Herbal medicine is considered to be the most ancient art form of healing in the world. In fact the history of herbal medicine is actually a part of the history of medicine itself. Written records by the Romans, Egyptians, Hebrews, Native Americans and Indigenous Australians date back hundreds and thousands of years documenting herbal medicine uses for practically every known illness to mankind. Herbal Medicine is also known as botanical medicine, phyto-therapy or phyto-medicine. It involves using a plant or part of a plant, leaf, flower, stem, seed, root, fruit or bark to heal a range of conditions. In Western civilisation herbal medicine may be classed as being “alternative” or “complimentary” however we must remember that it remains the only form of Medicine widely available to much of the worlds population. There are an estimated 400,000 plants known today, yet only a fraction of these have been studied and are being used medicinally - this shows us that nature provides us with an untapped healing resource.

 

How does Herbal Medicine work?

 

Herbs & plants contain significant numbers of naturally occurring chemicals called constituents (also known as phyto-chemicals) that have biological activity within the human body. Herbalists believe that herbs should be used in their complete form as the constituents work synergistically with one another. At Eyre Naturopathy clinic we only use evidence based herbal medicines that have been standardised to specific constituents as well as manufacturing and processing standards. Organic herbal medicines are preferred and used where possible.

 

Herbal medicines are extremely effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions either acute or chronic without causing the unwanted side effects that are often experienced in conventional pharmaceutical treatments. When taking a Herbal Medicine your Naturopath will discuss with you what prescription medications you are currently taking to check that there will be no interactions between the two. Herbal preparations are able to bring balance to the whole body instead of just targeting one specific symptom.  Modern herbal medicine is safe when prescribed by a qualified herbalist and is constantly backed up by evidence based research. 

 

Forms of Herbal Medicine:

 

At Eyre Naturopathy clinic Herbal Remedies may be prescribed in a variety of forms. Herbal remedies that are taken internally come in the form of standardised liquid herbal extracts, teas, powders, capsules and tablets. Herbal remedies that are applied externally may include baths, compresses, douches, poultices, oils, ointments, salves and wraps.

 

 

Prices:

 

Initial Consultation: $110 (Private Health Rebates apply)

Concession: $80

 

Follow up Consultation: $70

Concession: $50