LATEST NEWS !
Search
Search for Herbal Medicine practitioners, schools, and associations worldwide:
Search for Herbal Medicine practitioners, schools, and associations worldwide:
Healing Systems
In this section:
Your Tools:
|
Print this page |
|
Email this page |
|
Search Herbal Medicine articles |
|
Submit your own article |
|
Sign up as a practitioner |
Herbal MedicineWhat is Herbal Medicine?
Herbalists may be trained through traditional or non-traditional methods such as apprenticeships, schools, or self-study. Courses and degrees in herbal medicine are available in many countries worldwide and range from several months for a certificate, to multi-year professional degrees. Degrees cover the traditional uses of herbs, the basic medical sciences of biochemistry, nutrition and anatomy, as well as diagnosis and prescription.
Herbal Traditions & Different Types of Herbalists
Over the centuries, each culture developed its own style herbalism. Three prominent styles are:
1) Ayurveda (Ayurvedic Herbalism):
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system used in India. Ayurvedic doctors in India go through many years of extensive education and training, at which point they are considered Medical Doctors in Ayurvedic Medicine. After passing the accreditation process of the American Ayurvedic Association, they are awarded the title of D. Av. (Diplomate in Ayurvedic Health Sciences) within the U. S.. Ayurvedic herbs are prescribed based on the determination of doshas within the individual, and the health of these doshas.
2) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (Chinese Herbalism)
Traditional Chinese Medicine is the traditional medicine system used within China, which has grown to be the second-largest medical system in the world (behind western medicine). Doctors of Oriental Medicine undergo extensive education and training, with branches of TCM such as Acupuncture requiring licensure to practice in many U. S states. Herbal medicines are considered an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and are prescribed depending on the energetic state of the individual, as determined by key principles such as yin/yang, the 5 elements, and the flow of vital energy throughout the body.
3) Native American and Western Herbalism
Western herbal medicine is largely based on Native American medicine, traditional folklore medicine, and nature-based religions such as Wicca. As scientific information has evolved on the use and effects of various plants, this knowledge has also been incorporated.
Western herbal remedies are prepared solely from plant material, whereas Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs may also use animal and mineral substances.
With Chinese herbalism, the herbal mixtures are boiled and the resulting concentrated decoction is used. Ayurvedic and western herbs are often prepared using a variety of preparation methods including alcohol/water extracts or tinctures.
Page < 1 2
Recent Herbal Medicine Submissions
| 1. |  case study:Vomiting / Urinary Tract Infection - 12 yr. old Female Gr... She is much better and jumps up on the bed. She is not on steroids any more. Later on, Lu... more | by: wholepetvet  date: 8/15/2008 |
Submitted by a practitioner | ||
| ||
| 2. | case study: Sarcoid (benign tumor) on Right Eye - 12 yr. old Chestnut... Right away, Susan and I noticed that there was an old scar at the end of the same meridian containin... more | by: wholepetvet date: 8/15/2008 |
Submitted by a practitioner | ||
| ||
| 3. | case study: Food Allergies/Bowel Problems - 7 yr. old Poodle After 10 treatments of acupuncture and allergy clearing, Syri regained her full health and even her ... more | by: wholepetvet date: 8/14/2008 |
Submitted by a practitioner | ||
| ||
| The information in this website is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice, nor used to replace, diagnose, prescribe, or treat any ailment, nor does it replace consultation with your medical doctor and practitioner. It is intended only to enhance your knowledge in healing therapies. Please use it wisely. We care about your well-being. |