The Art and Practice of Herbal Medicine Michele Collins, MPH, RH (AHG), EWCH Naturopathic Health Clinic of NC

Questions Addressed What is an herbalist? How are herbalists trained? How are herbal practitioners regulated? How do herbalists practice clinically? What are common health issues an herbalist sees in clinical practice? What do I need to know about the safety of herbs?

Prevalence of the Use of Herbs 75% of world population uses herbal medicines as part of their health care regimen (World Health Organization) Herbal medicine is experiencing the largest increase when compared to other CAM modalities (Tindle, Davis, Phillips, Eisenberg, 2005)

What is an Herbalist? Clinical practitioner Wildcrafter Someone who specializes in the cultivation and growing of herbs Someone who makes plant-based medicines

Commonalities Love of plants Healing power of plants Nature provides us with what we need

Training in Herbal Medicine In-depth training in a traditional system, like Chinese medicine Person with whom you studied Formal school versus experiential learning such as apprenticeship

Quality Control No state or federal licensure No standard course of study (recommendations do exist) Individual systems have designations for practitioners (ie diplomat of Chinese herbal medicine) Professional guild that represents herbalists - American Herbalists Guild (AHG)

American Herbalist Guild Formed in 1989 Only organization that represents interests of practitioners who use herbs medicinally in US Peer review professional membership for clinical herbalists (RH) that establishes professional competence Registered Herbalists must engage in continuing education to maintain status

Clinical Practice of Herbal Medicine A system or analytic framework Formulation as an art Focus on whole person as a unique individual Use of whole plant

Diagnostic System Chinese medicine/Ayurvedic medicine/Native American/Applachian folk medicine Energetic classification of herbs Differential diagnostics Focuses on the whole individual Body’s ability to heal itself Nature is the body’s template

Formulation Tends to be be more effective than singles Complex issues need complex mechanisms Reduces potential side effects Art of combining herbs (dui yao)

Treating the Whole Person Deal with root cause in a person’s life Food and lifestyle can hinder or help the effectiveness of herbs Herbs are only one component of a comprehensive approach

Use of Whole Plants Plants have multiple active constituents Plant constituents work together in a complex interaction The whole is greater than the sum of the parts

Willow Bark (Salix alba)

Hawthorne (Crataegus oxyacantha)

Maitake mushroom

How does an herbalist practice? In-depth consultation to gather detailed case history (1.5-2 hours) Diagnostic system (traditional herbal system) Other modalities such as Chi Kung Formulations that are tailored to individual constitution and health issue Formulas are modified as the person’s condition evolves, with the seasons, etc.

Common Clinical Uses of Herbs Prevention/Wellness PMS/Menopausal issues Acute (colds, flus, skin conditions) Chronic health issues Issues like anemia Depletion from long term pain or health issue Mental Health/emotional issues

Safety of Herbs Contraindications exist for certain herbs (many are obvious) Many safety concerns are based on theoretical understanding of isolated plant constituents, not on clinical observations or even whole plant composition Herbal formulations are safest way to use Source of herbs is very important, especially for Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs and prepared formulations Important to consult a trained, clinical practitioner if in doubt

Additional Resources Organizations United Plant Savers (UpS) - http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/ American Herbalists Guild (AHG) -http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/ North Carolina Herb Association (NCHA) - http://www.ncherbassociation.org/ American Botanical Council (ABC) - http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Homepage

Additional Resources Books Buhner, S.H.(2004). The Secret Teachings of Plants. Dougherty, A.K. (2005). Herbal Voices: American Herbalism Through the Words of American Herbalists. Tierra, Michael (1992). Planetary Herbolology. Tierra, Leslie (2003). Healing with the Herbs of Life. Winston, D. & Steven Maimes. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Wood, Matthew (2004). The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification. Some of my favorite books that illustrate a wide range of perspectives in the field of herbal medicine Tell a story at the end

Michele Collins, MPH, RH (AHG) Naturopathic Health Clinic of NC 2522 Reynolda Rd. Winston Salem, NC 27106 336-624-6727 michele@spiritrisingherbs.com www.michelecollinsherbalist.com