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Herbal medicine is considered a complimentary medicine that utilizes the use of plants and plant extracts to treat an illness or injury. There is a wide range of herbal medicines and remedies available to treat any health issue, from depression to the flu.

An explanation of Herbal Alternative Medicine

Most commonly used drugs, including the expensive prescription ones, actually come from plants. For example, the pain killer morphine comes from the poppy plant and aspirin is derived from willow bark. Digoxin, which is used to treat irregular heart rhythms, is taken from foxglove.

The use of plants as remedies is not limited to traditional herbal medicine. Chinese herbal medicine is another example of using herbs in alternative medicine. Herbal medicine uses a holistic approach to treat the whole person instead of focusing only on the symptoms. It attempts to encourage the body to heal itself.

Different parts of a plant, such as flowers, seeds, leaves, can have different effects on a person. Herbalists feel that the delicate chemical balance of the whole herb is necessary for the greatest effect. Conventional medicine often tries to isolate or replicate specific ingredients from a plant, but herbal medicine does not seek to do this.

Are Herbs Safe?

Certainly, some herbs are helpful with some health issues, but this does not mean that all herbs are safe for anyone, at anytime. For example, many herbs should not be used during pregnancy.

Like any drug, herbal remedies may have side effects or negative interactions with other medicines. You should only begin taking herbs under the watchful eye of a doctor or herbalist, especially if you have problems with heart disease, glaucoma, or high blood pressure. Also, epilepsy, type 1 diabetes, and some other life threatening illnesses are not suitable for treatment by an herbalist. With herbs, do not exceed the dosage that is recommended.

You can find herbs and alternative medicine remedies in tablet, capsule, ointment, and cream form at health food stores, pharmacies, and even some supermarkets. Even though these are available over the counter, it is still a good idea to see an physician or herbalist, especially if your medical ailment is severe. Be extremely cautious when taking herbs if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Also, do not make any changes in your current prescription medicines without consulting a doctor. Many doctors and General Practitioners will work alongside an herbalist.

Meeting with an Herbalist

The initial meeting with an herbalist will probably last at least an hour. During this consultation herbs, alternative medicine techniques, general health, and medical and family history will be discussed. You should also expect some questions on your lifestyle and past and present emotional state, as well.

Using herbs as alternative medicine treatments may include diet and lifestyle changes as well as the use of herbal supplements. You may be asked to take several different herbs that will be tailored to meet your needs. These supplements could be in pill or capsule form, or could come in a variety of syrups, lotions, tinctures, gargles, inhalants, and washes. Depending on your condition and general state of well being, you may have a follow up appointment in a few weeks, and may continue seeing an herbalist monthly after that.

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