Definition:
According to eminent Herbalist, Andrew Chevallier, Herbal medicine is both a science and an art (1996, p. 7). Present day Herbal medicine is a synthesis of ancient folk wisdom and knowledge which pre-dates written history, with modern scientific research into the biochemical and phytomedicinal properties of plants.

History:
The medicinal use of herbs is thought to be older than recorded history. Ancient Egyptian wall glyphs depict the use of herbs for their aromatic and healing properties. While an Egyptian papyrus dating from nearly 3000 BC documents the specific uses of a variety of trees, roots, bulbs, herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables with regards to their medicinal and nutritional properties (Arcarti, 1998, p. 13). Tribal cultures such as the Australian Aboriginals have been using herbs in healing, in accordance with their oral history, for over 40, 000 years. In 1649 AD, Nicolas Culpepper, the famous British herbalist, published his famous herbal text, which remains as a literary landmark in Western Herbal Medicine. Even today, approximately 75% of all commercial medicines are still derived from plants.

Philosophy:
Herbal Medicine works with the innate healing power of Nature, specifically with the inherent healing power of herbs. Herbalists consider that herbs should be taken as whole natural sources in preference to extraction of single chemical compounds isolated from plants, as is the norm in conventional pharmaceutical medicines. In addition, herbalists uphold the synergistic benefits of blending two or more herbs together to support and heal the body based on the following principles:

• By taking all of the presenting symptoms of the dis-ease into account
• Trying to understand the disease process as it effects the entire body
• Supporting the specific organs which are in distress
• Supporting the organs and systems of elimination (liver, kidneys, bowels, skin and lungs) in order to facilitate detoxification
• Always supporting the circulatory system, considering its important role in transporting nutrients and removing toxins from the cells.
• Giving support to the nervous system and psyche to facilitate healing.

Methods of Treatment:
Herbs and herbal preparations may be utilized in numerous ways, including but not limited to the following:

• Applied topically as creams, balms, lotions, ointments, liniments, salves, rubs, rubifacients, compresses, poultices or plasters.
• In baths, eye washes, gargles or douches.
• Ingested internally as fresh green herb, dried raw herbs, powdered herbs, encapsulated herbs, teas, infusions, succus, decoctions, syrups, lozenges, Oxymels, glycerotracts or tinctures.
• Inhaled as snuff, vapor or steam
• Inserted as pessaries or suppositories

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