WHAT Is PHYTOTH
ERAPY?
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WHAT IS A MEDICAL HERBALIST?
A medical herbalist is:
highly trained in the philosophies, principles and practice of Western herbal medicine and medical science
has a specialist university education from an accredited institution and association;
combines conventional medical knowledge with scientific and traditional understanding of plant medicine;
takes a holistic view towards health and diseases,
will assess you as a person and not a disease,
involves prescribing efective doses of herbal remedies that are of pharmaceutical grade/ dose that are safe for
human use in the prevention and treatment of diseases or the promotion of wellness,
seeks to treat the underlying cause of disease,
works towards stimulating or strengthening the body’s normal functions, and so help the body heal itself,
works at all times, toward creating a trusting and healing relationship with the patient;
to ispire positive and lasting changes,
provides nutition, lfestyle, stress management and psycho-spiritual advise;
maintains high standard of professional practice;
is an authoritative source of infrmation about natural health.
BENEFITS OF CONSULTING AN ACCREDITED HERBALIST
Your practtioner:
is a fully qulfed specialist in herbal medicine;
is recognised by many health funds for rebates,
abides by a professional Code of Ethics,
maintains continuing professional education.
HOW DOES PHYTOTHERAPY WORKS?
In phytotherapy, plant medicines are selected based on a professional consultation with the patient. Functional tests,
medical tests and dfferential diagnosis may be used if further assessment is necessary. They are selected to
stimulate or strengthen the body’s normal functions, and so assist the body to heal itself.
The medical herbalist approaches each client as a unique individual in making a holistic diagnosis. Any herbal
medicine prescribed may be a combination of plants chosen for the specific needs of the patient Herbs may be
prescribed may be in the form of tea, tinctures, capsules, tablet, and a lotion/cream for topical use.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CONSULTING A HERBALIST?
A full and comprehensive consultation including:
a detailed case and medical history, including diet, lifestyle and emotional states;
individully prescribed and dispensed herbal medicine with clear dos age instructions;
dietary, stress management and lifestyle advise or coaching;
laboratory tests, simple physical examination may be done or further medical test may be advised via your
medical doctor or independent laboratory;
conidentiaity,
professionalism.
HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT TAKE?
This will depend completely on the individual and their condition. Patient’s cormpliance is also very important.
Some improvement in symptoms should be noted within hours to a day for acute conditins such asa cold or fu, or
within 4 to 6 weeks for chronic conditions. Chronic problems are particulartly well suited to treatment with herbal
medicine. Some chronic conditions such as autoimmune, certain skin diseases may need longer duration 0
treatment.
IS HERBAL MEDICINE SAFE?
Phytotherapy is very safe and effective when prescribed by a fully qualifed medical herbalist. Self-care with herbs,
due to their complexity, should be complemented with professional consultations.
Work with a healing, patient-centred, and qulifled medical herbalist in your joumey to use herbs safely for total
wellness. Do not rely on the advice of sales professionals, the Intemet, over-the-counter sales employees, or sales
promotion and advertisements for information about herbs. If you have any questions or concerns about your
treatment, please consult your medical herbalist. Healing is a partnership
CAN HERBS BE TAKEN ALONG SIDE MY DOCTOR’S PRE SCRIPTION?
Medical herbalists are trained to work with doctor’s prescriptions, so your herbal protocol will be chosen to avoid
interaction with any current medication. Follow-up appointments at regular intervals will be made to monitor your
progress and adjust the protocol accordingly.
IS PHYTOTHERAPY SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?
Phytotherapy is found to be very suitable, safe, and ffective for babies and children’s aiments and general health.
Herbs can aleviate symptoms and facilitate developmental changes such as the maturation of the immune system.
Thus they can benefit the long-term health of the child. It is also a gentle form of medicine that supports their
developing body systems.
