In herbal practice, plants are not used on the basis of any one constituent.  Instead, the whole plant or a part of the plant such as the root or leaves is extracted into a liquid medium so that all of the many components that make up a plant’s chemistry can contribute to its actions as a medicine.  The combination of all of these different elements work in synergy to complement and enhance each other, making for a potent and effective medicine.

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Medical herbalists use whole plant extracts.  This might be the whole of the flowering tops or roots and these are extracted into a liquid medium.  With different liquid media being used depending on what the desired outcome is;  alcohol would be used to create a tincture, water for an infusion or tea, oil or glycerine for creams or salves.  The most effective and efficient liquid medium is alcohol.

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Herbs work directly to heal both causes and symptoms of illnesses without toxic side effects which helps the body to achieve the maximum benefit from each dose.  Medical herbalists are trained to look for the root of any problem and treat this rather than just the symptoms alone.  This can help break cycles of poor health and get patients back on track to being the healthiest and happiest version of themselves possible.  Medical herbalists take a wide set of elements into consideration when formulating their treatment plans.  These include elements such as a patient's overall health and wellbeing, any social factors or current medication, as well as family and medical histories help the medical herbalist to form a better picture of the patient as a person and not just a collection of symptoms.

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Herbal medicine is appropriate for everyone regardless of age and can help in most of the conditions that patients would visit a GP for.  These include conditions to do with:

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• Digestion

• The Heart and Circulatory systems 

• The Immune system

• Skin complaints

• Sleep, stress and emotional issues

• Hormonal imbalances

• Musculoskeletal aches and pains

• The Respiratory system

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Medical herbalists have training in investigating drug/herb interactions and know exactly which herbs can be used safely alongside other medication and can work in partnership with a patient's GP or other healthcare providers if they wish.  Members of the National Institute of Herbal Medicine (MNIMH) have to complete a stringent training programme, follow a strict code of ethics and must remain up to date in their skills and knowledge through a programme of Continuing Professional Development.