Western Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is the oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine in the world today.
Herbal medicines act on the human physiology to influence bodily activity,either enhance/support or inhibit/calm organ function. Herbs are prescribed with the aim of correcting imbalances and resolving patterns of dysfunction. For example, bitter substances, found in certain herbs, stimulate the production and release of digestive juices, thereby improving digestive function.
Herbalists generally, use whole plant extracts containing multiple constituents on the basis that these ingredients provide synergistic actions. By using the whole herb rather then any individual constituent adverse side can also be reduced or avoided.
Using several herbs together likewise achieves synergistic activity, enhanced efficacy, and reduced toxicity. Herbal Medicine supports holistic treatment, so prevention of disease is as important as the treatment of acute or chronic disease.
Our Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner is Petra Doerfling (RN, DMH, Member Australian Traditional Medicine Society)
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