Herbal Medicine has been in use around the globe for thousands of years. Prior to the development of what we now consider 'mainstream medicine' less than a century ago, herbs were commonly used to promote recovery, health and wellbeing. Every culture had a basic dispensary of healing herbs from which remedies were selected, and this varied from area to area depending on the local climate and ecosystem. Modern medicine itself has its roots in the use of herbs and it has only been since the refinement and manufacture of herbs for their chemical components by pharmaceutical companies that herbalism began to decline. However today we are seeing a resurgence in herbalism. This is partly due to the way modern medicine has broken the body down into a collection of isolated parts. Herbalists recognize the body as a whole and are aware that emotions, experiences and spiritual flow are as important to health as is the state of organs and tissues. Herbs work on the whole being, reaching through the body to the 'life force' that gives us the power to heal ourselves.
Herbalism sees health as not only an absence of disease but as a whole self, body and mind, being in balance. Disease represents when some imbalance has occured, and in healing we must look at all aspects of one's environment; nutrition, exercise, stress, support network and spirituality. We can divide treatment into two categories - Prevention and Elimination of Illness. The former continues throughout life and ensures that the body remains in harmony or never far from it.
The herbal pharmacopeia has an abundance of herbs that can be used to treat all organ systems, for a wide range of ailments from infections to stresses. As individuals we are a complex series of interactions in the body. No two illnesses are alike. Herbs can provide a very customized treatment. The first step is in identifying weaknesses in one's system. A proper herbal consult takes up to 90 minutes and often uncovers many minute clues that are often overlooked but provide pieces to the overall puzzle.
More importantly one needs to want to be well, and be prepared to make the effort that is required Herbs can take you half the way there, but willingness to make lasting changes and look at the bigger picture of health are what creates wellness. Part of that is developing a deeper spiritual relationship with oneself and becoming more sensitive to the body's cries for help. In the modern world, people are very quick to dismiss their needs and when things go wrong want fixes that are even quicker. If that is what you are after, I will direct you to the nearest pharmacy, because herbs will do little for you.
I delight in helping people overcome their health hurdles and lead a healthier, happier life.
What can I expect from treatment?
You can expect to have my full attention for a very indepth consultation and examination. I use my experience in health and wellness to isolate individual weaknesses and health flags and devise a customized treatment plan that combines a custom herbal prescription, dietary and fitness recommendations, and my insights on the causes of the imbalances to empower you with prevention. My support is offered along the way.
I do not claim to take the place of a medical doctor and if I feel it is warranted, referral to one may be necessary in your quest for wellbeing.
How long does treatment take/ when will the herbs begin to work?
With the right herbal remedy, changes can be seen fairly quickly. In some cases, clients may notice subtle effects within hours to days. However, as a general rule, the longer the illness has had to develop, the longer the treatment will take. Full remission doesn't come easily. A decade of sickness can take months to tackle. However, full compliance with all advice creates better results. All areas of treatment are similarly important, and together a synergistic effect occurs.
Will I develop dependance on herbs/ how is herbal medicine any different than popping pills for quick relief?
Great care is taken to develop a treatment that will get to the root of the problem and correct it at the deepest of levels. Herbs are not meant as a symptomatic relief but rather to provide one with the ability to heal oneself. They act to stimulate one's own systems rather than replace them. Herbs that have been shown to create any physical dependancy are rare and used with caution by qualified practitioners.
