This website is maintained by a Medical Herbalist as an information resource for those interested in medicinal herbs and their applications - students of complementary and alternative medicine, botanists, gardeners, cooks, and anyone wanting to learn more about traditional herbal medicine. The Site Contents are listed below. If you intend to self-prescribe any herbal remedies, then you should first read the safety statement.
Christine's Blog!!
I've just started a blog! Everyone else seems to be doing it, so I thought I'd better get on board. PLEASE visit and post your thoughts, comments and ideas and that way I'll maybe learn how to use the damn thing - I'm not getting any younger you know! It's called 'Herbal Reflections'. All suggestions for a snappier title will be gratefully received (seriously! and if I like what you suggest, I might even send you a little pressie). No particular rules other than keep it clean, be nice, and no overt advertising. You should continue to contact me at my email address (see bottom of page) if you have an urgent question as I won't be logging in (or should that be 'blogging in'?) on a daily basis.
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BBC2 'GROW YOUR OWN DRUGS' : Most of the herbs and ingredients James Wong talks about in his series are available from the Purple Sage Shop (see menu at top of page). Watch the programmes again on BBC iPlayer, or click on the links to the recipes at the Grow Your Own Drugs website
James Wong encourages us to grow or gather our herbs ourselves, and this is a great idea, encouraging us to learn about botany and to get outside for some fresh air and exercise. However, be warned that it is illegal in the UK to uproot any wild plant (although, of course, you may carefully gather a few blooms or berries). It's also worth reminding you that herbs growing close to roads will have absorbed nasty vehicle exhaust emissions and those growing in and around arable fields may have become contaminated with pesticide and fertiliser residues. Take care, and always refer to a good wildflower field guide to ensure you don't pick the wrong thing. If you are unable to accurately identify a plant, then leave it alone.
Buy the book at reduced price from Amazon by clicking here
Episode One - Fruit: Sleep pillows and face packs! Click here for the recipes.
Episode Two - Flowers: Chamomile, marigold petals, eucalyptus leaves, elderflowers, elderberries and lavender are available from the Purple Sage Shop. Click here for the recipes
Episode Three - Trees: Horsechestnut gel, cream & tincture, plus most of the other herbal ingredients available from the shop. Click here for the recipes
Episode Four - Herbs: Lemon balm, Plantain, Eucalyptus leaves, Thyme, Peppermint, Rosemary, Aniseed and Cloves are all available from the Purple Sage Webshop. Click here for the recipes
Episode Five - Roots: the following ingredients used in the programme are all available from the Purple Sage Webshop: marshmallow root, liquorice root, valerian root, ginger root, echinacea root & tincture, elderberries, chillies, cloves, aniseed, eucalyptus leaves, lemon balm, lavender, passionflower, vanilla pods & vanilla extract. Click here for the recipes
Episode Six - Vegetables: cinnamon, chillies, lavender, sage, distilled witch hazel are available from the shop. Click here for the recipes
Click here to be taken to the Dried Herbs list , here for tinctures, and here for creams/gels
News: This section is regularly updated to include items on current research in herbal medicine, interesting ways in which herbs are used, events happening around the country, and lots more.
Herb Profiles: An expanding database of monographs on individual herbs and their medicinal uses. These can be located by either the Common or Botanical name and are accompanied by a glossary of medical terminology used in the text.
Treatments: This section deals with a selection of common ailments and possible herbal treatments.
Shop: Buy dried herbs, herbal tinctures, herbal capsules, lotions & potions, books, gifts and much more. The Online Shopping Basket is available only to UK customers. Orders from overseas are welcome too, but you must email your order to me so that I can work out shipping costs to your country.
Books: A list of recommended reading on herb growing, identification, medicinal uses, folklore, etc. You may also buy these titles online. Or have a look at the herbal books Amazon is recommending this month by clicking here.
Recipes: Seasonal recipes and simple crafts using herbs and spices.
Links: Other sites which you may find of interest, including suppliers of herb seeds and plants, how to find your nearest medical herbalist, conservation organisations, holidays & activities, and lots more.
About me: My name is Christine Haughton
and I am a medical herbalist
living and working in North Yorkshire, England. I am a member of the National
Institute of Medical Herbalists, the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy
and the Royal Society for Public Health (formerly Royal Institute of Public
Health). My own practice is located in
West Heslerton - about 10 miles east of Malton and 12 miles west of
Scarborough, North Yorkshire. If you
would like to make an appointment, please call 01944 728305 between 9am
and 5pm, Monday - Friday (please leave a message with your name and contact
number if I am unable to take your call). Alternatively, email woldfarm@aol.com Please note that you should
telephone ONLY if you wish to make an appointment - I'd prefer you
to use email for ALL
other enquiries so as to keep disruption of my patient consultations to a
minimum.
I generally undertake consultations Mondays to Wednesdays, from 10am until 5pm. Disabled access is difficult but not impossible - let me know if you require help.
NB. I am unable to give specific medical advice to individuals over the internet so please don't waste your time by sending me detailed information about your health problems. If you would like to have a face to face consultation with a medical herbalist then click here to find someone in your area.
By the way, the name 'Purple Sage' was inspired by the 70's San Francisco band New Riders of the Purple Sage of 'Lonesome LA Cowboy' fame!
The information and recommendations contained within this web site are not intended to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified practitioner. I cannot accept responsibility for any adverse effects which arise from self-medication. Any persistent condition should always be referred to a medical herbalist or doctor, and all medicines, including herbs, should be avoided during pregnancy unless prescribed by a doctor or herbalist. Never give herbs to babies and children without checking with a qualified professional first. Likewise, never take herbs in conjunction with other medication without first checking whether it is safe to do so.
Many individuals practice as herbalists in spite of having little or no training in medical or botanical sciences. Therefore, it is important to choose a qualified practitioner who is a member of a professional organisation with appropriate insurance. They should have completed a minimum of three years training, - you should never be afraid to ask for evidence of this. Just because herbs are 'natural', it does not mean that they are safe for everyone to use. Only a trained practitioner will be fully aware of potential adverse effects and herb-drug interactions, and will be able to recognise those circumstances in which herbs may not be the most appropriate treatment.
To find your nearest qualified medical herbalist, contact the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) or the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP), whose members have all undergone a rigorous three to four-year training course and who adhere to a strict professional code of ethics. Contact details are listed below. Your local Yellow Pages may also list herbalists in your area.
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National Institute of
Medical Herbalists Elm House 54 Mary Arches Street Exeter EX4 3BA Tel. 01392 426022 |
College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy Oak Glade 9 Hythe Close Polegate East Sussex BN26 6LQ Tel. 01323 484353 email: pamela.bull@btopenworld.com
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USA The American Herbalists Guild (AHG) 1931 Gaddis Road Canton GA 30115 Tel. 770-751-6021 email: ahgoffice@earthlink.net |
Australia National Herbalists Association NHAA Office PO Box 45 CONCORD WEST NSW 2138 Australia Ph: (02) 8765 0071 email: nhaa@nhaa.org.au |
Here's what Amazon is recommending this week