What is herbalism?

Many of the pharmaceutical drugs we use in this day and age are derived from herbs. However, these drugs are based on what are considered to be the plant’s ‘active’ ingredients (e.g. certain chemicals that have been isolated from the original plant), whereas herbalism utilises the whole plant, or at the very least the seed, root or flower. There are no chemicals added and everything is completely natural.

It is believed that these so-called ‘inactive’ ingredients play a significant role in determining the herbs overall therapeutic effect. It is also felt that although some herbs do have side effects, those caused by herbal preparations are far less severe than the reactions experienced when taking pharmaceutical drugs.

Herbalism, like all forms of complementary medicine, treats the person as a whole, believing that the body has its own “vital force” (an ability to heal itself). Herbs help support this system, enabling it to restore balance (homeostasis) in the body.

Main uses

All physical and some mental/emotional disorders.

Herbalism refers to the use of plants to treat a variety of medical conditions. The herbs are administered in many ways and are used both internally and topically.