About NZAMH
The New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH) was formed by a group of practising herbalists in the 1930s. In 1983 NZAMH became an Incorporated Society and in 2000 amalgamated with The Aotearoa Herbalists Inc (TAHI- formed by students at the Waikato Centre for Herbal Studies in1994) to form a unified national body. Currently NZAMH is growing rapidly.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Traditionally used by all societies and cultures, herbs and plants were out first medicines and food and predate recorded history. Herbal medicine, or ‘phyotherapy’ is the oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine in the world today. Herbal medicine is being increasing validated as modern science seeks to understand the chemistry of medicinal herbs and to confirm their safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Using plants as medicine provides significant advantages for treating many conditions. The therapeutic activity of a plant is due to its complex chemical nature with different parts of the plant providing a variety of therapeutic effects.
Is it safe?
Herbal medicine is safe when prescribed by a fully qualified Medical Herbalist. A Registered Medical Herbalist is trained to knows how herbs may interact with other medications you may be taking. This is why self-prescribing of herbal medicines is not recommended. Just as you would go to a doctor for the right drug prescription for your conditions, it is equally important to consult with a Medical Herbalist to get the right prescription, at the right does, for your herbal remedies to be both safe and effective.
A Medical Herbalist
- Is a practitioner highly trained in the philosophies, principles and practice of Western herbal medicine and medical science
- Takes a holistic view towards health and illness
- Prescribes and dispenses plant medicines in a safe and effective manner
- Seeks to treat the underlying cause of a health problem
- Acknowledges the body’s innate ability to heal itself
- Aims to prevent illness and restore health
- Provides dietary and lifestyle advice
“Having practiced as a nurse for 10 years prior to becoming a medical herbalist, I am delighted by the results that herbal medicine can achieve. There are some unique plants on this planet to treat and support the intricate physiological mechanisms of the human body. Astounding results have occurred. Where other modalities were unable to help”
— Medical Herbalist, Auckland
What to expect
- A comprehensive consultation with a Registered Medical Herbalist includes a detailed case history usually taking at least an hour for your first appointment
- Individually prescribed herbal medication with clear dosage instructions. Encouragement to actively participate in your own healing process, which will further your understanding about how diet and various lifestyle factors influence your general health and well-being
- Confidentiality and professionalism