This year Herbal Medicine Week, led by the Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), will take place around the country from 23 to 30 October. The week offers a great opportunity for you to learn about medicinal plants and connect with the herbalists and naturopaths in your community, who are trained to use these plants effectively.
What is herbal medicine and the role of herbalists?
Herbal medicine is the prime treatment tool of herbalists and naturopaths. Every culture on the planet has a history of herbal medicine, and it’s those traditions combined with modern Health science that make up herbalism today. Fully qualified practitioners – such as graduates of Torrens University – are well equipped to help in both the prevention of disease and the care of people who are ill. They formulate herbal prescriptions using medicinal plants from around the world and use evidence-based practice – which includes biomedical science, current research and traditional knowledge – to treat illness and encourage wellbeing.
With a sound knowledge of human biology and physiology, our students in The Practice Wellbeing Centre and professional herbalists working in their own clinics, also provide patients with dietary and lifestyle advice so they can take a holistic approach to their own healthcare.
Meet our Naturopathy & Western Herbal Medicine Senior Learning Facilitators
Ian Breakspear, Senior Learning Facilitator, Naturopathy & Western Herbal Medicine
Ian says, ‘I was 15 when I first read about how researchers discovered that chimpanzees who were sick with diarrhoea were choosing leaves from a particular plant and consuming them. The researchers later found that those leaves contained anti-parasitic chemicals and that the chimps were self-treating with herbal medicines. I remember thinking, How amazing! A couple of years after that I started my training as a herbalist and naturopath. Now, 36 years later, I have a Masters degree in Herbal Medicines and I’m actively engaged in herbal medicine research myself. I am always learning more about the amazing world of medicinal plants.’
Listen to Ian’s latest podcast on FX Medicine
Bettina Schmoll, Senior Learning Facilitator, Naturopathy & Western Herbal Medicine
Bettina studied a Nursing degree in Australia, then moved to the country of her birth, Germany, to work and was surprised and delighted to see how hospitals and GPs there use herbal medicine as part of the regular treatment regime for their patients.
Returning to Australia, Bettina says she: ‘Decided to find a health career where the focus was on the individual empowering themselves to proactively take care of their health. And that’s where I feel herbal medicine and naturopathy excel. We work collaboratively with the patient and help them to take charge.’
Bettina completed an Advanced Diploma in Applied Science and then a Masters in Health Science.
‘I understand both sides of our system,’ she says. ‘I understand the medical side of our system, and our naturopathic and herbal medicine side.’ This allows Bettina to work collaboratively with GPs and the patients themselves.’
Talking about the public’s awareness of naturopathy and herbal medicine, Bettina explains, ‘People are definitely becoming more aware, but in general they still don’t actually know how much we can offer. I believe that just means we have to do more educating and I’m hoping that members of the general public will come to my walk so they can find out more about medicinal plants.’
