Herbal Medicine II - Prescribing Herbs

Question 1

Actions as a basis for prescribing

Answer 1

Herbal actions are the basis for prescribing. The process for selecting herbs is:
1. Evaluate the therapeutic requirements of patient (biomedical & energetic).
2. Choose which actions are needed to meet these requirements.
3. Select herbs which provide these actions.

Question 2

Simpling

Answer 2

Single herbs may be given, an approach called ‘simpling’:
* Sometimes we can find a perfect match between a herb’s actions and a patient’s needs. For example:
* Regular use of Ashwagandha root on own may be ideal for a patient with:
o Anxiety and insomnia (nervine relaxant).
o Exhaustion (it is an adaptogen).
o Weight loss (it is nutritive for tissues).
o Coldness (it has a warming energetic).

Question 3

Chamomile for Children

Answer 3

Chamomile is the best simple remedy for children because its actions address so many children’s problems:
* Anti-inflammatory: For skin irritations, eczema, teething.
* Nervine relaxant: For restlessness and tantrums.
* Carminative: For colicky pains and stomach-ache.
* Pleasant taste is well tolerated by ‘fussy’ palates.
* Remember― children need lower doses than adults (see previous lecture).

Question 4

Synergy:

Answer 4

Herbs with similar actions are often used together to create ‘synergy’ (= the total effect is greater than the sum of its parts):
* For example, a tea for anxiety, stress or to promote sleep might contain a blend of chamomile, passionflower and lemon balm.
* Each herb is nervine relaxant, but contains different plant chemicals, so works in a different way.
* The combined effect is more than the effect of any one of them alone.

Question 5

Formulas

Answer 5

Herbs are normally blended in mixed ‘formulas’. This enables herbalists to select a broad range of actions that address the various ‘roots’ of a patient’s disharmony:
* We will teach you how to make simple formulas that are safe & effective.
* Formulas given are expressed in ‘parts’ or ‘proportions’ of herbs in a blend:
o Dosage applies to the amount of whole formula for an adult (children’s doses taught in the last lesson). Don’t overdo it!
o Normal intake is 3 times daily (herbs are cleared by the liver and kidneys, so need to be ‘topped up’ regularly).
o Before recommending herbal medicines, always check if patients are pregnant or breast feeding, and ask what medications they take —consider herb-drug interactions!

Question 6

Caution

Answer 6

• For complex conditions, patients need to see a qualified herbalist.
• Do not take on serious conditions using herbs unless fully trained in this branch of natural medicine.