Herbal medince is increasingly supported by modern research, demonstrating that many plant compounds can help promote immune function, support nervous system balance, aid digestion, reduce inflammation and strenthen overall wellness by working with the body’s natural physiological processes. Current studies show that herbs contain bioactive phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids and adaptogenic compounds that play key roles in antioxidant activity, stress response regulation, gut health, cellular portection and metabolic balance. As growing clinical evidence connects traditional botanical knowledge with modern research, herbal medicine continues to prove itself as a vaulable component of holistic healthcare and preventative wellness.
Some of my favourite herbs are the adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Schisandra, Reishi and Eleutherococcus, adaptogenic herbs help the body adapt by regulating the stress response which then brings the body back into balance. They have this unique ability to go into the body and just give it what it needs, so if you need more engergy it can gently raise it, if you are over stimulated (like with anxiety for example) then it can inhibit the stimulatory hormones. They don’t override the body like caffeine or pharmaceutical sedatives do, but instead they gently adjust. Due to the balancing effect on the nervous system, adaptogens can rebalance other systems of the body such as the immune system and digestive system because stress hormones greatly influence how many of the other body systems work.
Herbal bitters are another group of herbs that greatly improve the function of the digestive system which so many of my clients need help with. Their bitter taste stimulates the bitter receptors on the tongue which then stimulates the release of digestive secretions such as stomach acid, digestive enzymes and bile flow. Stimulating the digestive secretions helps to break down our food into small enough particles for effective absorbtion so we can access all the nutrients in the food. It can also help with some of the symptoms of poor digestion such as nausea, gas, bloating, feel full quickly, irregular bowel habbits and acid reflux.
Another group of herbs that I regularly use are those that support the immune system. The most well known immune supporting herb is Echinacea, herbalists have access to much more stronger Echinacea than whats on the market (this is the case with all herbal tinctures). A herbalist can also guide you on its correct use as Echinacea is not meant to be taken continously long-term, it’s supposed to be used as a short-term immune boost when needed. Other herbs are more suitable for long-term immune support over the winter months if you are susceptible to coughs and colds, these can also be combined with herbs to support your personal weaknesses such as in the lungs with chronic chest infections. Some herbs are also good at kiling E. coli and soothing the urinary system with cases of UTI infections.
Most health conditions can be supported with herbs, for example blood sugar dysregulation, menopausal symptoms, hormonal imbalance, sleep disorders, skin conditions, arthritis and inflammatory conditions and general healthy ageing. Their unique phytochemical content is extracted using alcohol for the most potent extraction and it’s these compounds that do their work in the body. Each herb has multiple actions, a few examples are: supporting liver detoxification, boosting immunity, cleansing the lymph, clearing acidic wastes in joints and tissues, relaxing the nervous system, stimulating digestive sections, improving blood flow, supporting memory and cognition, balancing mood, balancing hormones, supporting the integrity of blood vessels with weaknesses such as variose veins and broken capillaries, relaxing smooth muscles which can help with tension headaches, high blood pressure and pain, healing and repair both internally and externally.
It’s important when using herbs to check that they don’t interact with any medication you are taking as many herbs are sometimes doing the same thing and can lead to an additive effect, or optimise liver detoxification which can increase the clearance of a drug. A herbalist can check for drug-herb interactions and select the best herbs for your health conditions and constitution as what works for one person will not necessarily work for another person because everyone will have their own unique root cause and energetic profile which needs considering. Plus one herb has multiple actions within the body so choosing the most suitable herb that ticks more than just one box is where the skill of a herbalist comes in.
In todays world where stress, fatigue and chronic health challenges are increasing common, herbal medicine can offer a path back to balance. Whilst not a replacement for medical care when needed, herbs can be a powerful partner and can be safely used along-side medication.
Click here if you’d like to arrange a free 15min call to see if herbal medicine is right for you, or drop me an email: tina@naturopath-tina.uk
