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Herbal Medicine Schools and Careers
Herbal Therapy Schools | Natural Healers Career Resource Center
| | What is herbal medicine? |
Herbal medicine,the oldest form of health care known to mankind, has been used by all cultures throughout history. Much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals and by trial and error. Well into the 20th century much of the pharmacopoeia of scientific medicine was derived from the herbal lore of native peoples. Many drugs commonly used today are of herbal origin. Around 25 percent of prescription drugs dispensed in the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plant material.
Herbal Medicine can be broadly classified into various basic systems:
- Traditional Chinese Herbalism – Part of Traditional Oriental Medicine
- Ayurvedic Herbalism – Derived from Ayurveda
- Western Herbalism – Originally came from Greece and Rome to Europe and then spread to North and South America
The goal of the herbalist is to release the volatile oils, antibiotics, aromatics and other healing chemicals contained by the herb. Herbs can be prepared in a variety of forms, depending on their purpose. Here are some different herb preparation methods:
- Squeezing juice from herbs
- Mashing herbs into a paste
- Boiling down the herb in water to extract the active ingredients
- Pouring boiling water over the herbs and steeping the mixture in a covered container to create a hot infusion
- Soaking herbs in cold water or milk for several hours to create a cold infusion
- Grounding herbs into a powder
- Combining ground herbs with alcohol; also known as tincture
- Mixing glycerin or vinegar for internal use
- Creating liniment (made like a tincture, but for external use)
- Adding herbs to a medium, such as petroleum jelly, to create salves and ointments
- Adding herbs to a medium, such as honey, to create syrups
- Creating sugar or glycerin poultice
- Applying herb directly to a wound or body part and holding in place with a cloth
- Allowing the herb to sit in the oil for a week and then straining and bottling the herbal oil
How is herbal medicine practiced?
While self-medication with herbal remedies is widespread, the use of herbs is most efficacious when prescribed by a trained herbalist. The herbalist will work to correct imbalances using herbs in combination with diet and lifestyle changes.
What herbal medicine degrees or certificates are available?
There are many different herbal medicine schools and training programs. Search our natural health directory and request information directly from the herbal medicine school of your choice.
Sources:
EzineArticles.com, 2009.
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