Herbal Medicine
Evidence-based Herbal Medicine
Over centuries of careful observation and the emergence of scientific study, herbs have been tested and trialed for their clinical evidence. Most of the research conducted is by pharmaceutical companies wishing to isolate a constituent for manufacturing and patents.
Before any of the above, the Bible spoke in many places about herbs. We have also been shown over a hundred and sixty years ago through our Prophet Ellen White that herbs are proven to be good for healing.
"Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
"All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad." Psalm 45:8
"Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:" Song of Solomon 4:14
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin..." Matthew 23:23
"But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof." Joshua 2:6
The few statements regarding herbs that are found in Mrs. White's writings, are clear and definite. She says that "there are simple herbs that can be used for the recovery of the sick;" that there are certain "herbs that grow for the benefit of man;" that "there are herbs that are harmless, the use of which will tide over many apparently serious difficulties;" and that "leave no injurious effects in the system," as do drugs.
"The use of certain herbs that the Lord has made to grow for the good of man, is in harmony with the exercise of faith." -MS 31, 1911 (written June 3. 1888)
There is a growing amount of investigation into new herbal remedies in search of the truth to why and how they work. It has been estimated that less than 10% of all herbal medicines have been identified just from the Amazon jungle in South America. Thousands of scientific studies are being conducted and published each year, with journals completely dedicated to natural remedies.
Many herbal medicines are now being supported by scientific evidence and have been shown to relieve symptoms, treat disease and improve organ function. If a medical professional ever states there is no-evidence to prescribe herbal medicine or nutrition, he/she needs to read more current literature and update their qualifications. There are many Cochrane reviews on many herbal medicines supporting the effectiveness of these as being more effective than pharmaceutical medicines in many diseases. Some examples of randomised clinical trials of herbal medicines include:
- Vitex agnus-castus herbs provide benefits for women with PMS
- Serenoa herbs are helpful for men with benign enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Elderberry (Sambuccus nigra) is effective for cold and flu symptoms
- Hawthorn berry improves heart function for people with cardiovascular disease
- Kava is effective for relieving anxiety symptoms
- St John’s wort is effective for mild to moderate depression
Also referred to as botanical medicine, phytotherapy, herbalism and herbology, herbal medicine is the most ancient form of medicine. Herbal remedies and herbal treatments use the berries, leaves, seeds, bark, roots, and/or flowers of plants for medicinal purposes.
Plants have long been used for their nourishment and healing properties. Over the years, their rehabilitative and curative properties have made huge contributions to human health by helping to revitalise and balance well-being as well as preventing illnesses.
You will gain:
- An in-depth knowledge of all plant and herb medicines
- Diagnostic and clinical expertise
- How to take individual needs into consideration as you take the clients full health profile into account
- How to gauge what elements are having the biggest impact on the health and well-being of your clients and help them take an holistic approach to improving their health by drawing up an effective treatment plan.
