So, what’s a herbalist?

If you’re thinking woo woo witchcraft and dancing naked in the forest, you’re very wrong….

Today the complementary health industry is regulated, peer reviewed, very evidence-based and follows the science, like conventional medicine.

The Advanced Diploma of Western Herbal Medicine that I acquired was 4.5 years full time study, covering pharmacology and pharmacodynamics - the study of pharmaceutical medications and how the act on the body and interact with herbal medicines, medical terminology, biology, chemistry, anatomy, advanced anatomy, manufacturing, and extensive studies of nutrition and Western herbal medicines.

Our cohort visited an operational herb farm in Tasmania to learn the plants from the ground up, manufacturing herbal tinctures and other therapeutic preparations, and undertook more than 150 hours in clinical practice and work experience.

When you visit a herbalist or naturopath you can be rest-assured you will be in good hands, and also importantly, in good hearts! Generally an initial consultation will be 1-2 hours, with you doing most of the talking, and the practitioner deeply listening. You may be given referrals to medical practitioners or other complementary health modalities, advice on improving your diet and lifestyle habits and probably a nasty tasting bottle of brown liquid herbs to support your presenting symptoms and nervous system, to enable healing. Don’t be afraid of the herbs, they aren’t as bad as you might first think and often people come to really love them. Many people prefer complementary modalities for maintaining good energy and to enhance their health and wellbeing.

In my seventeen years in the industry, the practitioners I’ve encountered are some of the most compassionate and ethical people. I’d like to think that in all the science and research, there is still space for the practitioner to feel into the wholeness of the person they are treating. Complementary health is not reductive and will not just treat the presenting symptoms, but endeavour to uncover the root cause, looking at your life holistically to bring balance, wellness and vitality.

Sure, I still like the idea of witchcraft and forest bathing, but they’re stories for another time…