Information on Herbalism, also known as Phytomedicine

The use of plants for medicinal purpose, has been common to all people of the world for thousands of years. All native cultures have a well-developed understanding of local plants for primary healthcare. Phytotherapy is a therapeutic system based exclusively on the curative power of plant remedies. It is a holistic system of healing that uses plants, or plant parts, in a non-intrusive way. Herbalists believe that the constituents of a plant work synergistically to stimulate the natural healing process. When the whole plant is used rather than extracted constituents, the different parts interact, producing a greater therapeutic effect than the equivalent dosage of isolated active constituents. The value of a medical herb cannot be reduced simply to a list of its active constituents.

Many people use herbs because they are felt to be safer, cheaper, more natural and to have fewer side-effects. This is not always the case. Any substance can trigger an idiosyncratic response. Herbs must be given with knowledge and responsibility. It is crucial to know the therapeutic action of the herbal remedy and its effective and safe dosage. Most commonly used herbs are extremely safe to use. But some plants can produce side-effects and, like all medicine, herbal remedies must be treated with respect. It is essential to use certain plants only under the guidance of well-trained practitioners. The products on this website all have a proven track record and are prescribed by a respected and experienced herbal practitioner and traditional healer.

The tenets of Phytotherapy
o The whole plant is better than an isolated extract
o Treat the whole person, not just the symptoms
o Practice minimum effective treatment and minimum intervention
o Strengthen the body and encourage it to heal itself
Phytotherapy as a first line of treatment aim to strengthen the patient's own resistance, improve the vitality of weakened tissue, and encourage the body's innate ability to return to good health.

The rules of safe home treatment with herbal remedies:
o Consider the whole body and person
o Use simple remedies internally and externally
o Take as recommended - remember the law of minimum effective dosage and minimum intervention.
Doubling the dosage does not double the effectiveness and will put an extra burden on an already sick person. Seek professional help if any doubt to make a correct diagnosis requires professional knowledge and training.

Many of the thousands of plant species growing throughout the world have medicinal uses, containing active constituents that have direct action on the body helping to combat illness and support the body's efforts to regain good health. Source: 2002/12/18 - M Bornman