Medicinal Herbs
Herbal medicine is quite simply medicine made from plants. Sometimes the whole plant is used; other times a part is used, such as the leaves, flowers, root or bark. Herbal medicine was the original medicine and has been used globally for millennia. It is still used today as a key source of medicine for up to 80% of the world’s population. Secrets of its use have been passed down by word of mouth from healers and wise men and women, and its traditional use is now being proven by modern scientific research and clinical trials.
Medicines can also be made in a similar way for children without using alcohol, in the form of syrups or glycerites, which are also more palatable as they taste sweet.
Topical products are also commonly used in herbal medicine to treat skin, musculoskeletal complaints and other disorders. These are bespoke ointments, lotions, creams or balms made with herbal extracts and essential oils, combined with beeswax, creams, oils or gels to support a safe return to good health.
Herbal tonics or tinctures are produced from plants which are macerated in alcohol and water to extract key constituents. These concentrated plant extracts are taken internally in small amounts (a teaspoon or two once or twice a day). Other methods of extraction are also used to obtain different phytochemicals, such as drying herbs to use whole for teas or tisanes, or dehydrating and grinding roots to create powders, tablets and capsules, so that those patients unable to take alcohol are still able to benefit from herbal medicine.
