An important change in the law!
Herbalists are to become a regulated medical profession - only qualified professionals can practice.
February 2011 has seen a small but significant victory for all those interested in improving their health. The law is to change (2012) meaning that all practicing herbalists must now be fully trained and qualified. This means it will now be illegal for people to claim to be medical herbalists and offer advice if they have not undergone a minimum of three years professional training.
Added to this medical herbalists will have to be a member of a regulated Governing Body, the biggest of which is the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH).
This is great news for the consumer and all those keen to try alternative medicine. These days herbalists receive medical training alongside studies in herbal pharmaceuticals. So qualified herbalists can examine patients as well as take case histories. They can spot potentially more serious illness and may refer patients to doctors. Such herbalists are also aware of any contra-indications between a patient’s medication and any herbal treatments.
Responsible herbalists will treat a patient according to their whole needs. The most important thing is that a full understanding of the patient is gained and a treatment is drawn up to benefit all areas of their health.
The law is on your side, so make sure your practitioner is complying with it.
