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.
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