Herbal medicine today understands the therapeutic applications of plant medicines in terms of current scientific research as well as traditional usage and the clinical experience of modern herbalists. A very wide range of conditions respond well to botanical remedies, herbs being prescribed to restore proper function to the body and enhance innate vitality.

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Herbal Medicine is suitable for people of any age, including children, who respond especially well to the gentle actions of herbs. Each patient is treated as an individual – a Medical Herbalist recognises that no two patients are the same.

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Herbal medicines can be made using the whole plant, a single part, e.g. leaf, flower or root - each may have a different action - or a combination of parts. Each herb, or even one part, has differing profiles of chemical constituents with distinctive action in the human body, often requiring different extraction methods. Both fresh and dried plant material are used, according to clinical need.

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Herbal medicines come in different forms:

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Water-based preparations

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• Infusions: dried or fresh herbs, usually aerial parts, steeped in boiling water

• Decoction: usually harder plant material, boiled on the stove for longer than infusions

• Syrups: herbs incorporated into a thick, sweet liquid

• Poultices: moistened herbs kept in place by a cloth for localised healing

• Lotions: infusions or decoctions delivered in a smooth liquid preparation

• Compresses: generally a soft cloth wrung out of a hot or cold infusion or decoction and applied to the affected area

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Alcohol-based preparations usually called Tinctures. There are non-alcoholic alternatives to this such as glycerites or vinegars which are taken in the same way. 

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Oil-based preparations such as infused oils and ointments are used externally.

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Other preparations commonly used:

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• Powders taken internally and applied externally, may come in loose form or in capsules

• Juices are very nutritive

• Creams are often preferred in the treatment of skin conditions

• Steam inhalations

• Baths and skin washes

• Gargles and mouthwashes

• Pessaries and suppositories

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What does a Herbalist treat?

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Medical herbalism is for everyone - if you would like more specific information on how a medical herbalist approaches health problems, please see links below or contact Harry Boys at the Clinic.

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• Joints and Bone

• Heart and Circulation

• Skin

• Nutrition and Nourishment

• Fertility, Pregnancy and Childbirth

• Hormone Health

• Emotional Health

• Fatigue Syndrome

• Energy and Stamina

• Digestion

• Allergy

• The Immune System

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TREATMENT DETAILS

 

Please see individual practitioner pages for Treatment Details and Fees.

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Practitioners:  Harry Boys

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