Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medical Herbalism?
Medical Herbalism is the modern version of traditional herbal medicine which has been used throughout the world for thousands of years. Herbalists use concentrated whole plant extracts, in the form of tinctures, infusions, salves, creams and pills, as part of a holistic treatment plan to address the underlying causes of your condition.
Western Medical Herbalists, as the name suggests, work in the western medical tradition. Our knowledge of medicine is very much based on orthodox Western medical sciences and both our diagnostic tools and our herbs are administered in a Western style, although many Western herbalists use oriental herbs alongside European and American herbs.
Does Herbal Medicine work?
Many modern drugs are derived from herbs, and the whole herb (rather than isolated and synthesised constituents) can be as effective, or even more effective than pharmaceutical drugs. However, the holistic style of herbalist's treatment means that herbalists use herbs rather differently to drugs. Although herbal medicine can often control your symptoms very effectively, herbalists are always looking to address the underlying causes of your disease.
Herbal medicine can be particularly effective for long-term, chronic conditions.
Is there any proof that herbs work?
Some herbs have been very well researched, and there is ample proof of their efficacy. However, research is extremely expensive, and, unlike the pharmaceutical industry, there isn’t a huge amount of money to be made from sales of herbs. However, herbs have been used for thousands of years, throughout the world. Many wise, learned and skilled practitioners have written about herbal medicine over the millennia and herbalists draw on this empirical knowledge.
Is Herbal Medicine safe?
Herbs, as prescribed by qualified Western Medical Herbalists, are very safe indeed. The very rare problems which arise tend to be in connection with poor quality, over the counter brands, often taken at extreme dose levels. Side effects with good quality herbs, when professionally prescribed, are very rare and never lasting and most herbs are completely non-toxic.
How well qualified are Medical Herbalists?
Medical Herbalists, with the letters MNIMH or MCPP after their names, are trained to degree level or equivalent, and have been accepted by these professional bodies as responsible and competent herbalists. (MNIMH = Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalism MCPP = Member of the College for Practitioners of Phytotherapy (phyto = plant)
Undergraduate medical herbal studies include intensive study of the orthodox medical sciences alongside clinical examination skills, botany and phyto (plant) pharmacology. Herbalists are fully trained to be aware of drug/herb interactions and they routinely refer patients for further investigation where necessary. Members of the NIMH or CPP are required to keep their knowledge up to date and to attend frequent professional development seminars.
Are herbs compatible with prescription drugs?
Qualified medical herbalists are fully informed about herb/drug interactions and details of all medication you are taking will be noted at your first consultation. Most herbs are very safe to take alongside drugs as their mode of action is quite different, and in many cases, herbs will reduce your need for the drugs. However, you should never change you drug doses without consulting your doctor.
How long will it take to get better?
It is quite reasonable that you should ask this question, however, it is obviously impossible to give an accurate answer, as the length of treatment depends on many factors. Sometimes people will feel considerable improvement in as little as a week, and I would expect most people to be experiencing at least some improvement in their symptoms by the end of six weeks. However, as herbalists always address the underlying cause as well as your symptoms, recovery can take longer, especially if the condition being treated has been present for many years. A general rule of thumb is that it can take as many months to fully recover as the years that you have had the condition.
Can children or the elderly take Herbal Medicine?
When prescribed by a qualified herbalist herbal medicine is completely safe for children. It represents a very good option for those wishing to avoid the side effects or addictive nature of many drugs.
Herbal medicine is also a very suitable option for the elderly, as the body is much better able to metabolise the natural constituents. Herbal medicine can also be very helpful to treat the side effects, like constipation, of orthodox drugs.
What about pregnant or breast feeding women?
Qualified medical herbalists are very aware of the dangers of taking any medicines during pregnancy. They will be able to advise safe use of herbs by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
How often will I need to visit
I normally like to to see patients two weeks after their first appointment. After that, I see patients every four to six weeks until that is no longer necessary. Patients too unwell to visit regularly, or who don't live close to Birmingham, may occasionally arrange to consult by phone after an initial face to face consultation .
Sarah Firnberg ~ Consultant Medical Herbalist ~ Birmingham ~ 0121 242 3425