Previously Ottawa Holistic Wellness

Herbal Medicine - Complete Wellbeing - Centretown Ottawa

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal Medicine is the use of plants and their extracts, applied to the skin or taken internally in the form of fresh herbs, extracts, tinctures, teas, capsules or tablets. The use of herbs and spices that have medicinal properties is one of the most effective ways to benefit your health when they are used in their original form, not processed.

Since ancient times, many different cultures throughout the world have used herbs to treat illness and to assist bodily functions. Today, many healthcare professionals use herbal medicine, including Clinical Herbalists who specialise in these remedies, as well as Naturopathic Doctors and Traditional Chinese Medical practitioners.

What conditions can Herbal Medicine help?

Herbal medicine has been used to treat or bring relief from many different medical conditions, illnesses and symptoms including pain, fatigue, digestive, skin, respiratory, glandular, hormonal, urinary and other problems.

Research validating the efficacy of herbal medicine continues to grow. Many modern pharmaceuticals are modelled on or derived from chemicals found in plants. An example of this is the heart medication digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, derived from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), and the extensive use of turmeric root (curcumin) in cooking in India appears linked to the low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease there.

Contraindications

Herbal medicine is safe for all ages when used correctly, but some herbs will interact with some prescription medications, they may amplify or reduce their effect.

It is important to advise your Herbal Medicine practitioner of all medications or supplements that you take, and to let your medical doctor and pharmacist know if you start taking any herbs.

Remember to ask your doctor if it is safe to take herbal medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Our Clinical Herbalist