Herbalism has been used for thousands of years, and Dioscorides, the first century Greek physician, was a known originator. It is thought that Lavender and Rosemary still grow o­n a Greek Island he frequented for these herbs. The Egyptians too used herbs prolifically to heal. So too, the Australian Aborigine has traditionally used medicines taken from the bush, plants and trees to heal. Living in Australia we are very fortunate to have an abundance of herbs, roots, bushes and trees to aid us in our healing. Did you know garlic is natures antibiotic? For many years is has been used in Europe for respiratory ailments, rheumatism and many other conditions, and can even be used to eradicate intestinal worms.

Herbalism used to be a case of prescribing potions, mixtures and ointments from herbs and other items in hedgerows, trees, roots and fruit, etc. These days a dispensary is often used to work with fluid extracts, Bach flowers, ointments and tinctures which are prescribed for specific conditions following a consultation.

A herbal infusion is a tea made from a herb which involves boiling the herbal material, whereas a decoction is also a herbal tea but involves simmering the herbal material.

Many peoples nowadays feel they prefer natural remedies to assist them in their healing rather than opting for pharmaceutical drugs which might produce an unwelcome side effect. Aiding the patient using herbs for a myriad of conditions is often a preferred option for a natural therapist. It can be most effective if combined with another natural form of therapy to complement the healing process.

Herbalism can be prescribes for conditions such as menopause, PMT, mood swings, depression, lack of energy, immune system problems, pain after broken bones, arthritic conditions, etc.