Herbalists believe that using the whole plant is more effective than using individual constituents, and that any potential side effects are reduced. However, some plants should be avoided in people with certain health complaints and who are taking certain drugs. Medical herbalists are trained to use plants both safely and effectively, and consider both your health problems and the medication you are taking. The aim of the treatment is to address the cause of the problem and not simply treat your symptoms. Herbalists are trained in diagnostic skills, can use a wide range of medicinal plants, and are also able to recognize when a condition is best referred to other healthcare practitioners. I was awarded The Phyto Products Award for Pharmacology for the year 2008-9 by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (N.I.M.H.). I won my award for work in which I analysed the role and mechanisms of action of phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens found in plants such as Red Clover and Soya) in breast cancer.
