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Herbalism

Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts.

As herbal treatments have been around for so long, and in so many cultures, there are numerous ways that they are believed to work. Many explanations lie in the mystical thinking of ancient cultures. Some believe that the appearance of the plant gives an indication of what it can be used to treat; this physical resemblance between the plant and the body part to be cured is known as the "'Doctrine of Signatures"; a heart shaped plant would be used to treat heart problems, for example. herbalism

From the middle ages on, many practitioners have tried to classify herbal remedies by observation of their effects. This is closer to the modern scientific approach of gathering evidence.

Eastern herbal medicine still adheres to the mystical approach in its theories whilst western herbalists tend to use herbs for the ingredients they contain; mixing and matching them in the way that conventional medicine does with modern drugs.

The three main branches of herbal medicine are:

The Western herbal tradition based on Greek, Roman and medieval sources;
The Ayurvedic tradition of India;
Chinese herbal medicine.

Remedies are produced by either taking the whole plant, or just the part of the plant required, and often mixing it with other plants. They are usually boiled in water or alcohol, and made into: herbal teas; herbal decoctions; herbal syrup; herbal tincture; infused oils; salves & ointment/creams.

Herbal Medicine Dangerous
Just because something is natural does not mean that it is harmless.

It is the "natural" aspect of herbal remedies that is their big selling point, and the one that advertisers emphasise when advertising their products. It should be noted that plants manufacture compounds for their own benefit: not ours. Plants often contain toxins for their self protection.

The potential dangers of herbal remedies:

Active Compounds: Herbal remedies contain physiologically active compounds. i.e. drugs. Even where remedies are known to have an effect, the compounds responsible are often unknown or not well understood.
Interference With Prescribed Drugs: As herbal remedies contain drugs they can have an effect not only on the body, but also with other drugs. St John's wort, for example, is known to counteract the effect of warfarin. This can lead to the death of the patient. see: Fatal mix of herbal pills and medicines
Dubious Safety: Natural does not mean safe (!): - Most herbal remedies have not been tested for their true effectiveness or their safety. There is a big misconception about these remedies being inherently safe. This can lead to consumers taking these remedies without a thought about overdosing or side effects.
Regulation: Regulation is now in force (see: stricter rules for herbal drugs - new window). This means that companies that manufacture herbal remedies have to ensure that they are both safe and of standardised quality.

Hopefully, this will address the problem which existed where herbal remedies were potentially dangerous due to that fact that no-one knew what they contained and in what quantities.

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