WHAT IS HERBAL MEDICINE?
Herbal medicine simply means using the plants that have always surrounded us to help us function optimally and heal from imbalance.
Herbal medicine is at the heart of every medical tradition in human history. That includes modern biomedicine, which has its roots in an ancient Greek medical system that relied heavily on plant medicines. Humans have been using plants for healing for as long as we’ve been human—and possibly even longer: there’s evidence that Neanderthals may have self-medicated with some of the same herbs we use today!
There are many ways to apply plants for healing. Some conventional medical doctors and naturopaths use plant medicines just as they might use drugs: take 2 capsules of this herb for that symptom. Traditional herbalists generally use herbs quite differently; by looking at the overall interaction between plants, organ system function, and physical and energetic imbalances unique to your body, we use blends of plant medicines to help support and restore balance to your system as a whole.
In my practice of herbalism, I draw on both traditional herbal medicine systems and modern scientific research, using plants as a source of support and nourishment for body, mind, and spirit.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE USE OF HERBS?
Herbs can certainly provide short-term relief for acute concerns, particularly when they’re paired with nutritional support; they’re also incredible agents for change in the ecosystem of the body, and can help restore and rebuild vitality & function, making lasting changes in your wellbeing.
Herbs are truly useful for everyone—whether you’re dealing with a simple acute illness, navigating a complex chronic health condition, dealing with long-term stress, or simply looking for more vitality and resilience, you can use herbs to help support your health and wellbeing.
I specialize in herbal and nutritional support for:
- GI & digestive issues
- Stress, anxiety & emotional health
- Thyroid health
- Autoimmune conditions
- Skin issues
- Blood sugar balance
- Hormone balance, including gender transition and peri/menopause
- Oral/periodontal health
- Sexual health
WHY SHOULD I WORK WITH AN HERBALIST?
Traditional herbalism uses whole-plant extracts, which means we’re accessing the complex array of phytochemicals that are found in plants, rather than just using an extremely concentrated dose of one isolated compound. You can imagine plant medicines as a spectrum, with plant-based foods on one end and highly concentrated, refined, and isolated plant-based drugs on the other; most herbal medicines fall into a range that’s somewhere in the middle. But not all plant therapies are right for everyone—just because plant extracts are natural, that doesn’t automatically mean they’re perfectly safe, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee they’ll work for you!
There are hundreds of herbal products on the market, and it’s overwhelming to sort through all the contradictory information out there. Most medical practitioners have zero training about herbal extracts, and very little training in nutrition; even if they are open to the use of herbs and supplements, they often don’t know enough to make effective recommendations.
As a clinical herbalist, I have the training to assess which herbs are appropriate for you, what preparations are available and most effective, and help you understand any safety concerns. I can also help you use herbs in a truly holistic and integrated way, supporting your health and vitality while deepening your relationship with your own inner wisdom.
Linden de Voil, Clinical Herbalist 