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ABOUT HERBAL MEDICINE...

As the oldest form of medicine, Herbalism has been used all over the world for centuries, and is now also widely used in the UK. Modern medical herbalism combines centuries of knowledge with the newest scientific research.

Herbalists acknowledge that plants are complex organisms, made up of numerous active ingredients that can aid healing, all of which interact with each other in a balanced way. Conventional pharmaceutical medicine on the other hand, concentrates on identifying and extracting one single active ingredient from a plant, then chemically manufacturing it on a large scale, in laboratory conditions. Isolated from the rest of the plant's ingredients, it is thought to affect and unbalance the plant's natural healing properties, which may result in unwanted side effects. Herbal medicines therefore, are made up from whole plants, which are then combined into different remedies to suit many types of conditions.

Medical herbalists today undergo extensive training and will use the same diagnostic skills as a doctor, but take a more holistic approach.
As with other complementary therapies, herbalism aims to help the body heal itself by treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

A consultation with a herbalist will usually start with them asking you about your medical history and background, lifestyle, and if you are currently taking any medication. They will then prescribe one or more herbal preparations for your specific needs. As remedies are tailored to each person individually, different people might not be prescribed the same remedy for the same complaint. These preparations can be given in various ways - as syrups, creams, tinctures, capsules or infusions to drink in the form of tea or juices.

Herbal medicine can not only be used to treat most conditions and restore health, but can also help to rebalance the body's energy systems, and can be used as a preventative measure to maintain optimum health and happiness.

As well as in modern Western herbalism, the use of herbs is also incorporated in other holistic disciplines, such as Naturopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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The Therapists Directory on this website is designed primarily to provide a space where holistic health professionals and healers can advertise their work. Whilst certain general criteria have to be fulfilled before being given a listing on our site, the fact that a therapist or practitioner's details are on display here does not imply any personal or professional recommendation by Holistic Promotions. We accept the details offered to us by each practitioner in good faith - that includes relevant qualifications, memberships/registrations etc. and confirmation that they are insured to practice. Each practitioner listed should be happy to show you evidence of all these things if you ask them - which we advise you to do at the first appointment or sooner, for your own peace of mind. We can accept no responsibility for the action, behaviour or malpractice of any practitioner listed on this site.

Information about therapies shown on these pages is for general interest and guidance only, and is not intended to replace professional healthcare advice. As this directory is purely an advertising medium for holistic health practitioners, we do not offer an information service, and are unable to answer enquiries about specific therapies, training, etc. If you need further information, please contact the relevant listed practitioners, or Therapy Associations, Councils or Regulatory bodies - many of which you will find listed on our ADDRESSES & INFO page.