At Southpoint Health we stock over 100 herbal extracts which we use to make specific formulations to suit the patient and his/her condition. We also stock herbal tablets for those who cannot take extracts. Our range of herbal products addresses most health concerns. Our products have been tried for many years and have been sourced from the best Australian manufacturers who comply with TGA manufacturing codes.
We have recently obtained a number of herbal products in tablet form from German and Swiss manufacturers with many decades of experience in herbal Medicine. These herbal products have been clinically trialled and they are allowed to make therapeutic claims on their packaging based on the outcomes of the clinical trials.
Herbal Medicine:
I qualified in herbal medicine in 1995. My grandfather started my interest in the medicinal properties of plants when I was a child and further perused as a personal interest when I was in my 20’s. After studying Naturopathy I continued personal study into herbs and finally got the chance (after 15 years) to complete my diploma over 3 years part time.
Herbal medicine in Australia today is based on traditional and scientific disciplines and has become more specific in treating the individual rather than the disease. Herbal medicine in Australia was at first based on the European herbal traditions, which had also been influenced by the traditional medicine of the American Indians. For example, Echinacea is an old American Indian herb that was traditionally used to cleanse the lymphatics and the blood and to treat acne and animal and insect bites, and infections in general both internally and topically. Scientific research has also shown that it is a powerful herb in supporting the immune system and is today also used to treat immune disorders, both viral and bacterial infections, and allergies. More recently, we have been blessed by the addition into our system of traditional herbs from India and China, which have been scientifically and clinically tested by Asian and European countries. Ginkgo from China, Korean Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Andrographis, Tribulus and many, many others are examples of such herbs.
The modern Herbal practitioner takes a detailed medical history and performs a physical examination to gain information that he/she can use effectively in formulating his/her herbal prescriptions that are based on the knowledge of both the traditional uses of plants and the properties that have been shown to be clinically and scientifically effective. Gone are the days when traditionally proven formulae and remedies were given for different conditions. Now, we must look at the medical condition and the condition of the patient in respect to vitality, medications used and possible interactions, diet and lifestyle, before beginning a treatment program based on herbal prescriptions.
I personally look at the person’s vitality, personal needs and expectations. I base my treatment program on their present physiological status and the interpretation of my findings, which I gain from the history and examination. I often treat problems in stages to avoid reactions. For example, I may start the treatment to build up the immunity or hormonal status before I start to detoxify. I treat the person as well as the condition. I also use dietary advice and any other tools that I feel are appropriate for the patient and for the treatment stage.
I love herbal medicine because it is in my blood. Properly used, herbs are safe, effective and few little side effects. Herbal prescriptions are complete natural packages, not specific chemicals with specific effects.
