Why Herbs are Epic

Herbal medicine has been used for millennia to treat health conditions and illnesses, by herbalists, naturopaths, naturopathic doctors, ‘medicine’ men and women, mums and village elders.

What Are Herbs Useful For?

Herbs are not only nutrient dense but have many therapeutic benefits with many advantages per herb. For example, Dandelion Root is good for supporting and detoxifying the liver, but it’s also good for constipation, promotes digestion, increases appetite, aids anemia, lowers blood pressure, is a diuretic, clears kidney obstructions, breast sores, swollen mammary glands and lymph glands.

Herbs take a holistic approach to healing, because whenever an individual has a health issue or concern, it likely affects a number of different organs and symptoms, which is why herbs take a multi-pronged approach and even better therapeutic effects are when herbal formula (a combination of herbs selected to help a number of different health goals) are used.

They Smell & Taste Amazing!

Herbs smell and taste delightful. Some smell like you know they will, like licorice or peppermint, but some smell, well of 'plants', some more earthy, some more flowery than others.

Quality Matters

If you are using herbs therapeutically or just for a calming tea, it's important to make sure that you source organic herbs. What's the point of ingesting pesticides and fertilisers?

How To Use Herbs

Herbs can also be used in a number of different ways;

-in whole herb form – in teas, decoctions and diffusions

-in powdered form - added to water or juice or capsuled

-made into a tincture- the ‘goodness’ is extracted into alcohol, vinegar or glycerine

-made into a poultice- macerated, liquid added and applied to skin

-made into ovules and used as suppositories

-added to lotions, creams, waters, essences to apply to the skin for beauty or healing purposes

How Are Herbs Different to Pharmaceutical Drugs?

Pharmaceutical drugs typically work by suppressing symptoms that the individual is feeling. While this is useful sometimes, for example, when you are in extreme pain or you have a very high temperature, they rarely if ever cure the underlying problem. Also because drugs are chemicals, they often have side effects which are either known immediately or have accumulative effects over time.

Herbs work in a very different way. They support the body, organs and systems in a holistic way, giving superior nourishment, helping to remove toxins. They help to support physical, mental and emotional health.

If you’d like to know how herbs might be able to help you, drop me a line. I always offer free 20 min calls to see whether herbs or my other products and services would be a good fit for you.

Ally van de Pol is a Certfied Naturopath, Certified Herbal Medicine Therapist, Certified Iridology Consultant, Certified Healing Diets Coach