targeted ways while also working synergistically with the body for a holistic treatment approach – herbal medicine comes with minimal to no side effects in the process.

Effectiveness of herbal preparations is directly linked to appropriate dosing, frequency and choice of herb. This is why it is so important to work in partnership with a licensed naturopathic doctor to be given appropriate dosing information and to have herbs custom selected or compounded for you in a very tailored way. The main reason you hear of herbs not working is due to inappropriate dosing or using the incorrect herb for the illness.