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

2. 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?

3. 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)

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

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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Willow Bark (Salix alba)

15. Hawthorne (Crataegus oxyacantha)

16. Maitake mushroom

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. Additional Resources Organizations
United Plant Savers (UpS) -
American Herbalists Guild (AHG) -
North Carolina Herb Association (NCHA) -
American Botanical Council (ABC) -

21. 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

22. Michele Collins, MPH, RH (AHG) Naturopathic Health Clinic of NC 2522 Reynolda Rd. Winston Salem, NC