Herbal Medicine - a prescription tailored to your individual health.

A consultation with an Herbalist lasts at least an hour. During that time there will be a long discussion about the symptoms and ailment bothering you. The consultation then moves on to all other aspects of your health. This allows the Herbalist to gain a wealth of information about your current health, and also your past medical history  - all vital to the success of the prescription.

The herbalist aims to identify and address the cause of symptoms, rather than suppress them, as symptoms are warning signs to indicate a health problem.

A prescription of herbs is tailored to each individual, so two people with the same condition are unlikely to be given the same combination of herbs. Often there are many herbs which may address the problem concerned. The herbalist is trained to select the most appropriate for each individual, and to combine this with other herbs to support the effect.

As a consequence of the detailed consultation, the herbalist is often able to select herbs in a way which allows several health issues to be addressed at the same time.

An example of this is provided by considering a scenario of two people complaining of eczema. One person may have symptoms triggered by stress, but a medical history of raised blood pressure and poor sleep. The second person may have eczema triggered by a food intolerance, with a history of frequent headaches and digestive symptoms. Prescriptions for both are likely to have some similarities, but the combinations of herbs for each will also include important differences, allowing the specific underlying health issues of each individual to be addressed.

For more details on Herbal Medicine, visit www.lynblythe.com

Tinctures (medicines) in the dispensary

Free Health Chats

For anyone in Wiltshire:

I will be offering free health chats and advice at Swindon Pulse Wholefoods (27 Curtis St) on Thursday 6th June, 2013. No booking required - just drop in between 10am - 12 noon (see also www.lynblythe.com)

"Drugs tend to destroy tissue and do not cure; herbs strengthen tissue and do cure" (Mrs C.F. Leyel)!

An interesting quotation, taken from Mrs C.F. Leyel, founder the Society of Herbalists (now called the Herb Society) and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Great Britain.

Green Medicine by Mrs C.F. Leyel (1952)

Although this quotation was published in "Green Medicine", written in 1952, most modern day herbalists would agree that herbs provide a plentiful supply of bioavailable vitamins and minerals, so facilitating tissue repair.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is an example of this, being rich in many vitamins and minerals, including iron. However, it is also rich in vitamin C, which improves the absorption of the iron. The stomach upsets which can accompany iron tablets are much less likely with the iron in plants.

Similarly, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a history of use as a diuretic. Whereas pharmaceutical diuretics (water tablets) can deplete the body of essential potassium, dandelion leaves are rich in potassium, so this potential problem is unlikely.

If you ever doubted good food can make a difference.....

Dr. Terry Wahls - Minding Your Mitochondria

This short video clip is a lecture by Dr Terry Wahls, a medical doctor with Multiple Sclerosis, who changed her diet and was subsequently able to get out of her wheelchair. It's well worth watching.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjgBLwH3Wc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

A better route to migraine relief (Dr. A. Weil) - The Huffington Post (2010)

An article written by a Harvard educated botanist and medical doctor:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/a-better-route-to-migrain_b_526945.html

Arthritis and Boswellia

An extract of Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) has been reported to significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

It was concluded that the extract may have achieved this effect by reducing inflammatory modulators or by reducing degradation of cartilage in the joint.

Read more:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18667054

Herbalists prescribe Boswellia to people with many other conditions too, such as ulcerative colitis. Generally a prescription will consist of several herbs, tailored to each individual.

Boswellia serrata

 

Boswellia serrata resin

                                                        

More About Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is made from plants (for example, Echinacea and St. John’s Wort), and has been used for thousands of years. Medical Herbalists are trained to combine the benefits of this traditional use with information emerging from modern scientific research.

Medical Herbalists see people with most conditions treated by GPs

These conditions range from short-term or mild problems, to more long-term and complex.

Examples include:

• Heart and circulation problems– high blood pressure, high cholesterol, varicose veins, angina, poor memory
• Respiratory problems – asthma, hayfever, sinusitis, ear infections, bronchitis, coughs, colds
• Digestion problems – IBS, colitis, ulcers, constipation, reflux, bloating, food intolerance
• Nervous system problems – poor sleep, headaches, anxiety, depression, stress, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
• Women’s health – PMS, period pains, cystitis, infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, menopausal symptoms, fibroids, irregular periods
• Men’s health – prostate problems, infertility
• Musculoskeletal problems – arthritis, gout
• Skin problems – eczema, psoriasis, acne
• Immune system problems –fatigue, allergies

 

Why use herbs

A benefit of herbs is that they are generally well-tolerated and safe, with a gentle action, yet can be amazingly effective.

Research is increasingly uncovering the way herbs achieve their effects.

The herbalist aims to identify and address the cause of symptoms, rather than suppress them, as symptoms are warning signs to indicate a health problem.

A prescription of herbs is tailored to each individual, so two people with the same condition are unlikely to be given the same combination of herbs. Often there are many herbs which may address the problem. The herbalist is trained to select the most appropriate for each individual, and to combine this with other herbs to support the effect.

The herbalist is often able to select herbs in a way which allows several health issues to be addressed at the same time.

Herbs are often easily accessible –including many of the “weeds” just outside your own home!

About Lyn

I am a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) and the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP)

I have over 30 years experience of working in healthcare with patients, both in the NHS and in the private sector, spanning most areas of health and illness.

I regularly attend professional lectures, workshops and seminars to continue to build on my skills, and to keep up to date with research.

I have a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Herbal Medicine. I was awarded the Arthur Barker prize for best Final Clinical Examination. I am a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH).

I also have a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy. I practise as a physiotherapist, am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and I am registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

I have a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiology with Biochemistry.

About Herbal Medicine

Medical Herbalists use plant medicines to address a wide range of illnesses, including long-term complaints. These herbal medicines can be used safely in all age groups, and are often used alongside medication from the GP.

There are times when orthodox medications or surgery are essential. However, at other times, there is often another way. By careful consideration of the cause of symptoms and illness, it is frequently possible to improve health. The use of herbs, many of which have been part of our diet for generations, offers a well-tolerated and safe alternative or addition to more modern treatment strategies.