Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine, sometimes referred to as Herbal Medicine
or Herbalism is the use of herbs (a plant or plant part) for
medicinal purposes. Herbs contain a variety of chemical
constituents that act upon the body in various ways in order to
move the body back towards health. Using herbs as medicine is
the oldest form of healthcare and has been used by all cultures
throughout history. Primitive man observed and appreciated the
great diversity of plants available to him; providing him food, clothing,
shelter, as well as medicine. Although conventional medicine has often
considered herbal treatments “experimental”, many pharmaceuticals
(drugs) are derived from plants. In more modern times, science has
isolated the medicinal properties from a large number of plants. Many
plant constituents are now synthesized in large laboratories for use in
pharmaceutical preparations. A few examples include digitalis (cardiac
drug), aspirin (salicylic acid derived from the bark of the willow tree), and
vincristine (anti-cancer/tumor drug that comes from periwinkle).
or Herbalism is the use of herbs (a plant or plant part) for
medicinal purposes. Herbs contain a variety of chemical
constituents that act upon the body in various ways in order to
move the body back towards health. Using herbs as medicine is
the oldest form of healthcare and has been used by all cultures
throughout history. Primitive man observed and appreciated the
great diversity of plants available to him; providing him food, clothing,
shelter, as well as medicine. Although conventional medicine has often
considered herbal treatments “experimental”, many pharmaceuticals
(drugs) are derived from plants. In more modern times, science has
isolated the medicinal properties from a large number of plants. Many
plant constituents are now synthesized in large laboratories for use in
pharmaceutical preparations. A few examples include digitalis (cardiac
drug), aspirin (salicylic acid derived from the bark of the willow tree), and
vincristine (anti-cancer/tumor drug that comes from periwinkle).
How are herbal medicines prepared?
Naturopathic Physicians utilize all different parts of a plant, including the
flowers, leaves, roots, stems, berries, fruit, seeds, bark, rhizome, etc. for
medicinal purposes. There are many forms in which herbs can be applied
or delivered to the patient. These include capsules, tinctures, teas,
glycerites, and decoctions, as well as others. Various topical preparations
include salves, creams, compresses, poultices, and liniments. Most of the
herbs prescribed by Champion Naturopathic Health are in the form of
capsules, tinctures, and glycerites.
Naturopathic Physicians utilize all different parts of a plant, including the
flowers, leaves, roots, stems, berries, fruit, seeds, bark, rhizome, etc. for
medicinal purposes. There are many forms in which herbs can be applied
or delivered to the patient. These include capsules, tinctures, teas,
glycerites, and decoctions, as well as others. Various topical preparations
include salves, creams, compresses, poultices, and liniments. Most of the
herbs prescribed by Champion Naturopathic Health are in the form of
capsules, tinctures, and glycerites.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Champion Naturopathic Health, LLC 4035 W. Chandler Blvd. Ste 1, Chandler, AZ 85226 Ph: (480) 705-9611 Fax: (480) 756-6012 Copyright 2007, All rights reserved _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
When used properly, herbs are very safe and effective.
But, it is important to seek a Naturopathic Doctor or
trained Herbalist before beginning treatment with
botanicals. Naturopathic Doctors have extensive
training in botanical medicine, where they are required
to learn the toxicology, medicinal constituents utilized,
drug-herb interactions, and how to safely prescribe hundreds of herbs. At
the completion of medical school, ND’s are required to sit for a professional
licensing board exam which includes competency in botanical medicine.
But, it is important to seek a Naturopathic Doctor or
trained Herbalist before beginning treatment with
botanicals. Naturopathic Doctors have extensive
training in botanical medicine, where they are required
to learn the toxicology, medicinal constituents utilized,
drug-herb interactions, and how to safely prescribe hundreds of herbs. At
the completion of medical school, ND’s are required to sit for a professional
licensing board exam which includes competency in botanical medicine.
Drug and herb interactions can present a problem if one is not of any
harmful interaction can be significantly minimized when a Naturopathic
Physician is carefully managing your treatment.
Commonly, many herbs are safe to take with medications,
but it is imperative to consult with your Naturopathic Doctor
before beginning any herbal medicine protocol.
harmful interaction can be significantly minimized when a Naturopathic
Physician is carefully managing your treatment.
Commonly, many herbs are safe to take with medications,
but it is imperative to consult with your Naturopathic Doctor
before beginning any herbal medicine protocol.