Herbal Medicine

Your Herbs Explained

Herbs are an important part of your healing process. Whenever possible I use the best quality organic or wild-crafted barks, roots, root barks, seeds, leaves, flowers, buds and stalks. These are used fresh or dried and then made into herbal teas, tinctures, capsules, ointments and powders. Below you will find information on how best to use your herbal tincture or tea.

The formulas I use are based on Western Herbal medicine (materia medica) indigenous to Britain, Europe and North America in the main (but also from further-a-field). I may prescribe just a single herb, called a simple, or more often a selection of different herbs known as polypharamcy, these work together to feed, rejuvenate and heal.

Due to legislation coming in, I need to see all clients taking herbs at least once in person, for a consultation covering past and current health conditions and medications. This ensures safe practice.

Because I treat the person rather than the disease, each formula is unique and can often change over the weeks if I need to fine tune the formula to suit the situation.

What are Herbal Tinctures?

The herbal formulae are in 'tincture' form - this is a method of steeping fresh or dried plants in alcohol and spring water. The average amount of alcohol used is around 25%. Most tinctures are taken three times a day, although for many busy people it is easier to split the dose into one in the morning and one at night.

The standard adult dosage for everyday and long term use is 1tsp (5ml) of tincture diluted in water or fruit juice 3 times a day e.g. a total intake of approximately 15ml per day.

If you need to take your herbs at a different dosage or in a specific way - I will discuss this with you at the consultation.

Because tincture's are absorbed into the body via the bloodstream rather than processing via the gut (Like capsules) they are one of the quickest and easiest ways to take herbs. You are entitled to know what herbs are in your formula and often I will discuss these with you, however as my labels are too small to write each herb please request a list!

When starting to take herbs it is best to take a few days to build up to the full dose and watch how your body reacts - we are all different and some people need less herbs while others may take time at full dose to feel a difference.

It is very important to keep me informed of any other medications you are currently taking or may start to take while on the herbs. I also need to be informed if you fall pregnant while on the herbs. While all the herbs I use are very safe, due to drug-herb interactions some formulas may need to be adjusted.

For those needing repeat orders, please allow me a couple of days to make your herbs up and post them to you if needed. Order in plenty of time and if necessary reduce your daily dose rather than run out. If you have any queries you can call me or email me and we can either arrange a 'phone-in' time or if it is needed a follow up appointment.

TEL 01280 844965 Email Jo.chillzone@btinternet.com

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are a safe and lovely way to use herbal medicine. Centuries ago it would have been by picking and infusing the herbs that the earliest medicine began. But even today in my modern herbal clinic I have found myself turning to the teas again and again. Herbs contain chemicals that are responsible for their healing actions, some of these chemicals are only released through water, which is where teas can gain over extracts, tinctures and capsules. Herbal teas are also considered one of the safest ways to take herbal medicine and in my clinic I find them less invasive to the energy field and more easily accepted and used by the healing body.

The Art of Herbal Tea making

Most herbal Teas need to be 'infused'. This just means boiling water is poured on top of them and then they are left to 'steep' for a few minutes to allow their healing properties to be made available. Its a good idea to shake the bag or container of tea first, you will see the dried leaves and flower buds clearly, and shaking allows them to mix correctly. Then generally you use one teaspoon of dried tea to one cup/mug of boiling water. You can use the old fashioned teapot and strainer, or buy one of the lovely new teapots with a built in strainer. I have also successfully used a cafetiere, tea balls and tea socks.

You do not add milk to herbal teas, but for those that wish you can flavour your tea with fresh lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, vanilla drops and even a few drops of maple syrup or agave nectar (a natural sweetener). You can make larger amounts and keep warm in a thermos flask and take with you in the car or use at work.

In hot weather they can be enjoyed cold with ice. The teas can be very useful for children, and I just allow them to cool and add to fruit juices, smoothies and even soups etc. the longer you 'steep' them before drinking the more medicinal they become.

I am a member of the Association of Master Herbalists for more information go to www.associationofmasterherbalists.co.uk

I was trained my Jill Rosemary Davies at the SelfHeal School for Herbalists and Natural Healers for more information go to www.herbshandshealing.co.uk

Menu

Herbal Medicine