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Thursday 14 October 2021

Herbal medicine: an ancient "Functional Medicine"

An individualised approach: addressing the whole person 
Increasingly it is appreciated that to achieve long-term recovery and ongoing health, it is necessary to adopt a personalised approach, considering the whole person, rather than simply stopping symptoms of the disease. Suppressing symptoms masks the underlying problem, usually resulting in the symptoms recurring at a later date.

A thorough consultation
Herbalists have the benefit of time; a luxury which allows us to take a thorough case history. This process takes a minimum of an hour. 

Initially this involves an in-depth discussion regarding the person's current problem, possible causes, triggers, patterns of symptoms. This is then followed by extensive questioning of all other body systems, with associated examinations and/or tests if deemed necessary.

It is the thorough nature of this case history taking which allows us to tailor the approach we take to the individual concerned. As an example, two people with "eczema" are unlikely to be given the same herb combination, as one person may have food intolerances and headaches, and another have a history of joint problems.

Individualised herbs: combination of herbs is vital
Herbalists very rarely give single herbs. Before I trained, I laboured under the impression someone would take one herb to try to help one symptom, another for another, and so on. I frequently hear this in my practice - someone will have tried "a headache herb". 

The reason though herbalists ask about all other body systems, is to allow us to combine herbs appropriate for the individual concerned, and also to ensure the herbs selected will work well together, helping the absorption of each other, for example.

Traditional use combined with science
Herbs have been used safely by our forefathers for generations. This knowledge is passed down to each new generation of herbalists. We now have the added benefit of being able to combine this tried and tested traditional use with emerging science. Every year a new raft of scientific studies are conducted attempting to uncover the role of the individual constituents of the herbs.

 For further information visit my website www.lynblythe.com



Herbal medicine: Good health naturally




 

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