What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is also known as botanical medicine, phytotherapy or phytomedicine. By ‘herb’, herbalists mean a part of a plant that may be used for healing purposes. The herbal part of a remedy may have come from the leaf, flower, stem, seed, root, fruit or bark of the plant and may be used to treat wounds, abrasions, cuts and a number of conditions.

Plants: an untapped healing resource

There are an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 plants known today, but only about 5,000 of these have been studied or used medicinally. Many researchers believe that there are plants as yet unrecognised for their healing powers. We may find in the future that some herbs may replace some types of antibiotics and prescription drugs as widespread treatment.

The history of herbal medicine

Herbal medicine is considered to be the most ancient form of healing. Herbs have been used in most traditional cultures and have had an extraordinary influence on many systems of medicine, with many prescription drugs still derived from trees, shrubs or herbs.

Written records of Native American, Roman, Egyptian, Persian and Hebrew cultures show that herbs were used to cure practically every known illness. The history of herbal medicine is actually part of the history of medicine itself and herbal knowledge came to Europe from the Middle East during the crusades.

Herbal medicine is used worldwide

In the United States, Australia and New Zealand, herbs were the only form of treatment available to pioneers and settlers in new areas and herbal preparations were still used by many doctors as standard medicine right through to the 1930s.

Although it is classed as ‘alternative’ or ‘complementary’ in most Western countries, herbal medicine still remains the only form of medicine widely available to most of the world’s population.

How does herbal medicine work?

Herbs contain a large number of naturally occurring chemicals (constituents) that have some type of biological activity. Herbs work in a similar fashion to many pharmaceutical preparations and this is what causes the most debate between conventional and alternative medicine practitioners.

Herbal medicine is of most benefit when it is used to treat chronic, ongoing conditions. There are no quick-fix herbal treatments as herbal remedies take an indirect route to the bloodstream and target organs, and so reach their destination slower than conventional pharmaceutical preparations that may have been given by a more direct route such as injection. However, this is not the case with all herbs, especially if they are taken in large quantities.

Role of herbalists

Herbalists believe that herbs should be used in their complete form to ensure the balance of constituents contained in the plant is utilised. They believe that herbs can be very effective in the treatment of many conditions, but without the unwanted side effects that are often seen in conventional pharmaceutical treatments. However, it should be realised that herbs can be very potent and, if used incorrectly, can cause very powerful adverse effects.

Consult a herbalist

You should always consult a fully trained herbalist before using herbal remedies. Herbalists are trained to know how to mix remedies for specific conditions and symptoms and how much should be taken and for how long. They also aim to treat the person as a whole, using whole plant medicines to stimulate the body’s own healing abilities. Herbs are chosen to suit each person as well as to treat their disease or condition.

Types of herbal remedies

Herbal remedies come in a variety of forms:

• herbal baths;
• herbal capsules;
• herbal compresses;
• herbal douches;
• herbal extracts;
• herbal implants;
• herbal oils;
• herbal poultices and plasters;
• herbal salves;
• herbal teas;
• herbal infusions;
• herbal ointments;
• herbal decoctions; and
• herbal wraps.

Today, herbal medicine is a booming industry and a major therapeutic healing technique.

Uses of herbal medicine

Common conditions seen by herbalists include:

• skin problems such as psoriasis, acne and eczema;
• digestive problems such as peptic ulcer, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion and heartburn;
• heart and circulatory conditions such as angina, high blood pressure, varicose veins and ulcers; and
• gynaecological disorders such as premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems.

Other conditions which may show benefit from herbal medicines include:

• arthritis
• insomnia
• stress and nervous related conditions
• headaches and migraine
• upper respiratory tract infections
• colds and flu
• allergic responses such as hay fever and asthma.

NOTE: You should never stop taking 'conventional' medicine that has been prescribed for you, without first consulting your doctor. Also advise your doctor if you are currently taking any herbal medicines - see Interactions below.

Interactions with other medicines

Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking a herbal medicine, as these can cause interactions with other products and medicines which you buy over-the-counter or which are available on prescription.

Material supplied by myDr, 2000. Edited by everybody. Reviewed 18/10/2004.