Herbal Prescriptions
Herbal prescriptions are one, or more usually a combination of herbs that may be in the form of Tincture, Tablet or Capsule, Tea, Infused Oil, Ointment, Cream or other application such as herbal preparations of Infused Herbal Water, Soap or Essences.
Products are made using the best quality herbal ingredients, and produced by high quality reputable manufacturers to the highest standards and subject to proper quality controls.
Wherever possible, plant materials are hand-sourced from the local area, grown organically, and sourced sustainably.
No harvesting of endangered plant species from the wild is endorsed by the Apothēcary of Botanical Medicine.
When highly concentrated herbal extracts are formed by soaking (dried or fresh) leaves, bark, berries, or root from one or more plants in alcohol, wine or vinegar., it is known as a tincture.
The alcohol solvent, is preferred as an excellent solvent for medicinal herbs as it is able to extract the compounds and active ingredients such as essential oils, resins or alkaloids that are not water-soluble. It is the only solvent taken by mouth that is capable of this extraction, at the required therapeutic level.
Where the alcohol-solvent is most effective at extracting properties from the tougher roots of the plant., the flowers, leaves, dried berries and barks of an aromatic herb, are often effectively extracted in a glycerin solvent.
Alcohol-free prescriptions are available on request. The most effective alternative will be discussed with you at treatment planning.
The practice of traditional herbal medicine involves the use of plant materials to assist wellbeing.
Vegan alternatives are preferred in all prescriptions and are often available. However prescriptions may include animal derived products in some skin-based applications such as creams, soap, salve or ointments such as propolis (produced from bees as resin), or beeswax.
Non-gelatine containing capsules and vegetable glycerine are preferred by herbalists. Many of the fatty acids that are often found in most skincare preparations, can also be obtained from vegetable sources.
