Botanical medicine comprises of pills, powders, teas, tinctures, lotions, creams or additions to the bath that are used to support good health or alleviate symptoms of disease. Many modern day prescription drugs also include refined botanical medicine compounds. New studies are always coming out as to the efficacy of botanical medicine.
How is it regulated in Canada?
Currently, herbal supplements are regulated as foods in Canada. This means that, as consumers, we should pay special attention to the source of herbal products and who is recommending them to you and for what reason.
I'm interested in botanical medicine. what can i do?
First, an appointment with a board certified naturopathic doctor could help you to navigate the influx of information today as they have studied natural medicine and are kept up to date by reading current studies and their results. Second, you can educate yourself and read up on your specific areas of interest from valid sources. Never trust unverified internet information. It is never a wise choice to take a supplement advertised to you without consulting your healthcare practitioner.
What is #slowmedicine?
Botanical medicine is #slowmedicine. In today's world, we expect quick fixes. Herbs give relatively slow but lasting support to our general health. Balance is the key to food and herb medicine and when our bodies fall out of balance, dis-ease pops up. We at Hillcrest aim to bring balance to the our patients' lives and through them, the community and the world.