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What is Herbalism?Herbs have been used since ancient times as medicines. The natural chemical properties of certain herbs have been shown to have medicinal value and are used in some modern drugs. However, unlike conventional medicine, herbalists use the 'whole' herb or plant rather than isolating and breaking down chemical compounds and then synthesising them. This is because the plant, being a part of Nature, is said to represent perfect balance; healing requires the natural combination of elements in the plant or herb, not just a single chemical within it.Herbs have “chi” or “life force energy” in all their active ingredients. Because they are recognized by the body's intelligence, they are absorbed more easily and help the body to: a) activate cells, b) build tissues, C) cleanse the system d) direct aid to sick body parts and organs. Different cultures have developed different herbal cures. In some countries, such as India and China herbs have continued to be an important part of medicine over the centuries and herbs are widely used in Traditional Chineese Medicine and Ayurveda. In Western countries herbal remedies have tended to be marginalised by modern medicine, being seen as witchcraft in the mdidle ages and later dismissed as old wives tales. Knowledge about the power of herbs has only recently started to re-emerge in the West and it is now becoming a popular alternative form of treatment for many conditions. Many mild herbs can be self prescribed for minor conditions, for instance chamomile tea to help you relax, or peppermint tea to help with digestion. You can find out more about herbs by following some of the links below. However herbs can be very powerful and care should be taken. The safest course of action is to conuslt a qualified herbalist. There are various qualifications and you can find out more about these by following the links below. What is a Herbalism session like?A herbalist will generally spend half an hour or more taking a full case history, in order to determine which herbs you need. (A medical herbalist would also carry out a physical examination.) They will then presrcibe certain herbs which may be as a tincture, fluid extract, capsule or tea form. They may also suggest dietary changes, exercises and other therapies to help the healing process.What are the benefits of Herbalism?Herbs can help with your general health and also to treat most conditions. Herbalism ArticlesHerbsandChi December Newlsetter Suggestions to help you cope with the Christmas excesses!Would you like to write an article on Herbs or Herbalism for this site? Click Here for more information. Herbalism LinksFind out about Medical HerbalismA BBC article on Herbal Medicine The National Institute of Medical Herbalists' website The Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners The Herb Society The Herb Research Foundation source of science-based information on the health benefits and safety of herbs---and expertise in sustainable botanical resource development. Herbmed an interactive, electronic herbal database - provides hyperlinked access to the scientific data underlying the use of herbs for health. |