Welcome to Greenleaves Herbal Healthcare

Introduction

Despite hundreds of drugs being available for a vast range of diseases (with the pharmaceutical companies putting more onto the market every year) health problems such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease are on the increase in the Western World.

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal Medicine is the use of plants to treat diseases and is the oldest form of medicine known to man. It is the most widely practiced form of medicine world-wide with 80% of the global population relying on herbs for health and healing. Despite this, Herbal Medicine is classed as alternative or complementary in this country.

Certain plants have an affinity for specific organs or systems of the body. However, the approach is always to treat the person as a whole (holistically), and not to treat the disease in isolation. Herbs work by gradually strengthening the body to enable it to overcome disease and restore health, harmony, balance and vitality.

The difference between Pharmacy Drugs and Medicinal Herbs

Many pharmaceutical drugs in use today are actually based on plant ingredients. The active part of the herb (i.e. the part that makes it effective) is extracted and isolated. That single component is then turned into a drug in the laboratory and manufactured on a large scale. To this day, when new cures are sought for disease, it is often to the plant world that scientists will turn.

In contrast, in Herbal Medicine different parts of the plant are used. For example, the flowers and fruit of the Hawthorn plant are used for heart disorders. The bark of the Oak tree is used in diarrhoea and other conditions which require astringency (toning and tightening tissues). Another example is the leaves and roots of the Dandelion plant. The leaves have a diuretic effect and the root has a long tradition in the use of Liver disorders.

What can Herbal Medicine Treat?

For a list of some of the common ailments that herbs can treat, see the A-Z of Health Complaints.

Treatment Philosophy

At Greenleaves, the practice of cleansing and revitalising the waste-eliminating organs; Liver, Colon, Kidneys, Lymphatic System to recover health and vitality is at the centre of our treatment philosophy and the Health Recovery Consultations are based around this. By focusing on cleansing, chronic, acute and degenerative health problems can be tackled successfully at their source.

Herbal Dispensary

Greenleaves Herbal Healthcare runs a traditional herbal dispensary, making bespoke herbal preparations available to the public after consultation. You can also take advantage of free expert advice, as well as paid for telephone and private consultations.

Raw & Living Food Nutrition

In addition, I recognise that lifestyle and dietary habits contribute to overall health and so I promote the introduction of enzyme-rich, raw and living food and high vitality green juices. Please note, I am not talking about eating raw meat, fish, eggs or dairy products but a diet consisting of vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts, sea vegetables, sprouts and probiotic food. Raw and living foods complement healing herbs as they are themselves healing and rejuvenating. For more information see Living Food for Living People.

Classes and Events

You will find information on upcoming events and classes in What's New (you will find the link on the top of every page). This includes classes in Raw Food Preparation, the Basic use of Herbs and a Living Food Talks & Buffet held on the last Sunday of each month, beginning on 31 August 2008. This is where small groups can learn how living food rejuvenates and heals. The talk will include demonstration of equipment in a Living Food kitchen. A raw and living food buffet is provided.

Greenleaves Herbal Healthcare exists to help you restore your health through natural and effective methods.

Patricia Ferguson BSc (Hons)
Consultant Medical Herbalist