Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine is the use of herbs to treat health concerns. Herbs can be administered via tinctures, capsules, teas, and topical preparations. Medicinal plants are safe and effective when used correctly and in the correct dosage.
How were you trained in botanical medicine?
Naturopathic doctors are the only health care providers in Canada to be licensed for the use of botanical medicine. Naturopathic doctors are trained for 4 years in botanical medicine and many use herbs to treat a wide variety of concerns. Naturopathic doctors are also educated in pharmacology and therefore are trained to assess the safety, efficacy, and possible interactions of herbal medicine with pharmaceuticals.
What can you treat with botanical medicine?
Botanical medicine is an optional part of your personalized treatment plan and may be used to treat both physical and mental/emotional concerns safely and effectively.
Why can’t I just treat myself with herbs?
Before there were pharmaceuticals, there were botanicals and in fact many pharmaceutical drugs are still based on or derived from plants. It is important to recognize that botanicals can be as powerful and dangerous as pharmaceuticals. I am educated in botanical medicine and pharmacology, allowing me to recognize what herbs are safe and effective for your condition, and anticipate possible drug-herb interactions that may affect your health.
Is there evidence for the use of botanical medicine?
There is ample research evidence regarding botanical medicine. Check out PubMed to search for specific research articles.