Botanical (herbal) medicine is using plants for their therapeutic action to help heal the body.

Herbal medicine has been used for over 3000 years in Traditional Chinese medicine. There are also records that the Ancient Egyptian used herbal medicine as well.

Orthodox medicine has seen the power of herbs and many orthodox drugs were originally taken from herbs or plants. Orthodox drugs are now chemically and synthetically produced, the aim is to suppress the symptoms. 

Naturopaths use the natural and whole plant when prescribing herbal medicine, this allows minimal side effects and resonates with your own body’s energy.

The beauty of herbal medicine is that it is science and art combined.
The science of herbs and plants is understanding their action, properties, constituents and interactions and the art of getting the formula right for the person concerned.
No two herbal formulas are ever the same for the same conditions, unless of course you buy something off the shelf.

A Naturopathic practitioner understands the principles and depth to herbal medicine and hence that is why everyone is treated uniquely.
As your health progresses and improves, so will your herbal medicine its changes depending on the progress made.

Herbal medicine is safe for all ages as long you are under the care of a qualified Naturopath.

Herbal medicine is effective in treating many Health conditions and as part of a Naturopathic consultation; it is truly as holistic form of healthcare.

A Naturopathic practitioner will mostly prescribe herbal medicines in liquid form; this allows them to combine a number of herbs together in the one bottle.
Herbal medicine does not stop at just taking something internally; a Naturopath can also make herbal creams, ointments and external herbal solution for skin complaints and infections.

A Naturopathic practitioner is often considered a western herbalist, as many of the herbs used come from Europe, however some Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs are also used.

Some common herbs and their properties:

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Ginger is a warming digestive herb and also stimulating to the circulatory system. It can help with nausea, morning sickness and circulatory problems.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Yarrow is a diaphoretic (makes you sweat), can dilate blood vessel and blood tonic. It can be used in fevers, high blood pressure and cases of excessive blood flow.

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) – Ashwaganda is toning to the adrenal system in times of stress, calming and helps balance the immune system. It can be used in times of stress or for athletes, chronic immune conditions and low blood counts.