What is botanical medicine?
Also known as herbal medicine or herbalism,
botanical medicine involves the use of
plants to treat disease and promote health. Animals and plants have
evolved alongside each other for millennia, so it makes sense that
our bodies respond readily to plant medicines. Like many of the
naturopathic modalities, herbal medicine is a very old form of
medicine used by cultures all around the world. Humans learned which
herbs to use medicinally from trial and error, from observing
animals, and from meditations and inspiration! Herbal lore has been
passed down through the generations, although the transmission of
this information has been impeded by events such as the witch trials
that swept through Europe in the 15th to 18th centuries and the
decimation of the indigenous populations in North and South America.
How do herbal medicines compare with pharmaceutical medications?
Many of the pharmaceutical medications
that are used today are derived from plants. Aspirin, for example,
is acetylsalicylic acid, which is derived from the
bark of
the willow tree or from the herb meadowsweet and was discovered in
the early 19th century. Today, aspirin is synthesized for commercial
purposes so the direct botanical constituents are not used.
Botanical medicines differ from pharmaceutical medicines in that they are typically a much lower, less concentrated dose of the "active constituent". Botanical medicines can not replace many pharmaceutical medicines, such as blood pressure drugs, but they can be used in cases where a more gentle approach is warranted. Botanical medicine usually takes longer to work with the body towards healing due to its subtle nature, but the benefits can be significant.
How are botanical medicines prepared?
Various parts of the plant may have
medicinal benefits, including the root, rhizome,
leaf, seeds, bark, and cambium. Depending on the plant and on the
patient, herbal medicines may take the form of teas, infusions,
decoctions, tinctures, vinegars, glycerites, capsules, and more.
Topical preparations include poultices, compresses, liniments,
salves, and creams.
Many of the herbal preparations prescribed at DC Canyon Health and
Wellness are administered in capsule or tincture form.
Are herbs safe?
This
depends on the plant! When used in the proper doses and
combinations, herbs are effective and safe, producing few, if any,
side effects. However, certain plant medicines are more powerful and
need to be used with caution, as they can be toxic in large amounts.
The safety of botanical medicines is known through traditional
wisdom as well as scientific research. Always consult a trained
herbalist or naturopathic doctor before using herbs.
What about herb-drug interactions?
Interactions between herbs and drugs can
present a problem. This underscores the importance of working with a
naturopathic doctor or other healthcare practitioner who is
specifically trained in botanical medicine. Naturopathic doctors are
particularly well-equipped to handle such questions because of their
extensive training in both herbal medicine and pharmacology.
In many cases it is possible to take certain herbs with certain
medications, but it is always best to check with your naturopathic
doctor before commencing any new herbal or drug treatment. Also, let
your doctor know if any adverse reactions or interactions occur.
Related resources
- What is Homeopathy?
- What is Clinical Nutrition?
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by my insurance?
- What is Detoxification and Cleansing?
- What are Food Allergies?
- High cholesterol?
- What is a Myer's Cocktail, and other intravenous nutritional therapies?