Western Herbal Medicine

How to communicate about gender: Language for clinical practice

Amparo Aracil shares guidance on how to foster a gender-inclusive approach to herbal practice.

Unique ways that plant medicine can fill modern therapeutic gaps

Simon Mills explores how plant medicine adapts to meet modern health challenges.

Clinical Examination in the practice of herbal medicine

Dr Nic Rowley shares how to nurture confidence in students to encourage clinical skill use with patients.

Interpreting the full blood count: What could it all mean?

Blood tests are valuable investigations to support clinical understanding of patients’ health stories. Dr Phil Deakin demystifies the full blood count, offering guidance to its...

Ethnobotanical reflections on mind-altering plants

Fly agaric, coca, ayahuasca, and kava are potent medicinal herbs. This article explores the cultural origins and modern exploitation of mind-altering plants.

How does herbal medicine fit into the German healthcare system?

How accessible is herbal medicine in Germany? Jonas Brab explores the regulation and integration of phytotherapy in German healthcare. Herbal medicine has a long tradition...

The integration of biomedicine and herbal medicine: A comparison of cost and application

How do biomedicine and herbal medicine currently coexist and how could we develop an integrated alternative that mitigates cost to the individual? The integration of...

Supporting doctors: How herbs can help reduce opioid use in chronic pain

Opioid drugs are effective analgesia for acute conditions, yet bring risk of tolerance and dependency from long-term use. What does herbal medicine have to offer...

A campaign against antibiotics: The Soil Association

This article explores the impact of modern farming practices on animal welfare and the industry’s consequential misuse of antibiotics.

Pharmacology of herbal antibiotics

Our ability to treat bacterial infection using pharmaceuticals is jeopardised by antibiotic resistance. How are plants able to combat bacteria and how can we use...

The brain as a vascular organ: Framing new herbal strategies for supporting the nervous system

What are the implications of perfusion on brain health? Simon Mills explores cerebral development, circulation and disease and invigorates our approach to mitigating neuroinflammation and...

What has caused the rise of neurodegeneration and what can we do?

This article explores factors contributing to the development of neurodegenerative disease and lifestyle and herbal approaches to mitigate risk and limit progression.

The Healing Power of Scent - Ellen Rowland

Excerpt from The Healing Power of Scent by Ellen Rowland

Aromatherapist Ellen Rowland shares a section from her book on what smell is and how it can affect our wellbeing.

The role of herbalism in preventative medicine

Through the regulatory effects of medicinal plants, herbalism offers valuable tools for promoting health and preventing illness.

An introduction to herbal energetics

Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel and work in the body.

Herbal treatment for IBS

IBS is a common debilitating condition that can be treated effectively with herbs. We share 5 IBS herbs.

The sustainability of echinacea within herbal medicine

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal medicines, but its popularity has come at a cost. We share sustainability issues around the precious medicinal...

The sustainability of liquorice

Liquorice is one of the most valued herbal medicines globally, yet its population sizes are shrinking rapidly. We share insights on the sustainability of this...

Save our antibiotics: 5 antibacterial herbs to fight infection

The overuse of antibiotics has meant that our pharmaceutical antibiotics do not work as well as they used to. However herbs can work fantastically, and...

5 herbs instead of anti-anxiety medications

Anxiety is prevalent amongst many people, especially after the rise of chronic stress. We share 5 herbs that can support you.

Sleep: How it works and herbs to support it

Healthy sleep is essential for all bodily systems, and crucial for mental and emotional wellbeing.

Medicine making with children: Recipes to try at home

Making herbal medicines is a great way to empower children with self-care knowledge. We share some great recipes to make at home.

Exploring the ancient history of Western Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years and has a fascinating and rich history. This article delves into some of Western herbal medicine's...

Herbal treatment of children: A holistic overview of children’s health

Herbal medicines are a safe and effective way to treat an array of children’s ailments. We explain which herbs are useful.

Healing muscles and joints with essential oils: Recipes from an aromatherapist

All of us need relief from sore muscles and joints from time to time, and this article shares how to make your own healing oils...

Western herbal classifications glossary

We put together a list of the most important Western herbal medicine terms in a practical glossary.

Inflammation: The global epidemic we should be worried about

In herb book Inflammation, Christine Herbert discusses the complex networks which create chronic inflammation and the use of herbs and natural healing to strengthen them

Essential oils and sustainability: Challenges, opportunities, solutions

Essential oils are brilliant medicines, but problems in industry mean that they are not sustainable. Aromatherapist Ellen Rowland explains the problems and potential solutions.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): A mushroom with many medicinal properties

Medicinal fungi like chaga have boomed in popularity in recent years. Matthew Clark shares some of the potential ways it can support our health.

A beginner’s guide to growing medicinal herbs

Growing herbal medicines is a very enriching practise, which supports our wellbeing in its own way. Ben Heron gives you top tips for when you...

Mental health and men: A herbalist’s perspective

How herbal medicine can support resilience, healing and transformation.

How to become a Herbalist

There are many things to think about when training in herbalism.

The rise of herbalism: Why people are turning to nature for medicines

Medicinal plant scientist Rebecca Lazarou dives into why herbal medicines are fast gaining popularity.

Keeping your lungs healthy

Shaylee Grant explores what we need to keep our lungs healthy.

The 3 types of echinacea: A comparison of medicinal actions

Ruth Weaver explores the 3 types of echinacea and their different medicinal actions.

The history of ephedra: A powerful lung medicine from China

Ethnobotanist Jason Irving explores ephedra's use as a treatment for asthma.

Winter warmers: Aromatherapy for respiratory health in cold and flu season

Aromatherapist Ellen Rowland explores how essential oils directly affect the respiratory system.

Essential oils for treating inflammation: An aromatherapist’s perspective

Aromatherapist Ellen Rowland takes a look at treatment strategies of inflammation with essential oils.

Toward a sustainable future for frankincense: An ancient medicine in a modern world

Dr. Anjanette DeCarlo and Stephen Johnson explore the many changes the sustainable trade in frankincense has seen.

A brief history of herbal quality assessment: From ancient Rome to 21st century mitochondria

Quality control has been an issue for as long as humans have used herbs to heal. Herbal medicines can be adulterated for a variety...

Endangered plants and women’s health: Fertility herbs at risk

Susan Leopold, Executive Director at United Plant Savers, discusses why plants used for women's health are at risk and how to avoid using endangered fertility...

Botanical drugs and supplements that may be safe and useful in COVID-19

Mark Blumenthal explores the misapprehensions surrounding the safety and efficacy of herbal ingredients to help guide clinical use.

The metabolic crisis and what we can do about it

Robert Verkerk discusses key factors associated with metabolic disease and treatment approaches.

How to search for herbal science research: Top tips and techniques

Viv Rolfe explains where to look for good quality herbal research, and how to search for what is up and coming.

Too many pills, not enough roots

Herbalist Edward Thompson discusses the role of herbal medicine in patient self-care and reducing medication.

The Art & Science of Herbal Formulation: Western Herbal Medicine

The art and science of herbal formulation: Western herbal medicine

We explore how formulations and medicine making of traditional medicine in the west has changed over time.

The art and science of herbal formulation: Ayurvedic formulation

Herbalist Sebastian Pole explores the creation of Ayurvedic formulas which is based on some fundamental herbal pharmacological principles.

Cannabis: A folk remedy in Europe

The cannabis plant is extraordinarily versatile: it can be used for textiles, oil, food, rope, building materials, medicine and inebriation. During several millennia, particular varieties...

The art and science of herbal formulation: An introduction

The art & science of herbal formulation can be viewed as a pinnacle of clinical herbal medicine. Herbalist Sebastian Pole explores what's in a herbal...

Why there is such an increase in allergies and what herbalism can do about it

People are having stronger symptoms and more hypersensitivity allergic reactions. Vilma Matuleviciute explores why there is such an increase in allergies and how herbal medicine...

Can we integrate traditional knowledge and modern science?

Roy Upton explores if, and how, we can integrate the knowledge from traditional herbal medicine with modern science.

Environmental sustainability of medicinal plants

Roy Upton explores how traditional healing systems have developed in developing countries compared to the West.

Pharmacopoeias in codifying quality of herbal medicines

Roy Upton explores the history of pharmacopoeias and their important role in herbal medicine.

Traditional herbal medicines: Centuries of Empiricism

Roy Upton explores how the true level of medicine is only revealed through empirical observation, yet, when it comes to herbal medicine, the thousands of...

The most advanced medicine in the world and the worst health statistics to show for it: America

Roy Upton explores the role of herbal medicine in America's healthcare system.

Economic influences of medical evolution

Roy Upton explores why today’s desire to fit traditional herbal medicines into a modern pharmaceutical drug regulatory model is more about economics than health care.

Historical perspectives on traditional herbal medicine

The dynamic relationship between humans, plants, and the environment overall has been captured in historic texts. Roy Upton explores the historical perspectives on traditional herbal...

Traditional herbal medicine, pharmacognosy, and pharmacopoeial standards: A discussion at the crossroads

Despite the development of modern medicines in the past few hundred years, herbal medicine remains the mainstay of medicine for most underdeveloped and developing nations.

Kratom leaf: An alternative to opioids for chronic pain management?

With the exploration of alternative routes for managing chronic pain, we take a look at the therapeutic use of Kratom as a substitute to opiates.

First do no harm: A call for sustainable herbalism in clinical practice

Josef Brinckmann explores what it takes to make a herbal medicine practice part of the sustainable herbal supply chain.

Medicinal mushrooms: An introduction

Neither plants nor animals but sharing characteristics of both, mushrooms have much to offer to modern medicine.

The relevance of complementary and integrative medicine in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative review of the literature

In light of the adverse health risks faced both at the population and individual levels, Dr Vijay Murthy and his colleagues conducted a review of...

The role of adaptogens in prophylaxis and treatment of viral respiratory infections

Adaptogens are a class of botanicals that offer promise in the prevention and adjunctive treatment of acute viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Botanical drugs and supplements affecting the immune response

In times of health crisis, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, the potential benefit of botanical drugs and supplements emerges as a focus of attention, although...

Herbs suitable for diabetics

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common in industrially developed societies. Simon Mills explores the onset and management of Type 2 diabetes.

Psilocybin and depression: Where are we currently at with the psilocybin revolution?

Collective efforts by researchers, scientists & psychedelic activists bring in major changes with the decriminalisation of the therapeutic use of psychoactive plant & fungi as...

Ephedra: ma huang or ephedrine? A lesson for herbal practitioners

Ephedra is a valuable herb. It is however banned in the USA. We take a look at this story and what we can learn.

5 herbs to enhance your mood in winter

These five herbs bring the comforting qualities of nature inside us helping lift our spirits in the dark winter months.

Back to the future: How plant medicine can save us from antibiotic resistance

Antibiotics have undoubtedly saved millions of lives but the assumption that they are safe has led to their overuse and, as a result, increased microbial...

Do you know where your herbs come from?

Do you know how herbs for herbal medicine are harvested and by whom? Paying attention to the conditions that fall under the word “sustainability” determines...

Are herbs safe?

In this review we understand that herbs are not a public hazard, and that humans have always been very good at avoiding plants that upset...

What is herbal medicine?

Herbs are very well suited to expert personalised health care, and were the basis of all systems of medicine until modern times.

Where is the herbal evidence?

How our use of herbs is founded on both science and intelligence.

Healing the Whole

How herbs are changing the face of the world through a holistic approach to health.

Green gold: The incredible benefits of matcha

Matcha is a unique form of bright emerald green tea. Here we discuss its amazing health benefits and tradition of use.

Healthy oils: Good and bad fats

Fat can be healthy, you just have to pick the right ones. We will take you through the good and bad fats, and explain how...

Healthy weight

Maintaining a balanced body weight and appearance is a constant pressure in the modern world. Here we will discuss how you can achieve this and...

Ayurveda and immunity: Thriving the Ayurvedic way

Ayurveda presents some excellent philosophy and guidance on how we can maintain a healthy immune system.

The joys of being a vegetarian

The vegetarian world is a colourful, nutritious and exciting place; perhaps more than you might think. Read on to discover more.

The six tastes

Taste impacts what we eat, when we eat and how much we eat. Each plant has a unique taste profile which, when unlocked and understood,...

The birth of nutraceuticals

Find out how nutraceuticals first evolved and are now a booming industry bringing the power of plants to a shelf near you.

Adaptogens Managing stress and stressful situations

Adaptogens: Herbs to manage stress and stressful situations

Adaptogens help the body to adapt, adjust and recalibrate itself depending on our emotional and physical surroundings.

Tea: The original health drink?

So, is tea drinking good for you? As is so often the case when it comes interpreting the health sciences and the benefits, or risks,...

Does intuition play a role in modern herbal practice?

We discuss the value of intuition and how it relates to modern herbal practice.

What is detoxification?

Traditional systems of healthcare have used purification and cleansing techniques for centuries, here we will find out more about what toxins are and how they...

Perceptions of herbal medicine in the media

Do we abandon the potential benefits of botanicals to uphold outdated prejudices, or do we move into a new era of deeper understanding – and...

Our caffeine and sugar culture: How to combat cravings naturally

We discuss some home truths about sugar, coffee and caffeine including its origins, evolution of use, craving behaviours and, last but not least, herbal solutions...

Plants: Love ’em or loathe ’em, we can’t live without ’em!

Plant foods, herbs and spices, are all about information. Our bodies use the information coded in the genes of plants to inform our own genes

Fair for plants as well as people

Pat Thomas discusses how we can meet the ever-increasing demand for herbal medicines in a sustainable and fair way. I consume therefore I am… as...

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: What you need to know

What are pyrrolizidine alkaloids, are they dangerous and what is being done to reduce the risk of contamination? Recent news reported herbal products having been...

Turmeric: An old world, modern-day panacea or state-of-the-art sports medicine?

Robert Verkerk explores why turmeric and its medicinal actions has won so many advocates the world over.

Herbal festival survival guide

Explore our top herbal tips for making the most out of your festival and herbal events. Don’t forget to take a look at our list...

Herbal Actions

Wild indigo

Birch polypore

Cardiovascular system

Digestive system

Endocrine system

Immune system

Musculoskeletal system

Nervous system

Other systems

Reproductive system

Respiratory system

Skin health

Stages of life

Urinary system

Health and lifestyle

Herbalism

Glossaries

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