- What is an Herbalist?
An Herbalist is a non-medical practitioner who recommends herbs to
stimulate the body’s innate healing power and to maintain health.
What is an Herb?
Medicinally, an herb is any plant part or plant used for its therapeutic
value. Herbs can assist in correcting the underlying factors of imbalances in
the body and reverse some of the health-inhibiting conditions.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is the art and science of using herbs for promoting health and preventing and
nourishing imbalances in the body. It has persisted as the world's primary form of medicine since the
beginning of time, with a written history more than 5000 years old. While the use of herbs in America
has been overshadowed by dependence on modern medications the last 100 years, 75% of the
world's population still rely primarily upon traditional healing practices, most of which is herbal
medicine.
How are Herbs Different from Pharmaceuticals?
Most pharmaceutical drugs are single chemical entities that are highly refined and purified and are
often synthesized. In contrast, herbal medicines are prepared from living or dried plants and contain
hundreds to thousands of interrelated compounds.
How is Herbal Medicine Different from Conventional Medicine?
The primary focus of the herbalist is to treat people as individuals regardless of the disease or
condition they have and to stimulate their innate healing power through the use of such interventions
as herbs, diet and lifestyle.
The primary focus of conventional physicians is to attack diseases using strong chemicals that are
difficult for the body to process, or through the removal of organs. Not only does this ignore the
unique makeup of the individual, but many patients under conventional care suffer from side effects
that are as bad as the condition being treated.
The philosophical difference between herbalists and conventional physicians has profound
significance.
Are Herbs Safe?
Herbs have an excellent safety record over thousands of years of use by people for healing, but
today there are modern concerns that need to be considered in terms of safety and herbal medicine.
Herbs are active principles in the body and can interact with other medications. This is extremely
important if the medication being taken is essential for life or if the medication has a narrow
therapeutic index. Even with these concerns, it is rare for an herb to interact in a severely negative
way with a pharmaceutical medication. Another modern concern is that herbs are being concentrated
and processed in a more "drug-like" way. These types of herbal medicines have different effects than
the original herb in its whole form and can cause unwanted side effects. All of these concerns can be
addressed by a well trained herbalist.
Why Would I See An Herbalist?
Since herbs are readily available in a variety of places, do I need to see an herbalist? While there has
been an increase in the distribution of off-the-shelf herbal products, the assistance of a professional
can help guide you in making wise choices and better understanding herbal use. An experienced
herbalist can help make sure the herbs used are safe, of consistent quality, and proportioned
appropriately for your needs. Concerns you may have regarding possible interactions with
pharmaceutical medications can also be addressed by consulting an educated and experienced
practitioner. The herbalist will also help you understand the limitations of herbs and provide referrals
to appropriate licensed practitioners when necessary.
Note: The information on this web page as been adapted and modified from accredited literature,
herbal medicine associations and professional organizations.
Please contact Susan if you have questions.
Two Bear Herbs & Holistic Health
Nyack, New York
Serving the Tri-State-Area & Nationwide
House Calls/Phone Consultations/Classes
845.512.8389
twobearherbs@yahoo.com
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