Herbs offer support to the tired or ageing heart, can promote the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, influence blood pressure, and strengthen weakened blood vessel walls.
Herbal Medicine & The Human Body
We have evolved together – animals and plants, and thus from our earliest evolution, plants have been used to heal humans and animals. Today, herbal medicine is still the widest used medicine worldwide.
The cells of our body are biologically familiar and compatible with the natural chemicals found in plants. When professionally prescribed, herbal medicine is both safe and very effective. Currently, herbal medicine is experiencing an immense resurgence in popularity as more people are choosing to use the gentle healing properties of herbs and plants which restore a natural state of health, and at the same time, are gentle on our planet.
Medical herbalists such as Jo, focus on treating the person holistically, rather than on just treating a diagnosed condition, taking into consideration your physical condition, your medical history, current medication, stress and emotional issues you may be carrying, as well as your diet and lifestyle.
Herbal prescriptions
The way we take herbal medicine these days is not very different from ancient times, when plants were steeped in boiling water and the resulting infusion drunk by people.
Today, herbal medicine is most commonly dispensed in the form of tinctures: each herb is macerated in a specific proportion of water to alcohol to extract a concentrated and convenient tincture. Herbalists use the whole plant extract rather than a single active constituent. This is based on the concept of Holism, or, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts”.
Other options include herbal powders, taken in hot or cold water, in juices or smoothies – or you may prefer including herbal capsules, glycerites, ointments or creams, or even a poultice.
Herbal medicine is used to help with the following human body systems and health conditions:-
Circulatory System
Digestive System
The digestive system responds very well to herbal medicine, which can help to reduce inflammation, rebalance the microbiome, promote bowel movement, and reduce bloating and pain.
Hormonal System
Herbal medicine is well known to have a positive influence over many hormone imbalances, bringing harmony to the body and the emotions.
Immune System
Medical plants have powerful anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties as well as the ability to strengthen and revitalise the immune system of those who are run down and burnt out. For an over stimulated immune system, herbs and foods can be employed to restore the correct responses.
Nervous System
Herbal medicine can revitalise an over-fraught nervous system following nervous exhaustion by lifting the spirits, quietening the mind and supporting the recovery from nervous exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Herbs can support memory and even help to regrow damaged nerves.
Respiratory System
Herbs have well documented anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. They can be used to loosen and expectorate thick sticky mucous, relax tight chest muscles and reduce inflammation in the lungs and nasal passages.
Skin
When treating the largest organ in our body, toxic elimination must be considered along with the effects of hormones, stress responses, allergies or food intolerances, bacteria and fungi, all of which may have a profound on the health of the skin.
Stress and emotions
The impact of stress on our health can be devastating to the mind and the body, but medical herbs can offer wonderful support on your journey back to feeling well again. Stress can negatively affect our resistance to illness, ability to sleep, hormonal balance, digestive function, our adrenal glands, and our mood. Everyone has a slightly different experience; thus each person needs a bespoke prescription.
Herbs can be very helpful for those going through stressful periods by calming an agitated nervous system, promoting restorative sleep, supporting adrenal function, as well as the rest of the body which is impacted by ongoing stress.
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