Herbs have a longer history of use than any other form of medicine, and more than 25% of existing medicinal drugs are extracted from, or have originated from, plant materials. Up to three-quarters of medicines taken globally are herbal representing a vast collective of information, which is now attracting substantial research.

It should be remembered that just because a product is considered natural, this does not automatically make it safe. Herbs can have side effects, contraindications, and potential interactions with orthodox medicines or nutritional supplements. They are a potent form of medicine and should be used with practitioner guidance to ensure both safety and maximum therapeutic benefit.

Recent studies demonstrate that

However results of studies are often inconsistent, indicating the need for further study. This may be partly because western medicine does not take sufficient account of the individuality of the patient. Traditional medicine assesses each person, and the addition of these diagnostic skills enables the practitioner to choose the most effective herb for the person, rather than prescribing for the condition.

We utilise both Western herbs and the Three Treasures range of Chinese medicine patent remedies. Assessment, and choice of herbal remedy, is made by clinical history, physical examination, the traditional methods of tongue and pulse diagnosis, and the most recent western knowledge.

References
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Elsabagh, S., Hartley, D.E., Ali, O., Williamson, E.M., File, S.E., 2005, Differential cognitive effects of Gingko biloba after acute and chronic treatment in healthy volunteers, Psychopharmacology (Berl), May;179(2):437-46

Fava, M., Alpert, J., Nierenberg, A.A., Mischoulon, D., Ott, M.W., Zajecka, J., Murck, H., Rosenbaum, J.F., 2005, A double-blind, randomised trial of St John’s wort, fluoxetine, and placebo in major depressive disorder, J Clin Psychopharmacol, Oct;25(5):441-7

Low Dog, T., 2005, Menopause: a review of botanical dietary supplements, Am J Med, Dec 19;118(12 Suppl 2):98-108

Schulz, V., 2006, Safety of St. John’s Wort extract compared to synthetic antidepressants, Phytomedicine, Feb;13(3):199-204

Uebelhack, R., Blohmer, J.U., Graubaum H.J., Busch, R., Gruenwald, J., Wernecke, K.D., 2006, Black cohosh and St. John’s wort for climacteric complaints: a randomised trial, Obstet Gynaecol, Feb;107(2 Pt 1):247-55