Western Herbal Medicine
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Welcome to Aucuparia Botanicals
Western Herbal Medicine is a treatment system based on the idea that plant-based medicines can be used in their natural, unmodified forms to help the body while it heals. It has its roots in the traditional medical practices of Europe, and generally relies on orthodox, or Western, methods of diagnosis. Most herbalists take into account the complete physiological and psychological make-up of an individual along with their environment and lifestyle during treatment. Herbalists prescribe whole-plant products in the form of tinctures, teas, oils, creams, or ointments which are tailored to the individual patient. Many herbalists believe that whole-plant medicines are gentler on the body than some other kinds of treatments and may be safer for use in some instances.
The herbal industry is worth £30 billion a year globally, but much of this is comprised of over-the-counter sales. When you choose a qualified Medical Herbalist you can rest safely knowing that your herbalist has been extensively trained in plant chemistry, anatomy and physiology, clinical medicine, herbal medicine, and modern diagnostic techniques. Your herbalist will be able to assess whether your treatment will interfere with your other prescriptions, and adjust your herbal treatment accordingly. Additionally, your herbalist will not hesitate work with your GP or other health-care professionals, should you so require.
What Can Western Herbal Medicine Do For Me?
Herbalists treat many of the complaints that a GP might treat, although they will refer you back to your physician, if necessary. Common complaints treated with herbal medicines include eczema, acne, asthma, hay fever, polycystic ovaries, ME, sinusitis, IBS, acid reflux, dyspepsia, constipation, arthritis, menopausal symptoms, period pains, insomnia, mild depression, stress, and chronic fatigue. Although these are the most commonly treated conditions, herbal medicine can be used for many different conditions, not limited to those above. Herbal medicine is also very helpful for many childrens’ complaints and can be used in many of the illnesses experienced by the elderly. Your herbalist is happy work together with your other primary care practitioners in cases of more serious illness.
About the Herbalist
Heather Griggs-Hardie holds a BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine with First Class Honours from Napier University in Edinburgh. She completed a rigorous 4-year Life Sciences programme covering subjects such as biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, clinical medicine, clinical diagnosis, genetics, and molecular pathology in addition to her herbal studies. She was awarded a 2007 Nigel Wynn Award for Innovation in Herbal Projects by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists for her dissertation on Vaccinium myrtillus (Blaeberry).
Heather is interested in pursuing research into the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines, and intends to pursue a PhD in Pharmacology or Biochemstry in the near future. She is a member of the College of the Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP) and the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH). She is currently undertaking a 3-year course in Chinese therapeutic massage through Chanquanshu School of Daoist Arts, with whom she has been a Taijiquan and Qi Gong student since 2004.
Previous to undertaking her studies at Napier University, Heather gained a BA and MA in Anthropology from the City University of New York. She also has extensive experience in horticulture and botany.
Service Categories
Herbalists, Mens Health, Natural Fertility Management, Weight Loss, Womens Health
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