Besides finding naturopathy treatment, have you ever considered trying herbal remedies to treat medical conditions or improve your health and wellbeing? If so, you’re not alone. An increasing number of people are looking to natural methods of healing, including using the services of a herbalist in Melbourne. But how can a herbalist help you to gain better health? We take a look.
What does a herbalist do?
Herbalists are practitioners that use the natural power of plants for both medicinal and therapeutic use. They prescribe individual formulas that are tailored to each patient, so no two formulas will be identical. Herbal medicines are made by combining different combinations of leaves, flowers and roots. Both fresh and dried plant parts are used, with different extraction methods being required depending on the type of plant.
Many of the pharmaceutical medicines used today are derived from natural or synthesised plant compounds that are considered to be the plant’s active ingredients. When you choose to take natural herbal medicines from a qualified herbalist, you are getting pure plant medicine made, that is standardised and with the whole plant which results in fewer side effects.
Herbalists believe that health is not only about the ‘absence of disease’. It goes much further than that. They define good health as energy, vitality, clear thought, strength and immunity. They also believe that how we treat our bodies and minds directly affects our health and so, we are ultimately responsible for our health and wellbeing. The positive effects of herbalist treatments give the body what it needs to prevent it from becoming ill or diseased. The right combination of herbs will help to restore balance (homeostasis) within your body.
How can a herbalist help?
Herbal medicine can be used to treat patients of any age, including children. Talking about herbalist benefits, a herbalist can help with a whole range of complaints including allergies, the common cold, influenza, arthritis, joint and muscle issues, cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, skin health, hormonal and reproductive health, immunity and auto-immunity and anxiety and stress. They do this by supporting your health as a whole (holistically) rather than focusing solely on the symptoms that you are experiencing.
How does a herbalist help?
When you visit a herbalist for the first time, you can expect an initial consultation where the herbalist will ask questions so they can understand your issues and your previous and current medical history. From this information, they will make up specific herbal formulas by hand to treat your problems. The herbal remedies prescribed can take several forms. Here are the answers of how does a herbalist help.
- Herbal tinctures – an alcohol-water extract of a whole herb or herb part such as the leaf or root.
These are strong extracts and can often contain up to seven different herb combinations pre-mixed in one
bottle. Each tincture prescription is individual to each patient. - Herbal teas and capsules – bespoke herbal tea blends or capsules of powdered herbs. The teas are a
great option for anyone who finds it hard to relax as the action of making the tea and drinking it is
relaxing in itself. Teas are especially helpful if you have issues sleeping. - Herbal creams and ointments – used to alleviate skin, muscle and joint problems.
Herbal medicine is the oldest and most universal form of medicine and has been trusted by generation upon generation of people throughout the world to provide relief from ailments and symptoms. If you’d like to learn more about how a herbalist and herbal medicines can help you, get in touch with us here at Naturopathic Wellness.
