Saturday, February 14, 2009

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal Medicine can be defined as the use of medicinal plants in the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as in the maintenance of health. It has persisted as the world’s primary form of medicine since the beginning of time, with a written history more than 5000 years old. 75% of the world’s population still relies on traditional healing practices. Herbal medicine offers a highly effective, affordable healing modality that is in balance with our natural resources.


What is Western Herbalism?
The foundation of Western Herbalism comes from both a long-standing tradition of folk medicine (historical information that has been passed down through the ages) as well as scientific studies. Western Herbalists tend to focus on plants that grow in their region; however, our body of knowledge is woven from many cultures and traditions, most notably Native American, European, Chinese (TCM) and Indian (Ayurvedic). Medicinal herbs are used in the context of a Western understanding of health and disease. Plants are ingested as teas or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Herbs are also used in baths and steams, or topically in the form of a salve, oil or liniment. Herbalism can effectively address the whole person: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

How is Herbal Medicine Different from Conventional Medicine?Herbalists seek to address the root of imbalance in an individual, not just the symptoms. My goal is to stimulate your innate healing power through the use of herbs, diet and lifestyle. The primary focus of conventional physicians is to use strong pharmaceuticals to treat symptoms. This approach does not usually uncover the root cause of the disease, and many patients under conventional care suffer from side effects that can be as bad as the condition being treated.

Let’s use acid reflux as an example. A conventional doctor would prescribe a medication that suppresses or neutralizes the hydrochloric acid your stomach makes. This puts a band-aid on the problem (acid reflux) and now you must continue to take medication to suppress symptoms. An herbalist would look at addressing the root cause(s) for your acid reflex and offer herbs to support healing of your digestive tract and dietary and lifestyle changes designed to address the reason for your symptoms. The philosophical difference between herbalists and conventional physicians has profound significance.

On a physical level, plant medicine provides overall support to the body such as building up immunity and how it handles stress as well as focusing on specific issues. Herbalism looks at the whole person to support any weaknesses in the body (known as deficiencies) so that the body overall may be stronger. Emotional and spiritual needs can also be addresses through plant spirit medicine and flower essences.

Most herbalists (myself included) will talk to you about nutrition with an emphasis on a whole foods diet. You can expect to be treated as a whole person, to be listened to, and to have your questioned answered.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Herbal Medicine?
People seek the services of a western herbalist for help with a disorder or as a way to strengthen their constitution and improve their overall wellbeing. Western Herbalism offers support for many acute and chronic conditions, including, but not limited to:
• allergies & hayfever
• asthma and other respiratory problems
• blood sugar imbalances
• cancer support
• colds & flus
• decreased immune function
• digestive problems such as GERD/acid reflux, IBS, gas & bloating, indigestion
• emotional balance
• frequent illnesses
• high blood pressure and cholesterol
• insomnia
• migraines & headaches
• reproductive health
• stress & anxiety
• sinusitis
• thyroid disorders



North Rose Botanicals
Holistic Wellness Consultations & Herbal Medicine

About Cheryl Fromholzer
My training as a western herbalist has been long and varied, and includes plant knowledge passed down through my family, an apprenticeship with a Hispanic Curandero (folk healer), studies with various master herbalists in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as completion of a three-year clinical program in western herbalism (Ohlone Center for Herbal Studies). My education encompasses the study of traditional and science-based plant medicine, basic plant chemistry, anatomy, physiology and nutrition. I enjoy teaching others about herbs through workshops and local herb walks and can usually be found hiking with my dogs and picking wild weeds.

Herbal Consultations – What You Can Expect?The initial consultation is a 1-1/2 hour session with several components. After obtaining a detailed description of the reason(s) for your visit, I obtain an extensive intake of your health history, covering all the areas that can influence your current state of health, such as diet, exercise, social and emotional life. During our session, we will collaborate on a wellness plan (including dietary and lifestyle suggestions) that is balanced and realistic. At the end of our session, I create an herbal formula, designed specifically for you, to address your unique physical constitution, physiological needs, and emotional and spiritual well-being. At this time, we will also schedule a follow-up session (typically 1-2 weeks later), to ensure the herbal formula and wellness plan are moving you towards your healing goals. After the follow-up session, you will typically see me every month to six weeks to check in about your healing progress and to continue to tailor your wellness plan and receive a new herbal formula.

Herbal medicine tones the body’s ability to respond to stress and illness. The goal of healthy living is not to be reliant on herbs forever. Acute problems, such as colds and flus, can be addressed in one visit. Chronic problems generally take a few months to address while long-standing issues can take a year or more.

Disclosure Statement: Herbalism is not licensed by the State of California. Cheryl Fromholzer is not a medical doctor and therefore cannot make a diagnosis, nor will she make recommendations regarding drugs or controlled substances prescribed by a licensed practitioner. Her services are complementary in nature.

My Herbal Apothecary
I carry over 130 full-spectrum herbal extracts in my pharmacy, all handcrafted by me using organic or ethically-wildharvested herbs. Alcohol-based extracts are made using biodynamically-grown organic grapes. Grape alcohol is hypo-allergenic, which is especially important for individuals who have grain allergies or sensitivities. I believe in the vitality of fresh plants – whenever possible I use fresh, locally-grown plants over dried. I support local farmers and purchase my herbs through Sonoma County Herb Exchange whenever possible.

I also carry a wide range of freshly-dried organic herbs for teas.

Herbal extracts and teas are available to the public. Inquire for details.

Fees:
Consultations:
• Initial Consultation (~1.5 hour session): Sliding Scale - $60 to $120
• Follow-up Sessions (~30 minutes): Sliding Scale - $30 to $50
Housecalls possible.
Herbal Extracts: $10 per ounce (client price). $12 per ounce to the general public.

Dried Herbal Teas: Varies depending on the herb. Between $3 and $8 per ounce.

Making An AppointmentI can be reached at 415-488-1529 or nrbotanicals@gmail.com. I’m happy to talk to you to answer any questions you may have about the services I offer and how I can help you.

Making choices about your healthcare is a very personal decision. There is no one right way to work with any illness. Allow yourself the time to gather as much information as you need to make your decisions and listen to your body and heart. Enjoy the love in your life, laugh whenever you can, and be very gentle and kind to yourself.

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