Medical Herbalists Job descriptions |
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| Medical herbalists use the healing power
of plants to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including
skin problems, allergies, arthritis and stress-related conditions.
Herbal medicine (also known as phytotherapy) combines knowledge
of traditional plant remedies with modern medical science. Many conventional medicines are based on chemicals found in plants, but herbalists use whole parts of the plant (such as leaves, berries or roots) as they believe this makes a more ‘balanced’ natural remedy.
As a herbalist, you would treat the patient as a whole, looking at their lifestyle, diet and emotional issues as well as physical symptoms. Your work would involve: · taking a detailed history of the patient’s symptoms and wider life · carrying out a physical examination and tests · making a diagnosis and prescribing an appropriate herbal medicine · (in some cases) growing herbs and preparing remedies in various forms, including capsules, extracts, ointments or infusions · advising on wider health and lifestyle issues · keeping detailed patient notes · Seeing patients for follow-up appointments. Key Skills · the ability to build trust and rapport with patients · good listening and communication skills · understanding and sensitivity · an analytical and logical approach to problem solving · a genuine desire to help people · a motivational and persuasive manner · accurate record keeping skills · knowledge of biology, chemistry, anatomy and conventional medical treatments · The commercial skills to run your own business. |
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