It is an art form of plant medicine that is rooted in ancient herbal traditions, coming from many different locations across Europe.
Because much of our European herbalism was destroyed by Christianity, it has taken much time, research and love to slowly regain its rightful place as the origin and foundation of modern medicine, our medicinal heritage.
It makes sense to use the herbs that grow locally and so western herbalists have patchworked together lost knowledge to create what would have been common knowledge in every village and town. Most herbalists have a deep knowledge of plant identification and many forage for their own dispensaries.
The fundamental principles of these herbal traditions have often tallied with herbalism from other parts of the world, such as using the elements to describe plants, and using these ancient systems we are able to regain aspects of western herbalism that were lost. In fact, a western herbalist will also incorporate Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal knowledge in their practice as well as other plant therapies such as aromatherapy, flower remedies, naturopathy and homeopathy. Preparations a herbalist may prescribe you include tinctures, teas, syrups, aromatic waters, creams, ointments, oils and tablets.
Although we are more familiar with Chinese herbs, European herbs grow everywhere, London literally hosts 100s of varieties and these have existed, evolved and cohabited with us since millennia, producing healing properties and other constituents that has helped ensure our coexistence today. Over 70% of pharmaceutical drugs are derived directly from plants.
However, herbalists choose to use the whole part/s of the plants because they believe that this natural evolution of plants living in close proximity to humans has ensured perfection in their medicine, both physically and energetically. A herbalist’s intention is to help recalibrate, rebalance, nourish and strengthen someone back to optimal health naturally. This is the essence of true herbal medicine.
How does a herbalist work?
i. A medical herbalist has studied orthodox and plant medicine and has trained in the same diagnostic skills as a GP. During any consultation, details will be taken of the current complaint alongside any past medical history as well as diet and lifestyle situations.
ii. Herbalists take a holistic approach to illness, treating the underlying causes, rather than just the symptoms. Therefore, the prescription a herbalist prescribes will be for the person, not their illness.
iii. Specific herbs are chosen for each person which depends on the information obtained from detailed consultations and any clinical examinations. The herbs given are based on scientific and clinical research, as well as traditional and historical efficacy and use.
iv. Herbalists are trained to ensure their medicine does not clash with any prescription drugs, therefore herbs can be used safely alongside conventional medicine. Please always bring a list of your current prescription drugs with you to appointments.
What can a herbalist treat?
Herbalism is for everyone, and can help both acute and chronic conditions -
• Joints & Bone
• Heart & Circulation
• Skin
• Nutrition & Nourishment
• Fertility, Pregnancy & Childbirth
• Hormone Health
• Emotional Health
• Fatigue Syndrome
• Energy & Stamina
• Digestion
• Allergy
• The Immune System
Rebekah Reeve-Jones practices here at Healing Space. Here’s a little about her:
“My need to empower people came to me very early in life. After many years of trying different natural healing modalities, I found a 4 year course in herbal medicine, resulting in me gaining an honours degree way back in 2003.
After that I needed to travel, and in various places around the globe found others who shared their knowledge and skills in herbalism that no degree course could have given me. I also did several years of nursing at this time, to learn what happens in a hospital and understand how the medical establishment treats illness and disease.
Travelling, living abroad, falling in love and having 3 children then led me to a home education landscape, and I found myself being the main therapist for many families, offering weekly surgeries in diagnosing childhood illnesses and treating a whole host of problems from acute to chronic, seeing kids right up to grandparents.
More recently I decided to qualify as a naturopath- a precious tool for any herbalist, and also qualified in psychotropic plant medicine, which fingers crossed could be the future for psychiatric medicine.
I treat every person individually, tailor making them a herbal prescription to suit their needs.
I also offer dowsing Bach flower remedies, dietary advice and lifestyle recommendations- all part of my consultations.
I specialise in European and Indigenous plants, but also use Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs when indicated. Many of my prescriptions are homemade extracts from locally sourced plants.
As a professional, I guarantee you a thorough consultation to get to the root of the issue so we can then start the healing process.
My aim is to bestow medical autonomy onto every person I see so that they can take ownership of their health, their future and ultimate happiness.”