FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Wellness Questions

Herbal Medicine is the art and science of using medicinal plants to support health and wellness.

Herbal Medicine has a history dating more than 5,00 years. It still is the world’s primary form of medicine especially in many developing countries. 

Pharmaceutical drugs are either extracts of active constituents of plants (i.e. plant chemicals or phytochemicals) combined with synthesized chemicals or synthesized chemicals manufactured to target a determined biological process.

Herbal preparations are made with fresh or dried plants and contain hundreds of active phytochemicals. 

Whole herbs tend to be safer, and even more effective than pharmaceuticals. The reason given is that what is considered as non-active phytochemicals in a plant work synergistically with the active component to support the healthy functioning of the body. When the active component is extracted, there is the tendency for it not to be as safe or as effective as the whole plant. Many pharmaceuticals containing herbs have the isolated active component combined with synthesized chemicals. 

For millennia, the body depended on plants for its health and wellness because plants tend to be easily processed. Pharmaceuticals can be difficult for the body to process. This may cause adverse effects. 

Herbal Medicine, also known as traditional medicine, has a holistic approach. It takes into consideration the physical, spiritual, mental, emotional and lifestyle of the individual. It also recognizes and respects the innate healing power of the human body. Herbs are simply given to support the body in its self-healing journey. Herbal medicine incorporates information about diet and lifestyle when formulating an herbal support regimen for everyone.

Conventional Medicine is a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals diagnose and treat symptoms and diseases. Conventional Medicine employs modern techniques that could not be accomplished by Traditional Medicine, such as surgery. Conventional Medicine is also excellent for acute situations that must be urgently attended to such as a motor vehicle accident, acute appendicitis and the need for blood transfusion. 

Conventional Medicine is however lacking the holistic approach and trends behind Traditional Medicine (of which Herbal Medicine is a part), in the support of chronic conditions. 

The best medical approach is one that allows the body to gently rebalance itself through lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques, nutrition, and herbal therapies, followed by the intervention of pharmaceutical drugs and surgery when necessary.

Herbalists are individuals who are knowledgeable of and who work with medicinal plants. They use traditional information/practices and evidence-based research of plants to support healthy function of the human body. A herbal consultant forms a part of a holistic wellness team, to support health and wellness goals.

A well-trained herbal consultant is usually educated in both the traditional as well as scientific, evidence-based approach of herbalism. Herbalists study anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, pathology, pharmacology (of medicinal herbs) and pharmacy (as it relates to herbs).

No one can say definitively that an herb will work for you. The herbal consultant is guided by traditional and historic uses of herbs, an evidence-based approach and your medical history (including prescribed medications and supplements you may be taking). If you are unsure if an herb is right for you, please speak with a certified herbal consultant. Some herbs may interact with your prescribed medication or supplements. 

This depends on the condition the herb is assisting the body to resolve as well as the mode of administration. Herbs used to support the body in resolving chronic conditions takes the longest for the effects to be felt. This may take years. Teas and tinctures are fast acting. 

Some herbs have a remedial dose that is not close to their toxic dose. These herbs are considered safe. Herbs that have a remedial dose that is close to the toxic dose must be administered under strict supervision. An individual may be allergic to an herb considered as safe. However, most adverse events to herbal administration are mild. When in doubt as to whether an herb is safe for you, speak with a certified herbal consultant. 

The World Health Organization approaches the safety of herbal medicine from the premise “… that if the product has been traditionally used without demonstrated harm, no specific restrictive regulatory action should be undertaken unless new evidence demands a revised risk-benefit assessment.”