Herbal extracts make potent medicines, able to produce significant health benefits, however it is important to recognise that they are allies that help one ‘walk the path’ towards good health – they cannot walk the path for you! Things such as a sound diet, adequate sleep and rest, exercise, relaxation and a positive attitude are the building blocks that lay the foundations for the return to good health. Attention – in a realistic, manageable way – to these areas of one’s life is an essential part of the herbal approach to health. Herbal medicines can then be used to treat specific issues such as a compromised immune system, digestive weakness or chronic anxiety. Such an approach can produce rapid results if the person is basically healthy, though it is more common that improvement occurs gradually week by week.
The following are conditions that Andrew has found respond well to herbal treatment, though the patient’s state of health or vitality, is often more important than the condition itself:
- Allergies e.g. hay fever
- Arthritic/rheumatic conditions
- Chest problems e.g. bronchitis
- Most digestive & bowel disorders
- Exhaustion, anxiety & depression
- Stress-related conditions
- Circulatory problems
- Chronic or recurrent infections
- Hormonal and menstrual disorders
- Menopausal problems
- Skin conditions such as acne and cold sores
- Supportive treatment for cancer
- To aid recovery from operations & accidents
Herbal medicines
Andrew mostly uses European herbs, such as Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) but will use herbs from across the world, such as Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng), where these are more likely to prove effective. He stocks approx. 200 herbal medicines in his dispensary in Edgefield, Norfolk where he also has a herb garden, growing organic herbs some of which are processed into tinctures. Herbs bought in are mostly organic and the suppliers are known for their commitment to strict quality control and plant conservation. Andrew usually prescribes tinctures (liquid herbal preparations), teas and tablets but herbs can be recommended in many other forms e.g. ointments, powders. Side effects can and do occur but they are infrequent and almost invariably mild, e.g. headache. Overall, herbal medicine is extremely safe.
