Herbal Medicine
What are Herbal Medicines?	They are medicines made from parts of plants, such as roots, flowers, barks or their extracts.
Do Herbal Medicines work?	Yes, man has observed the success of herbal medicine for thousands of years. There is evidence that earliest man used plants as medicines rather than for their food value and today over 60% of the world population uses no other kind of medicine.
How do I get the best results?	As with all types of medication, to obtain the best results from a herbal medicine, it is necessary to read the label carefully and follow the dosage instructions on it, or as directed by your doctor.
How do I store Herbal Medicines?	You should keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Herbal medicines have a shelf life marked clearly on the label. They should be kept in their tightly closed original container and will last until the expire date shown. Please dispose of out-of-date or unwanted medicines carefully.
Why do many Herbal Medicines contain multiple ingredients?	Medicines made to proven formulae are designed to treat all the facets of an illness with a variety of different herbs.
Can I give Herbal Medicines to my children?	Yes, although you should ask the advice of your doctor when treating children under 5 years of age. The pack instructions will tell you if you need to reduce the dose.
Are herbal medicines the same as Homoeopathic medicines?	No, Homoeopathic medicines use extreme dilutions of plants and minerals to trigger the body's ability to heal itself. Herbal medicines are also used to treat the body as a whole, but are taken in greater concentration, in dosages more similar to those of conventional medicine.
Will increasing the dose make me better more quickly?	No. You should follow the dosage instructions exactly to get the best results.
Can pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers take Herbal Medicines?	In general it is best to avoid any medicines during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or midwife if you need advice.
How long should I take my Herbal Medicine for?	For as long as improvement is being achieved, or for the length of the course. If symptoms persist you should talk to your doctor.
Are Herbal Medicines only for relieving minor ailments?	No, although you should always treat serious conditions under the guidance of your doctor or a qualified medical herbalist.
Should I tell my doctor I am taking a Herbal Medicine?	If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor then you should tell him or the pharmacist before trying a herbal treatment. In other cases, it is a good idea to show your doctor the bottle or packet when you next see him.
Do Herbal Medicines produce side-effects?	There are very few known side-effects. As with traditional medicines some people may experience side-effects but this is not usually the case. If you experience any strange feelings, you should stop taking the medicine, and consult your doctor.