Natural Therapies explained : Supplements, Herbs and Homoeopathy

Natural Therapies

Article by Angela Haldane

Q. Can you please explain how supplements, herbs and homoeopathy differ from one another?

A. Naturopaths use many different therapies, depending on the individual case. These may include supplementation in therapeutic doses, herbal medicine, bach flower remedies, homeopathy and lifestyle measures to manage the problem.

Nutrition is the foundation to good health. Many people believe that if you eat a balanced diet, then supplements are not necessary. However, in practice, I find clinical signs of deficiencies that benefit from supplementation of vitamins or minerals. Deficiencies are thought to be due to stress, additives in foods, refined foods and lack of nutrients in our soils. If you wish to complete a mineral status appraisal you can do so.

Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat and prevent illness. Increasingly more studies confirm active constituents within our medicinal plants, and which preparations make them most effective.
Visit the professional associations NZAMH for a registered medical herbalist  or NMHNZ for a registered naturopath.
Book a naturopathic consultation with Natural Ange.

Homeopathy is based on the principle of "like cures like". It's a subtle yet powerful process, gently working on the body's innate healing response. Homeopathic remedies are diluted and shaken vigorously with impact known as potentisation. They are prescribed as small pillules to suck or drops under the tongue. The remedy is chosen to match as closely as possible to the individual's unique symptoms.

Bach flower remedies are plant essences that work mainly on a person's emotional level, e.g. Rescue Remedy. These remedies can also be individually prescribed.