Herbal Medicine
in Victoria, BC

with Cailin Blanchard, Integrative Clinical Herbalist

Book Today

Also known as botanical medicine or phyto-medicine/ phyto-therapy, herbal medicine is an age-old living tradition throughout the world where plants are worked with as medicine. Plants and their plant parts, like roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, and resins can be employed to manage common health issues. When made into a tea, tincture, capsule, extract, or topical, these botanical products can be applied to ease mild symptoms, support general wellness and prevent illness, and aid in recovery. The foundation for many modern pharmaceuticals are from plants, and it is one of the oldest forms of health care known. There are many different preparations that can be made from herbal medicine, and have the potential to work on various levels of the mind, body, and spirit.
Herbal medicine is a holistic modality that can assist an individual with a myriad of concerns such as menstrual and hormonal health, digestive imbalances like IBS, auto-immune conditions, sleep issues, chronic stress, musculoskeletal imbalances, and much more beyond these examples.

Here are some examples of how herbal medicine can help with common ailments:

Digestion + Nausea: Ginger helps soothe nausea, morning sickness, or an upset digestive tract. Peppermint oil is known to ease cramps and bloating from IBS.

Pain & Inflammation: Turmeric and Boswellia (Frankincense) can help reduce joint pain and swelling. Feverfew is used by some for migraine headaches.

Sleep & Stress: Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Lavender are ancient remedies that can help calm anxiety and improve sleep.

Colds & Immunity: Echinacea is taken to stimulate the immune system. Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi and Chaga can help modulate immune responses if under or over active. Thyme can help to pull up phlegm to be coughed out and help soothe inflammation within the lungs.
An initial herbal medicine consultation consists of an extensive intake of your current concerns, health goals, medications, herbs and supplements you may already be taking, medical history, current diet, lifestyle, and more. There will be an assessment process performed by the herbalist to determine what their recommendations may be for first steps. The herbalist may then provide herbal formulas such as a tea, a tincture, a cream, or other, for your specific situation. After the appointment, you will receive recommendations for supplements, diet and lifestyle according to the herbalist’s assessment.
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