Herbal Medicine

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine, still relied on by 75% of the world’s population. It is made from plants - roots, seeds, leaves and flowers. The whole plant contains many constituents which work together therapeutically on the body and mind. This is different from some drugs that may come from a single active plant chemical. Some herbs, like Echinacea or Astragalus, can aid our immunity and resistance to stress; others may remove toxins, balance the circulation, nervous system or hormones and enhance vitality.

How can herbal medicine help/when can it be given?

Herbs and healing foods can help with a variety of conditions associated with breast cancer and its treatments. Herbal medicine, nutritional and other practical advice about what people can do to help themselves is given at each stage:
pre- and post- breast surgery to support cardiovascular, immune and liver function in preparation for, through and after surgery; carefully chosen herbs used during and after chemotherapy to minimize damage to healthy tissue and support/restore key functions but not interfere with the action of the medical drugs; help treat side-effects such as mucositis, nausea, insomnia, lowered immune system and anxiety; during radiotherapy to support liver function, protect lung and heart function and prevent inflammation. Safe topical  herbal creams or gels can help protect and heal skin for menopausal or hormone drug-induced symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, insomnia and fatigue.  Herbal medicine may aid recovery after treatment and help maintain health and immunity through restorative tonics and foods that support energy and the immune system.

What happens in a session of herbal medicine?

You will usually have several consultations over several months. At the first consultation, which lasts an hour, the medical herbalist takes a full case history, including drug history, emotional state, diet and lifestyle. Blood pressure is taken and a physical examination made. By taking into account all aspects of your health, the aim is to remove underlying stressors and treat weaknesses in the function of the body in areas like digestion, immunity and the nervous system. The herbalist will support you to make practical and simple changes to diet and lifestyle.

Herbal remedies

After each consultation, the herbalist makes up an individual remedy in a liquid form that usually contains between four and ten herbal tinctures (an alcohol/water mix). Herbal teas, creams, juices, powders, capsules, tablets, syrups and pessaries may also be given. The prescribed remedy is reviewed and adjusted at the follow-up visits, and you can phone the herbalist with any queries or to order repeat prescriptions.

Number and length of herbal medicine appointments

Follow-up consultations last half-an-hour when you are reviewed and any new symptoms taken into account. You may then have further appointments as necessary once a month or at longer intervals.

How long might herbal treatments last?
This depends on the severity and duration of the condition or symptom. Some conditions respond within a month, other more chronic problems may take two or more months as the body begins to respond to the herbs, food and lifestyle changes and to regain its normal, healing function.