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Western herbal medicine has an extremely long history, far longer in fact than ‘conventional medicine’. The earliest records of the use of medicinal herbs were associated with the Assyro-Babylonians and the Egyptians. The Egyptian Ebers papyrus (c1550 BC) includes over 700 prescriptions including caraway, coriander, garlic, linseed, peppermint, figs, fennel, anise, poppy and castor oil. Herbal medicine uses whole plant preparations, so that the overall effect is gentle and balanced. At the Myrobalan Clinic as well as using whole plant preparations, we use an holistic approach to treatment (see holistic medicine). This means that we are treating the underlying cause of a health imbalance rather than simply suppressing the symptoms. Herbal medicines may be prescribed in the form of tinctures, capsules, decoctions or infusions. Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. A mixture of alcohol and water is used; the proportion varying depending on the constituents of the herb in question. This is because some compounds dissolve better in alcohol than water. In practice most tinctures tend to be either 25% alcohol or 45% alcohol. Tinctures are taken with a little hot water and are quite safe for children since the amount of alcohol in each dose is tiny. Capsules contain powdered herbs. The coating of the capsule is made with a vegetarian alternative to gelatine, so our capsules are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Decoctions are prepared using dried herbs which are simmered in hot water for a specified amount of time prior to straining and drinking. Decoctions are usually used where the herbs are tough and woody, and more heat is needed to extract the medicinal ingredients. Most decoctions are prepared by the patient at home, but some such as Essiac are available ready made up from the clinic. Infusions are prepared using dried herbs, but these are not actively heated. Rather hot water is poured over the herb and it is left in a covered container to steep for 5 to 10 minutes before drinking. Infusions are used for more delicate aromatic herbs, which could lose their potency on active heating. We also prescribe creams, eye drops and ear drops. All of our medicines are made using the finest natural ingredients, organically grown wherever possible. Many of the medicines are grown biodynamically in the garden of the clinic, and others are collected from a nearby organic farm which has never been sprayed with chemicals.
We believe that the intention and respect afforded to the herbs during gathering and processing helps to create the most potent and effective medicines. This is why we make most of our own medicines. We are unable to make vitamin and mineral supplements though, and for this reason we have teamed up with Nature’s Sunshine Products to offer their excellent range of vitamins and minerals. We have selected Nature’s Sunshine Products because of their entirely natural and balanced ingredients, and because we believe that they are the best available. |
