Botanical
Medicine
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?
In many cases, herbal treatments are slower to work than pharmaceutical
medications. However, they are also gentler and in general produce fewer
side effects than drugs.
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.
Teas, infusions and decoctions are water-based preparations, where the plant
material is placed in boiling water for various amounts of time and the
water-soluble components of the plant are extracted into the water.
Tinctures, vinegars, and glycerites use alcohol, vinegar, and glycerine
respectively to extract the medicinal components of the plant.
Capsules contain dried, powdered plant material. Topical herbal preparations
are used for wounds, scars, bruises, bites, etc.
Whether or not to use water or one of the other liquids to extract the medicinal
properties depends upon a variety of factors such as the specific plant
in question, whether it is fresh or dried, the part of the plant used, and
patient preference. This is all part of the science and art behind herbalism.
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 health 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.
