What Is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is a kind of complementary medicine that treats illness with plant materials. The first records of herbal medicine date back almost 6,000 years to ancient China. It was originally used to treat ailments without the use of scalpels or drugs. Herbal medicines are made from the leaves, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be prepared as extracts, teas, tablets, or in powdered form. Herbal remedies work by activating your body's self-healing abilities to change its response to diseases.
What Are the Benefits of Herbal Medicine?
Herbal remedies work by stimulating the body to make more white blood cells that fight pathogens. Taking herbal medicine also increases gastric secretions for digestive problems, releases histamine to combat allergies, slows down an overactive heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Regardless of how you take them, herbal remedies can treat a number of common illnesses and conditions, including:
- Common cold and flu
- Headache
- Kidney disease
- Heart problems
- Insomnia
- Hormonal imbalances
- Asthma and other respiratory diseases
- Infertility
- Psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions
- Multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Thyroid problems
- Digestive issues
How Much Do Herbal Medicines Cost in Sydney?
The cost of an initial consultation with a herbalist in Sydney ranges from $100 to $170, depending on the length and complexity of the health problem that needs to be addressed. Herbal treatments are far less expensive than surgeries and drugs, costing anywhere from $5 to $10 per pack, depending on how many herbs are included.
How Many Herbalists Live and Work in Sydney?
There are over 50 herbalists working and residing in Sydney. Some of them work in holistic clinics and herbal shops, while others work alongside other natural health practitioners such as acupuncturists, naturopaths and yoga instructors. Others have their own private practice where they provide one-on-one consultations.
How Many People in Sydney Use Herbal Medicines?
Many people in Sydney prefer complementary medicine, such as herbal medicine, to help them with their health concerns because it is natural, non-invasive and inexpensive. In a 2007 survey of over 300 residents, almost 18% said they use herbal medicine to treat an ailment or maintain their health.
