Herbalist
The definition of a herbalist is someone who specializes in the use of herbs as botanical remedies
or tinctures, typically following the holistic healing philosophy of treating the whole person,
rather than just a collection of symptoms. Believing that the body has the ability to heal itself
with proper support, herbalists encourage individuals to play a large role in restoring their own
health--not only with herbs but also with diet, exercise, and significant lifestyle changes.

Herbalists create remedies that are extracted from parts of whole plants, which contain minerals,
vitamins, essential oils, and other substances. Although herbs  tend to be subtler in their action
than synthetic drugs, they can also be very powerful. One must exercise caution when dealing
with anything from the plant kingdom.

A reputable herbalist should work in cooperation with, not in opposition to, conventional
medicine, and will not hesitate to refer you to a doctor or another health professional for
treatment when necessary. Herbalists are not qualified to diagnose disease. A diagnosis from
your physician can help the Herbalist determine the best course of action. They often times will
work in conjunction with your physician to determine the best treatments for your symptoms or
illness.

When first meeting with a Herbalist, you should have a thorough consultation where a client
history form and interview should occur. The Herbalist should be informed of any allergies,
illnesses or medicines you are taking. Over the counter medicines and prescriptions drugs along
with any herbal supplements can sometimes interract with herbal remedies. After a thorough
consultation, the herbalist may recommend or provide specific remedies, which may be
commercially prepared, or created from herbs the herbalist has personally grown or harvested
themselves.

Herbal remedies might be given to you in the form of capsules, concoctions, tinctures, ointments,
freeze-dried, or as a tea. A good herbalist will have extensive knowledge of plant identification,
the preparation and appropriate use of botanical medicines, and a thorough awareness of
potential herb-to-herb or herb-to-drug interactions, so that the herbs you take will complement,
not interfere with, any other medications you may need.

How To Choose a Practitioner

Herbalists come from many traditions and go by a variety of names, including herbal
consultant, clinical herbalist, medical herbalist, professional herbalist, or registered herbalist. It's
important to understand that rather than official titles or certifications, these are simply terms.
The occupation of herbalist is not regulated in any state, and embraces backgrounds ranging
from modern botanical science to centuries'-old healing traditions.

An herbalist might practice contemporary Western herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine,
Indian Ayurvedic medicine, or Native American medicine, for example. Or, you may find that a
naturopathic doctor (N.D.) is also an herbalist.
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