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Herbal Medicine Plants have always been used by people (and some animals) in an attempt to treat illness and alleviate suffering. Before the advent of modern medicine, herbs were the only medicine available. Herbal medicine in one form or another is still used worldwide, and in some cultures is still the first line of treatment. Herbal medicine in the 21st century draws on a huge wealth of traditional knowledge, along with the most up to date research available on herbal constituents and plant extracts. It is based on a holistic model of health which aims to treat each patient as an individual person, rather than labelling them with a disease, and defining them by their symptoms. 
Passiflora incarnata - Passionflower I practice Western Herbal Medicine, which simply means that I do not specifically use an Eastern philosophy as the basis for my treatment (as in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurvedic Medicine). However these traditions have, and will continue to, inform my practice as they represent holistic medicine in its purest and finest form. Western Herbal Medicine also uses mainly herbs which can be grown easily in our climate, or occur naturally in the surrounding countryside. 
Viola tricolour - Heartsease There is a growing interest in the concept of synergy in herbal medicines, which is the idea that different herbs, or even different constituents within the same herb, act together to give an effect which is greater than the sum of each individual part. In a compound herbal mixture, such as those which I prescribe, some herbs can potentiate the effects of the others, or provide actions which enable the others to work more efficiently. For example, the herb black pepper (Piper nigrum) is thought to increase the absorption of any other herbs given alongside it. The use of a herb supporting eliminative functions e.g. dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinalis) or yellow dock (Rumex crispus) would make an excellent supportive remedy to herbs with a detoxifying action e.g. burdock (Arctium lappa) or milk thistle (Silybum marianum). 
Cynara scolymus - Globe Artichoke Herbal medicines have very few side effects, and the use of herbal medicine under the supervision of a qualified Medical Herbalist has an excellent safety record. The holistic approach of the herbal practitioner can often uncover the deeper causes of illness, and throughout treatment, patients are encouraged to be pro-active in their journey towards health. The goal of herbal medicine is to strengthen and restore balance in the body, and ultimately to encourage the body's natural ability to heal itself. 
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