WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC HERBALISM?
The herbalist profession in the United Kingdom is small and diverse but all herbalists have more in common than they have differences. So what is naturopathy?
Naturopathy emphasises:
- the individual not the disease
- the whole person - physical, mental, and emotional
- getting to the underlying root cause not just bashing the symptoms
- respect for the individual and recognising you are unique
- promoting the body's innate healing systems
- prevention is preferable to cure. Positive health practices should be a way of life.
- appropriate diet with herbs as necessary
- your health should be a way of life not just about the type of medication you take
WHAT ABOUT DIET?
Your biggest fear is "He's going to ask me to give up alcohol and eat kale smoothies for breakfast..."
As if!
But seriously, eating well should be a way of life, not something you do for a couple of months in order to look good on holiday, at a wedding etc. The trick is to make it realistic for you to eat well. I think we are creatures of habit more than anything else. It is a matter of establishing good habits.
But as a warning shot, here are what I consider the most important aspects of diet, but these are emphasises rather than absolute rules:
As if!
But seriously, eating well should be a way of life, not something you do for a couple of months in order to look good on holiday, at a wedding etc. The trick is to make it realistic for you to eat well. I think we are creatures of habit more than anything else. It is a matter of establishing good habits.
But as a warning shot, here are what I consider the most important aspects of diet, but these are emphasises rather than absolute rules:
- not relying on sugar and white carbohydrates for energy such as white bread, pasta, rice and potatoes
- more vegetables of all colours, ideally organic. Think "plant based" rather than vegetarian or vegan. I don't like strict rules but if you do, that's fine. Raw or cooked, whatever suits you.
- pulses/legumes/beans whatever you want to call them, for protein and fibre, introduced gradually so the gut can get used to digesting them.
- minimal meat and dairy if any, and buy quality, organic produce when you do
- good quality fats such as extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. Fats satisfy the appetite easily and are a good energy source contrary to what some might think. It is also vital we consume essential fatty acids, they are as important as vitamins. They are found in oily fish and can be obtained in supplement form made from the same algae that the fish get them from
- fermented foods for beneficial gut bacteria and as another way of eating vegetables. Heard of sauerkraut? I can teach you to make your own. Spicy versions are interesting...
- lastly, boozing is not big and it's not clever. But all things are possible in moderation.
WHAT IF I AM TAKING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE?
You may be drawn to herbal medicine due to a dislike of prescription medicine for whatever reason. However, I also have patients that take prescription medicine in addition to herbs. My aim is to respect the individual and support your wishes as best I can.
Herbs may be taken for the same thing as prescription medicine, or for something entirely different. It is not often a problem but I have to check all prescriptions for possible herbal interactions through a number of databases. Sometimes I need to avoid a particular herb with a particular drug but it is rare and avoidable.
If you are taking prescription medicine, if the prescription changes or if you start taking something after being provided with herbs please let me know so I can check for interactions.
WHAT IF I AM THINKING ABOUT TRYING HERBAL MEDICINE?
You can send me an email and tell me what your concerns are and what you would like to achieve. I will consider to what extent I think herbs could help and let you know my thoughts, either by email or with an informal chat. You have nothing to lose by asking.
