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The Essence of Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is the original medicine of all peoples of this Earth. It is a traditional medicine that contains within it the voice of our ancestors – reminding us who we are and where we come from. But it is also a living, vital medicine that evolves with us through time so that it will always remain relevant and current.
Herbal medicine can never be taken from us because there is nothing between us and its availability.
Herbal medicine is of and for the people. There is no separation between us and our medicinal plants, and no process that is absolutely necessary before they can be used. Anyone can have access to the profound healing plants offer. But it is also a medicine that has been shaped into a diversity of systems by many gifted women and men over the millennia of our existence. Herbs offer us systems of medicine that can be as complex or as simple as appropriate/needed to reflect the understanding of the person using them. Each plant has such a beautiful and astounding complexity that it could take a lifetime to understand completely. This complexity inspires the intelligence and creativity of the practitioner to co-create with the plants a diversity of healing systems. So in this way it is a living medicine that is reborn each time it is used.
Herbs contain within them an ancient knowing; a resonance of home. They remind us that we have not been abandoned here without the means of surviving and thriving. Just as the Earth provides us with everything we need for food and shelter, She provides us herbs that give us the ability to heal ourselves from whatever ails us.
Plants have not been altered by social mores or technology. They heal our flesh and teach our souls how to be our greatest potential because they have never wandered outside the natural laws. Plants provide us a path back to our greatest health of body, mind and spirit. They are our older siblings and have always lovingly sung their healing wisdom into our ears and our hearts. They have adapted to the same conditions that we have and their adaptive strategies are familiar to our flesh, so that the healing they offer us is deep, multi-layered and lasting.
When the herbs flow through our veins we instantly become connected to an ancient way of knowing, of connection and belonging. We are reminded of our place on Earth and in this Universe. Our illusion of separateness becomes less opaque and while our minds may miss the subtle shift, our cells vibrate with the joy of coming home. This is the medicine that we were born into, and it is the medicine that will sustain us. It is our birthright.
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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