Mental Health - Herbaculture

Mind Associates Talk
Western Medical Herbalism & Mental Health Dan Wheals M.N.I.M.H.

Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
dano@herbaculture.co.uk www.herbaculture.co.uk
What we will cover tonight.
Introduction to Dan and herbaculture

Who's with us tonight? What you're hoping for?
What is western medicine?

How herbs are used for anxiety and depression When to and when not to use herbs. Herbal tea tasting
Hypericum perforatum
Dan Wheals
Norwich Inner Space Clinic Herbal Medicine and Massage. M.N.I.M.H. since 2007.
Permaculture Community gardening Mission: To set up a therapeutic outdoor gardening project with GP as a pilot study. Specific patient groups growing their own medicine.
Who's in the Room?
Active Listening exercise:

In pairs, A and B,
Take a minute to listen to the other person. Topic: What you would like from today's talk? Professional role or what sparked you to come tonight?
Introduce your partner Swap and repeat.
What is Western Herbal Medicine?
150 years of National Institute of Medical Herbalists. Past medicine and todays medicine based on plants. 'White coats' to 'white witches'
Lots of research into plant medicines

Not homoeopathy Process of regulation similar to Osteopathy, acupuncture and other Integrated medicines. Focus on holistic approach.
Medical Herbalist does:

Self employed all business promotion, accounts etc Investigator 1 hour case history/ Initial consultation physical examinations & medical questioning
Counsellor - lots of emotions issues come up

Botanist & Pharmacist finding, making & prescribing Teacher talks, workshops but also guiding patient. Referrer We know our limits.
What to expect from a consultation?
Initial Consultation an hour. 38
Case history. Active listening. Appropriate questions and examinations. e.g. blood pressure.
Medicines 5-10 / week
Tinctures are alcoholic and extract fat soluble constituents. Last a long time. Concentrated. Teas are dried plants and water soluble : approx 3-7 herbs depending on what's needed.
Revisits 22 normally after 2 weeks then monthly.

Holisitic Approach

Not just about replacing medication with herbs. When do doctors have time to advise on: - diet / social engagement / exercise / wellbeing Emotional Causes?
Physical/ Mental/ Environmental connectedness

Additional Support Developing a purpose/ meaning to life. Use MYMOP to evaluate benefits over time.
Herbs can always benefit.

4 Pillars: In, Absorption, Out, Integration Often digestive/ liver systems treated first.
Being listened to an important start to healing. Herbalist provides stablity.
Gentle/ Tonic herbs & Greens in diet.

Nervines
* Link psychological nerves and CNS/ ANS
* Nervine tonics
-shock, debility, exhaustion, nerve food e.g. oats
* Nervine relaxants
-calming. Antispasmodic & demulcent. e.g. skullcap
* Nervine stimulants
-can lead to anxiety e.g. coffee
Treating Anxiety
* General health assessment
* specific symptoms e.g. palpitations
* relaxing nervines
* support with sleep/ worries * refer for Talking therapies Lifestyle advice e.g. coffees/day Diet & tips on management
Treating Depression
* General health assessment
* Rebuilding/ support for nervous system tonics
* Sunlight, Exercise & Community Gardening

* Be aware of mixing medications and herbs
- more fear than I think is necessary. - But issues with over the counter herbs
Research
Long experience has taught me that enthusiam in theory often misleads the calmer conclusions of practical experience
John Skelton 1855
There is a lot of research. But very little on whole plant remedies.

St. Johns Wort example.
Hypericum perforatum
Chamomila recuitita
Lactuca virosa
Valariana officinalis
Tilia cordata
Kava kava
Eschscholtzia californica
Passiflora incarnata
Scutellaria lateriflora
Verbena officinalis
Stachys betonica
When to take herbs.

* Ideally before orthodox drugs
* Mild- Moderate symptoms * In agreement with GP/ consultant * Useful if non compliance with medications * To aid coming off orthodox medicines
- Benzodiazepines Hoffman (2003, p361)
When not to take herbs.

* Severe Issues
* No oversight in how and what is taken
* Over the counter remedies and standarised formulae

* What other drugs are being taken: - Warfarin - Liver clearance
- Competition of Neurotransmitters.
As well as herbs....
Vitamin B's
Amino Acids: - D- Phenylalanine 500mg stops enzyme that breaks down endorphins - L- Tryptophan 500mg create Melatonin to create serotonin
Omega 3's
Discussion points
* Hormones & endocrines system
- Adrenals and Stress
* Move. House, relationship, job? * How do we deal with what we are given?
What we will cover tonight.
Introduction to Dan and herbaculture

Who's with us tonight? What you're hoping for?
What is western medicine?

How herbs are used for anxiety and depression When to and when not to use herbs. Herbal tea tasting
Mind Associates Talk

Western Medical Herbalism & Mental Health Dan Wheals M.N.I.M.H.
Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists

Mental Health - Herbaculture

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Mind Associates Talk

Western Medical Herbalism & Mental Health Dan Wheals M.N.I.M.H.

What we will cover tonight.

Introduction to Dan and herbaculture

What is western medicine?

Who's in the Room?

Active Listening exercise:

What is Western Herbal Medicine?

Lots of research into plant medicines

Medical Herbalist does:

Counsellor - lots of emotions issues come up

What to expect from a consultation?

Initial Consultation an hour. 38

Medicines 5-10 / week

Revisits 22 normally after 2 weeks then monthly.

Physical/ Mental/ Environmental connectedness

Herbs can always benefit.

Gentle/ Tonic herbs & Greens in diet.

* Sunlight, Exercise & Community Gardening

There is a lot of research. But very little on whole plant remedies.

When to take herbs.

- Benzodiazepines Hoffman (2003, p361)

When not to take herbs.

* Over the counter remedies and standarised formulae

What we will cover tonight.

Introduction to Dan and herbaculture

What is western medicine?

Mind Associates Talk

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