UNIT 11: Herbal Approaches to Common Conditions 3
Introduction
This is the last of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers.
Overview
- Consider the patho-physiology of irritable bowel syndrome, and of some commonly encountered skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis
- Review each condition from a Western herbal viewpoint, with particular emphasis on how the approach of the phytotherapist differs from that of conventional medicine
- Investigate some of the conventional drugs and treatments that may be offered in the conventional management of these conditions
- Explore the use of self-help, diet and lifestyle changes in the management of IBS and common skin conditions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Section 1, you will understand the scope of This unit which
- Describes important clinical red flags relating to Irritable Bowel Syndrome and common skin conditions 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 ‘optimize’ the patient's own healing responses
- Names some of the key functional foods and phytochemicals that can be introduced into the diet safely in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and common skin conditions
- Reflects on the capacity of herbal medicine to work alongside conventional medicine.
By the end of Section 2, you will be able to:
- Describe Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Describe the herbal medicine and domestic medicine approaches to IBS
- Discuss a case history, and research the use of peppermint oil in the treatment of IBS
- Identify red flags for IBS symptoms.
By the end of Section 3, you will
- Describe Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Describe the herbal medicine and domestic medicine approaches to IBS
- Discuss a case history, and research the use of peppermint oil in the treatment of IBS
- Identify red flags for IBS symptoms.
- Have an understanding of a variety of skin conditions and their ‘red flags”
- Be able to discuss herbal approaches to skin complaints
- Be able to make an oatmeal compress or bath.