Natural Medicine
What is Natural Medicine?
Natural medicines have a long history of use and it has been estimated that at least 70% of the world's population use natural medicines as their main form of health care.
Our knowledge of how natural medicines work has grown significantly in recent decades. We now have access to scientific data that validates the traditional use of particular plants by our ancestors for a wide range of health conditions.
Natural medicine generally occurs within a 'holistic' framework. Holistic in this instance refers to the consideration of the whole person and their physical, emotional and spiritual needs and the environment in which they live and work rather than just the symptoms of their illness.
As part of a treatment programme people are encouraged to take an active role in their wellbeing by addressing dietary and lifestyle issues that may be contributing to their illness. It may also be suggested that to accelerate recovery an individual undertakes some form of bodywork such as massage, yoga, talking therapy such as counselling or the learning of specific relaxation techniques.
Safety issues when using natural medicines are given a high priority at The Herbal Dispensary Store & Health Clinic. All of our practitioners have undergone extensive formal training at recognised training establishments over three to four year periods before gaining their professional qualifications.
Natural medicines have become increasingly available over-the-counter in supermarkets, chemists and other retail outlets. We believe that in order for natural medicines to be both efficacious and safe they are best prescribed by people specifically trained to do so.
Many outlets selling natural medicines claim to have trained health consultants, it is important to ask about the exact nature of that training. Some in store health consultants receive their training solely from company sales reps, often not qualified practitioners themselves. This type of training is generally quite rudimentary and cannot match the knowledge and skills gained by practitioners who have undertaken professional courses of study.
Natural medicines come in a variety of forms and may include;
* Dried herbs for use as infusions (a process that generally uses hot water to extract the beneficial ingredients from the plant).
* Herbal liquid extracts, tablets and capsules, creams, lotions, compresses.
* Dietary supplements, available in tablet and capsule, powder and liquid form.
* Homeopathic remedies.
* Flower essences such as the Bach flower essences.
* Essential oils.
* External treatments such as face and body care products to help normalise skin activity.
Treatments
What can Natural Medicine Treat?
Common childhood complaints such as colds, digestive upsets, constipation, ear infections, tonsillitis, poor immune function, eczema, asthma, poor appetite, failure to thrive, mood problems, ADHD, sleep problems.
For pregnant and breastfeeding women, natural medicines can be used to enhance general wellbeing as well as to address a variety of common health problems particular to both pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Where fertility is concerned there is a comprehensive Natural Fertility Management programme available through the clinic for couples experiencing difficulty with conception or with carrying a pregnancy to full term.
For sports people or those that work out at the gym a lot, there are natural medicines to help with recovery from sprains and strains as well as to support the body to cope with the extra demands placed on it by intensive training programmes.
Both overstretched business people and students can gain much benefit from nutritional and herbal support to enhance overall performance, memory and concentration, support for hectic schedules that may result in less than optimum diet, immune support and stress management.
Increasing numbers of people experience periods of stress, anxiety and low mood or depression. Natural medicines have much to offer in terms of support for the nervous and adrenal systems. Many people find this an effective approach to treatment of mild to moderate states of depression and anxiety.
Skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis can generally be improved or controlled through a combination of dietary and herbal/nutritional changes.
Respiratory system complaints such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, sinusitis, hayfever.
Digestive complaints, such as irritable bowel, liver problems, constipation, bloating, excessive wind, reflux, heartburn, stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Immune problems such as recurring infections, glandular fever, recurring cold sores or genital herpes.
Womens health, challenges related to female reproductive system such as PMS, heavy or painful periods, cycle irregularity, menopausal symptoms such as flushing, memory loss, low mood, irregular cycles can be helped with natural medicines and diet.
Male health, there is good herbal and nutritional support available to assist in both prevention and treatment of male health problems such as impotence and prostate problems.
Cardio-vascular conditions such as high blood pressure, angina, palpitations.
Miscellaneous conditions such as migraine, thyroid problems, blood sugar levels.
Musculo-skeletal conditions such as arthritis, osteo-arthritis, poly-myalgia, injury and surgery recovery.
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