This is the second of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers.

• Investigate the pathophysiology of insomnia and osteoarthritis
• Understand insomnia and osteoarthritis from a Western herbal viewpoint, with particular emphasis on how the approach of the phytotherapist differs from that of conventional medicine
• Review some of the drugs and treatments that are used in conventional medical management of sleep disorders and osteoarthritis
• Explore the effect of diet and lifestyle on these two conditions, and examine the role of domestic medicine in helping people suffering from them.

• Describes important clinical red flags that may require urgent help or investigation
• Discusses the macro-physiological approach of the medical herbalist, and the need to work alongside the patient in a positive and constructive setting
• Describes some of the strategies that the medical herbalist may employ to ‘optimise’ the patient’s own healing responses
• Names some of the key functional foods/phytochemicals that can be introduced into the diet safely whilst undergoing treatment for osteoarthritis or insomnia.
• Reflects on the capacity of herbal medicine to work alongside conventional medicine.

• Describe herbal treatment strategies for sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Describe how to encourage relaxation and sleep using herbs
• Identify ‘red flags’ requiring referral.

• Describe herbal treatment strategies for sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Describe how to encourage relaxation and sleep using herbs
• Identify ‘red flags’ requiring referral.
• Have an overview of osteoarthritis and other diseases of the joints
• Be able to describe the difference between conventional and herbal approaches to the management of osteoarthritis
• Understand herbal strategies for the management of acute joint and muscle complaints
• Have critiqued a research paper on valerian
• Have made a fresh poultice for one of the major joints.