' There is a plant for every illness'

                   Father Sebastian Kneipp (1824-1897)

  Pioneer in nature cure movement in Germany /Europe

Nettle leaf - A Powerful Blood Cleanser 

Phytomedicine is a name given to traditional medicine which goes back to biblical times. It has a longer history than modern pharmacy with its chemicals and synthetics. Herbal medicine has been used for over 2000 years to treat illness and restore good health and 75% of the world’s population continues to depend on plants as their major source of medicine.
Phytomedicine or Western herbal medicine has its roots in the European and Greco-Roman traditions, and can be traced back to prominent physicians such as Dioscorides, Hippocrates, Galen, Hildegard of Bingen, Father Sebastian Kneipp, Nicholas Culpeper, and John Gerard. In Europe, Western Herbal Medicine is often called Phytotherapy.

It is defined as the use of plants as medicine based on traditional wisdom or understanding with scientific medicine.

Therefore, not all kinds of herbal medicine discipline is phytomedicine.

The modern phytotherapist is a multi-disciplinary practitioner with training in botany, pharmacognosy, pharmcology, physiology, bochemistry, pathophysiology, medicine and traditional medicine. The concept of a vital force and healing power of nature, the treatment of the patient as an individual and validity of traditional empirical knowledge are embraced. However, the use of herbs in phytomedicine must also be pharmacologically sound and not based on some mythology. 

It is often noted that a significant proportion of orthodox Western medicines were originally derived from herbal medicines. For example aspirin was first isolated from a compound found in a number of herbs including meadowsweet. Both the drug and the herb are analgesic, reducing pain and fever. But while prolonged use of aspirin can cause stomach irritation and bleeding, meadowsweet can actually help to heal the stomach wall.

Naturopathic Phytomedicine as practiced in our clinic is characterized by a whole person-centered approach, where the patient rather than the disease is the focus of the practitioner’s attention. The background to the patient’s condition is assessed through a thorough case history; taking account of family history, personal health history and lifestyle choices, and therapy is directed at the causes, not just the presenting symptoms. The practitioner uses the information obtained during the taking of the case history to make an assessment of the vitality and constitution of the patient.  The choice of herbs in the prescription is based on this assessment, clinical experiences, scientific knowledge of the herbs, energy of the herbs and the medical understanding of the condition.

The prescription, rather than being based simply on the diagnosis of a disease or condition, is determined by an understanding of the significance of the signs and symptoms in that individual. Prescriptions may vary substantially between individual patients apparently presenting with a similar condition. Herbal treatment is commonly backed up by appropriate advice on lifestyle, particularly nutrition, and the herbalist works at all times to create an ambience of trust and healing in the  relationship. The role of the herbalist is to inspire positive and lasting change.

Phytomedicine is increasingly being validated by scientific investigation which seeks to understand the active chemistry of the plant. Many modern pharmaceuticals have been modeled on, or derived from chemicals found in plants. An example is the heart medication digoxin derived from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). In fact, Phytomedicine as known in Europe is the most scientifically validated medicine in the category of natural medicine.  

One of my favorite herbs to treat menstrual related disorders - Calendula 

Using plants as medicine provides significant advantages for treating many conditions. The therapeutic activity of a plant is due to its complex chemical nature with different parts of the plant providing certain therapeutic effects. Plants are more biologically compatible with our human body. They are gentle; much less side effects, but effective medicine, both for treatment and prevention of diseases.
 
What is a Medical Herbalist?

A medical herbalist:

• is highly trained in the philosophies, principles and practice of western herbal medicine and medical science;
• takes a holistic view towards health and illness;
• will assess you as a person and not a disease;
• prescribes and dispenses plant medicines in a safe and effective manner;
• seeks to treat the underlying cause of disease;
• acknowledges the body’s innate ability to heal itself;
• aims to prevent disease and restore health;
• provides dietary and lifestyle advice;
• maintains high standards of professional practice;
  Is an authoritative source of information about natural medicine.

How Long Does Treatment Take?
This will depend completely on the individual and their condition.
 
Some improvement in symptoms should be noted within hours to a day for acute complaints such as a cold or the flu, or within 4-6 weeks for chronic complaints. Chronic problems are particularly well suited to treatment with herbal medicine.
 
Is Phytomedicine Safe?
Phytomedicine  is very safe and effective when prescribed by a fully qualified herbal practitioner.   Western herbal medicine is well regulated in countries such as Australia and Europe. The herbs used in our clinic are mainly TGA (Australia) approved herbs and supplements. They have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.  

If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, please consult your prescribing practitioner.
 
 
Sebastian Liew, Medical Herbalist (Australia, Germany, USA)
Sebastian Liew Centre Pte Ltd
Tel: 65389978

www.slnaturopath.com