At the apothecary…

Welcome to our new information page, we will be posting a series of fortnightly articles on health, herbs and general wellbeing...

People have been effectively using plants as medicine for thousands of years. Many cultures throughout the world continue to rely on herbs as the primary form of medicine. Herbal Medicine is based on inherited knowledge passed through generations dating back to antiquity and current scientific research.

Many modern pharmaceuticals are still based on traditional plant remedies. Digitalis based medications were originally derived from Foxglove and are used in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Opiates, sourced from the Opium poppy provide a vital source of acute pain relief for millions. Unfortunately modern medicine often uses isolated or synthesised constituents of plants which are more likely to result in side effects. Using the whole plant with the full range of constituents as found in nature mostly avoids this. Whole plants also offer more benefits to your general health through a complex balance of therapeutic constituents and nutrients.

It is important to note that while many natural remedies are safe and gentle to use, others can be very powerful. Herbal medicines are best used under the guidance of an experienced and qualified Medical Herbalist. Herbal Remedies may also interfere with some medications so please consult your doctor or herbalist before taking any herbal medicines.

As Herbalists we understand that gaining knowledge about your personal health and herbal remedies is an important and empowering step on the path to wellness. Over the following months we will discuss a variety of herbal remedies, nutrition, and health issues. We hope you will find this page useful and inspiring and we welcome your comments or queries.

Our first article will discuss your digestive system, how it works, common health complaints and herbal remedies and nutrients to support digestion.

• Herbs and food for digestive health
• Delving Deeper - Digestion