All About Australian Herbalists

Natural medicine has been around since mankind came into existence and being an herbalist at that time wasn’t a career, but a daily way of life. The most primitive of tribes around the world possesses an expert knowledge of medicinal plants even today. People learned their skill by trial and error and by watching what the animals ate. Herbs were often used in rituals, religious ceremonies and for magic. In most cultures, it was the women who harvested the herbs, farmed them, and made them into food and healthy potions. While the women did the work, men often made note of it. They compiled the information over time and took credit for it. Thus, men have been thought to be the traditional herbalists.

Translatable medical documents were discovered from the 1900s B.C. in Egypt and contain lists of the most commonly used herbs of the time; things such as honey, peppermint, thyme, frankincense, juniper, henbane, fennel, garlic and more. It is from Egypt that the Greek gained most of their medical knowledge and they used the information to become highly skilled in its use. During the Renaissance period, health issues and disease were big worries for the people and herbalism was again pushed to the forefront. Medical histories show that herbal practices then popped up in Arabia, as well as with the Salerno, and the Saxons. Women were natural herbalists, with skills passed down through the generations, but during this period, such practices were more sought after. It was said that a warrior would go home to his mother or wife when wounded in battle because she would know what to do. By the 1600s, Europe was also into medicinal plants. America followed more heavily in that trend in 1751, and although Asia was very involved in herbalism, they really didn’t officially adopt its practice until the late 1900s.

In the mid-fifteenth century, the printing press was invented and with it came the opportunity to mass-produce lists of herbs and their uses. This allowed for the everyday reader to grow their own plants and adopt the practice into their own lives. Today herbal medicine is still very much in use and is a growing medical field. It must be noted, that there is a difference between an herbalist and someone who uses herbs for medicinal reasons. An herbalist is someone whose life is dedicated to the use of medicinal plants and is skilled in their harvesting and knowledge of medicinal uses.

What is a Medical Herbalist?

Herbalists understand that even the simplest of everyday plants can have great healing properties and/or can maintain good health. They understand that something as simple as garlic boosts the immune system and has antibiotic properties, such as fighting certain cancer and preventing blood clots. They also use Goldthread, which while traditionally used for thrush and mouth sores, can also be used for jaundice, worms, and other digestive issues. Using herbs like St. John’s Wort, they create healing liniments and salves. They blend ingredients for mouthwashes, and make basil glycerites, which help with reducing chemotherapy affects and respiratory infections. They make tonics, syrups and lists of other extracts and herbal tinctures that could go on and on.

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• Well versed in plant medicines

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Benefits of Using An Herbalist

Unlike the approach of a physician who only treats symptoms, an herbalist looks at the symptoms as a message breakdown sent from the body. It shows them there is an underlying direct health issue to be addressed. They take all aspects of the patient’s health into consideration, both body and mind. The world’s herbalists vary in educational background; indigenous apprentices are often relied on to serve their community. Other countries require minimal formal training, but there is no universal standard between countries.

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• Ask Your Herbalist

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• Study looks at benefits of herbal medicine on lung conditions

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Organizations and Accreditation for Herbalists

Herbalists in Australia are self-regulated as of 2008. This means there are different educational standards set by different associations. An herbalist may have a diploma, an advanced diploma, or a master’s degree. The most recognized standard being that of the National Herbalist Association of Australia due to its professional and rigorous standards.

• NHAA Fourth International Conference on Phytotherape

• National Herbalists Association of Australia

• The Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists

• Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine

• Graduate Diploma in Health Science

• Calling for the registration of complementary medicine therapists

• Advanced Diploma of Western Herbal Medicine

• Australian Traditional-Medicine Society

• International Aromatherapy & Aromatic Medicine. Assoc.

• What is a Master Herbalist?

Find A Herbalist

A good herbalist always puts the patient first and will have much experience and/or training in herbal medicine. While not always necessary due to experience, an accredited herbalist is best for overall care. They will usually have more instruction on herb interactions and can recognize some issues an uneducated herbalist may not. 

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• Herbalists Oceania

• Moonhawk Healing Natural Therapies

• New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists