What is botanical medicine?
Botanical medicine is the use of herbs to treat illness. Herbs can be administered via tinctures, capsules, teas, and topical preparations. Medicinal plants are safe and effective when used correctly.
How were you trained in herbs?
Naturopathic doctors are the only health care providers in Canada licensed to use botanical medicine. Naturopathic doctors are trained for 4 years in both botanical medicine and pharmacology in order 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 both 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 the use of herbs. Check out PubMed to search for specific research articles.