Herbal Philosophy
Ocotillo Reishi Mushroom Wild Yam
(Borrego, California) (Black Hills, NC) (Black Hills, NC)
Herbal Medicine
At the Clinic of Natural Medicine herbal medicine is often used in conjunction with other natural therapies.
Our physicians do not treat your disease, they treat you -a unique individual presenting with a given condition. Therefore, a personalized herbal profile is developed for each patient. These formulations are unique to the individual, not simply a blend of the most likely herbs beneficial for your condition.Our Herbal Philosophy
While botanical medicine can be used much like a drug in relieving a symptom, this does not take advantage of the full potential of herbal medicines. Herbs have traditionally been used to provide deficient minerals and strengthen weakened organ systems. It is the use of herbs as tonics and nutritive plants that stimulates the body to heal itself. A good example of this is the Hawthorne tree. Hawthorne 's leaves and berries have been known for centuries to act as a heart tonic, strengthening the heart muscle. It is used for congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies and any other condition which may improve with a strengthened heart muscle. The reason such "tonics" are not used in today's medical world is that strengthening organs is not the aim of conventional medicine. Conventional medicines, or drugs, have relief of symptoms as their primary goal. Relief of symptoms without regard for their cause may actually worsen one's health over the course of time. (Of course, symptom relief is a necessary part of herbal medicine application, as symptom relief is often the reason for seeking medical attention. A judicious use of herbs in relieving symptoms is often part of overall treatment while the cause of the problem is found and removed.)
Herbal Sources and Quality
At our clinic, only organic herbs are used. They are either cultivated or ethically wild-crafted (which means removed respectfully and sustainably from their native habitat). It is essential when using herbs to be aware of endangered and threatened species. Whenever possible, our physicians avoid the use of wild crafted plants that are threatened in their native habitat.
We have well over one hundred herbs on hand
to allow us to easily customize formulas for our patients!