Lecture 1- Foundations Of Western Herbal Medicine: Introduction

Question 1

What is Western Herbal Medicine? Where and with whom did it begin?

Answer 1

Study and practice of the medicinal and therapeutic uses of plants

on 4 humors, deep bodily fluids

Began with Greek physician Hippocrates 460 BCE
Developed Roman physician Galen 130 CE
Indigenous folkloric knowledge
North America- changes an developments and then reimported in 19th c
Phototherapy- plant chemistry

Question 2

What do we mean by “herbal actions”?

Answer 2

How an herb works in clinical practice.

Can act:

• Organ/ Specific Tissue
• General actions (similar effect on all tissues)
• Multiple (hepatic, diuretic, laxative, bitter etc.)
• Patient- specific (addresses some of individual conditions)

Question 3

What is an ‘Alterative’ herb?

Answer 3

Lymph and Blood cleanser

Obsolete word in pharmacology meaning ‘a drug that restores normal health’

Question 4

Name three ‘Alterative’ herbs?

Answer 4

Burdock
Dandelion
Nettle

Question 5

What does the term “Materia Medica” mean?

Answer 5

Medicinal substances

Question 6

What is a “herbal monograph”?

Answer 6

Detailed written study of a plant

Tells us what we need to know about the plant: actions, indications, habitat, dose, safety etc.

Question 7

Name TWO things that is important to know about people or patients in herbal medicine practice?

Answer 7

Symptoms and the meaning thereof
Lifestyle, constitution, taking current drugs?

Underlaying factors causing disease

Question 8

List 7 Principles of Naturopathy

Answer 8

1- Vis Medicatrix Naturae- healing power of nature

2- First do no harm

3- Find the cause- lifestyle, history, constitution

4- Doctor as teacher

5- Treat the WHOLE person

6- Prevent if possible

7- Establish positive health- as opposed to killing or curing disease)

Question 9

What is meant by primary health care practitioners?

Answer 9

A practitioner than can be seen before a doctor

Question 10

List three functions of a Professional Association.

Answer 10

Arrange insurance

Maintain standards of practice

Codes of ethics and conduct

Accredit training services

Provide continuing Professional and Development opportunities

Question 11

As a herbalist, would you be allowed to practice in the UK?

Answer 11

Yes, but cannot sell medicine without a license.

Question 12

According to WHO, what percentage of the world’s population uses herbal medicine?

Answer 12

80% use as first choice