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Elsa Hamaz BSc (Hons) MNIMH
Medical Herbalist
 
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 What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine, or Phytotherapy, is the oldest form of medicine known. The modern medical herbalist is a natural physician trained in medical sciences and traditional herbal practices.

Herbal medicines are whole-plant extracts containing many active constituents which act synergistically to support the body's own complex ability to heal itself. Herbal medicine, unlike conventional medicine, does not only treat symptoms, but targets the underlying causes of ill-health. Every prescription is individually tailored to the particular physical, emotional and spiritual needs of a person.

Herbs are effective in the treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions, and are suitable for all ages.


Dispensary
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and consulting room


 

    Traditional and modern uses for herbal medicine

     Herbs have been used for thousands of years to maintain                  good health and treat disease. Compared to the very                        recently developed synthetic drugs of modern medicine,                    herbal remedies have an excellent and long-standing track                record for effectiveness, safty and lack of debilitating side-                effects. Plant medicine therefore still has an important                      role to play in the following:

  • Skin problems  
  • Digestive disorders   
  • Heart conditions
  • Circulatory problems  
  • Urinary symptoms
  • Men's health problems 
  • Gynaecological conditions
  • Pregnancy and birth care
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Immune disorders
  • Allergic responses   
  • Acute and chronic infections  
  • Acute and chronic inflammatory conditions of muscles and joints
  • Sleep problems
  • Headaches 
  • Stress related conditions
  • Mood disorders
  • Side effects of conventional drug therapies                                                                                                                                                  
    Under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, herbal medicines can be a  valuable natural alternative to synthetic drugs. Some herbs have also been shown to be useful adjuncts to orthodox drug treatments as they may increase the effectiveness of drugs and so allow the patient to take lower doses and suffer less toxic side-effects.


Dispensing liquid herbal extracts
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Each herb at the right therapeutic dose

 
What should I expect from a consultation with a medical herbalist? click here