Naturopathic health

Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine Background

Herbal medicine also known as herbalism and phytotherapy is an ancient concept based on the healing power of plants and plant extracts.

Across the world there are thousands of indigenous plants used by different cultures for their healing properties. It is believed the practice dates back into prehistoric neaderthal times and French cave paintings carbon dated to over fifteen thousand years ago are generally accepted to depict plants with healing powers.

Virtually all non-industrialised societies continue to use plants to treat disease. The growing worries about pharmaceutical drugs and their side effects have seen a resurgence in herbal medicine across the western world. Three main traditions are now used commonly in Naturopathic herbalism.

European based on Greek and Roman traditions

Ayurvedic based on Indian traditions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)