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What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is a system of healing in which medicinal plants and natural protocols are used in the prevention or treatment of acute and chronic diseases and in the maintenance of optimum health and well-being. It is the original medicine of all peoples. Every culture of every era has, until recently, depended upon plants for healing. Even today, herbal medicine is the primary healing modality for much of the world’s population.
The Herbalist’s Philosophy of Healing
Herbalists practice according to a holistic philosophy of healing. The entirety of the person, their life experiences, and their individuality is taken into consideration in planning a treatment protocol. Similar symptoms may have many different causes and each person is unique. The Registered Herbalist is trained to assess these factors. The underlying causes are sought, and appropriate botanical formulas are carefully crafted to meet the individual’s need. The results are effective and take into account the multiple facets of the condition.
Are Herbs Effective?
The Registered Herbalists’ knowledge of their medicine comes from empirical wisdom gathered over centuries of practice interwoven with modern scientific understanding and accomplishments. Harvested, prepared and compounded in accordance with time-tested, traditional principles, herbal medicine is a powerful healing agent, often achieving startlingly positive results.
Are Herbs Safe?
People have always co-existed with the plant kingdom. Our bodies have evolved the ability to extract and use the healing properties from plants, as well as mechanisms for eliminating many potentially harmful substances. The safety of herbs has been demonstrated throughout history and by the wide availability of herbal products in recent years. Despite the fact that most people self-medicate with herbs, significant negative reactions remain rare.
Who can benefit from Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is a safe and effective healing modality for everyone. People of all ages, from infants to the very elderly, can find benefit from herbs. Those already receiving medical care may also be helped, and are given treatments which do not adversely interact with their medication.
How a Herbalist Differs
Many people do not have a clear understanding how herbalism differs from the treatments offered by other Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapists. While practitioners use natural healing methods which may include herbs, the Registered Herbalist is a specialist in the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutic activity.
The main focus of the herbalist is the treatment of imbalance or illness through the judicious use of herbs. Herbalism is humanity’s oldest healing tradition. The Registered Herbalist has a deep understanding of the medicine that each herb offers and has spent many years studying the intricacies and artistry of plant synergy and formulating. Therefore, the herbalist knows how best to combine plants for maximum efficacy and will ensure that their herbs are of the highest quality and safety. They are also familiar with the possible interactions between herbs and pharmaceutical medication.
By consulting with a Registered Herbalist (a professional member of the OHA), you are assured that your herbalist meets OHA standards and you will receive the greatest care and the best herbal medicines to address your individual needs whether you are experiencing complex and challenging health concerns or simply wishing to maintain an excellent level of health and well-being.
Why See a Registered Herbalist?
All Registered Herbalists meet OHA education requirements and must adhere to strict codes of ethics and practice. The OHA is the only body providing self-regulated certification for herbalists in the province of Ontario.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first session can last up to 2 hours so that a full health history can be taken and any past therapies or medical tests assessed.
After the assessment, your herbalist will design a treatment protocol that suits your specific needs and capacities. This usually involves one or more herbal formulations and perhaps the recommendation of some natural supplements. Any diet and/or lifestyle issues that may have contributed to your condition will also be discussed and alternatives explored.
Follow-up Appointments
Follow up appointments are scheduled at regular intervals to assess your progress. The spacing between appointments will be determined by your needs.
The length of treatment varies with the individual, but throughout the course of treatment you will enjoy increasing health and vitality.
The material contained on this web site is intended for educational purposes only and no responsibility is assumed for misadventure resulting from the misuse of botanical preparations. If you have a health problem, you should consult a qualified medical doctor for diagnosis. Herbal treatment should be undertaken only with the advice of a qualified herbal practitioner. Self medication may be dangerous or ineffective.
General membership in the Ontario Herbalists Association is open to any herbal enthusiast, and does not imply any fitness to practise herbal medicine. The OHA only supports those members who have met or exceeded the requirements for professional membership, who have been approved, and whose membership is in good standing.
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