WHAT IS A CLINICAL HERBALIST
Deirdre in consultation with a client.
WHAT IS A CLINICAL HERBALIST
A clinical herbalist has a strong focus on working with people to alleviate symptoms that are causing health concerns and to correct underlying imbalances mentally, physically and spiritually. Yes we use herbs but we are also trained in drug interactions, nutrition, phytopharmacology, therapeutic dosing and how to research scientific based evidence.
Traditional herbalists will focus on gathering and growing herbs then making medicines from them for their clients. On top of this there are many types and models of herbalism: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Western Herbalism, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic, Herbalism, just to name a few. Each has its own cultural construct, jargon, and way of interpreting the body and its functions and processes.
Confusing? Well don’t worry sometimes herbalists find it hard to define what they do as we tend to cross over and use each other’s beliefs, herbs and practices at times. However, most herbalists agree that we do not differ in our beliefs about basic physiology, but we do differ in our philosophies regarding how we fundamentally treat mind, body and spirit.
As a western clinical herbalist I use medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements to create change within the body. As part of a health plan, we tend to suggest lifestyle choices that support optimum health and wellbeing.
In New Zealand, plant medicine was taught at medical schools well into the middle of the 20th century. Prior to the recent advent of synthetic drugs in the late 19th century, Doctors used safe and effective plant medicines to heal their patients. Then gradually we parted ways (philosophically speaking) and as in any divorce situation…..who gets the kids?
Well here at DP Herbals we firmly believe in “share care”. Herbal medicine as practiced today is a blend of traditional herbal knowledge and modern medical science. In todays world, patients can choose and benefit from the combined knowledge of both these approaches by visiting a clinical herbalist. Interestingly, most people who are already using natural healthcare are not against conventional medicines per se using them in emergencies or when there is no other option available. Again many people already choose to seek out natural methods as their first line of treatment.