Herbalists
Herbalists are practitioners of alternative medicine who are experts in the therapeutic uses of medicinal plants. Herbalists usually have clinics or stores where they dispense medicinal products from plants in fresh, dried, extracted and formulated forms. Some herbalists also manufacture herbal products in capsules, food additives and beverage forms. However, many herbalists still dispense medicinal plants in the traditional forms. Chinese, Ayurvedic and shamanic herbalists still preserve many ancient traditions of herbal dispensing.
Many traditional herbalists usually undergo apprenticeship trainings instead of formal education. Here in Australia, herbalists presently have self-regulatory status. This means that formal education and licensing are not mandated by the government. However, there are various professional organisations of herbalists that implement certain standards. Formal education for herbalists ranges from diploma or certificate level to master’s degree level.
Some herbalists do not only dispense herbal medicine but also make a diagnosis and prescription for certain ailments. Although there are limitations to the potency of herbal medicines, they are generally safe and effective for various medical conditions. In fact, some modern pharmacological agents are derived from medicinal plants, such as in the case of quinine, which is used to treat malaria. Some herbalists are qualified to dispense alternative or complementary prescriptions for certain medical conditions.
If you are searching for certified herbalists, you do not need to look further because you have come to the right place. Here at AlternativeMedicine.com.au, you can find comprehensive directory listings of herbalists. Simply browse our site for more details about the listed herbalists.
