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HERBAL MEDICINE FACTFILE

Herbal medicine, sometimes known as herbalism or botanical medicine, is the oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine today; 80 percent of the world’s population is dependent on herbs for their health. Herbalism can be seen within three fundamental structures; Traditional Chinese Herbalism, has its roots in Traditional Oriental Medicine, whereas Ayurvedic Herbalism, developed from Ayurveda and Western Herbalism.  Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbalism have grown and established as a complex system of diagnosing and treating disease over centuries.
Herbal medicine is created solely from plants.  It has been used in all societies and is now common practice to all cultures.  The use of plants to treat various conditions has many advantages.  The therapeutic nature of a plant is due to the complex chemical make-up with various parts providing certain therapeutic effects.   Herbal substances form a large portion of the commercial medicines, which are available today, treating many symptoms and diseases including; high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease and many other conditions
The Traditional Chinese Medicine herb, ephedra, has been used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems for more than two thousand years. Ephedrine, the active ingredient in ephedra, is used in the commercial pharmaceutical preparations and helps the patient to breathe more easily. Millions of heart patients worldwide are kept alive by the powdered leaf of this plant, known as the ‘cardiac stimulant digitalis’.

IS HERBAL MEDICINE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Herbal Medicine may alleviate the following physical and mental conditions:

Abdominal Pain/Stomach Cramps         Aching Muscles/Joints             Acne                         Addictions                     Allergies                 Angina                 Anxiety/Panic Attacks     Arthritis             Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Bacterial Infections         Back Pain             Breathing Problems         Bronchitis             Cancers                 Chronic Fatigue         Chronic Pain         Colds & Flu         Constipation Dementia             Depression

Dermatitis/Eczema Diabetes Digestive Disorders Eating Disorders Epilepsy Headaches/Migraines Hypertension Insomnia Irritable Bowel Syndrome Menstrual Problems/PMS Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Muscular Cramps/Pain/Stiffness Neck/Shoulder Pain Osteoporosis Psoriasis Sinusitis Stress – Emotional/Physical Urinary Conditions

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM HERBAL MEDICINE SESSIONS

During your initial consultation, the practitioner will do a physical examination and check your pulse and blood pressure.  Your herbalist will discuss your diet, lifestyle or other factors, which may be affecting your health.  Herbalists are interested in all aspects of health; it is their aim is to treat each person individually and holistically.Following your assessment, a prescription may be dispensed on the day of your appointment but sometimes it can take a day or two to prepare so you may need to return to pick it up.  The herbal medicine is usually in liquid form, chosen specifically for your needs and the combined action of the different herbs provides you with a complete medicine. It is usually diluted in a small amount of water or juice before drinking.  Occasionally, the herbalist may also choose to prescribe tablets, capsules or teas.Herbal medicine supplied by a professional herbalist will be marked with clear instructions on dosage and any other specific requirements.  These instructions should be carefully adhered to in order to maximize your results from taking the medicine.Chronic conditions are particularly well suited to treatment with herbal medicine and you should notice some health improvements and changes within 4 to 6 weeks.   Alternatively, you can expect acute complaints, such as a cold or the flu, to benefit from herbal medicine within hours.
Reactions will rarely occur if herbal medicine is professionally prescribed. In the unlikely event of a reaction, consult your prescribing practitioner straight away.

FINDING A QUALIFIED HERBAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER

Most people find Herbal Medicine deeply relaxing and enjoy the tension it releases throughout the body.  It is also extremely safe when carried out by a qualified therapist.  It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the NZ Natural Medicine Association (NZNMA).  Herbalists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.
The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Herbal Medicine Practitioners within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.

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