Functional Herbalism

 

Functional Herbalism is a model of herbalism that honors the worldwide tradition of plant-based care, while recognizing the importance of functional techniques like laboratory testing and nutrition in addressing illness. Functional Herbalism uses lifestyle modifications and herbal supplements alongside functional testing to address the whole person rather than an isolated set of symptoms or disease.

Functional Herbalism is a systems-based holistic approach that recognizes that each person is different. Functional herbalists spend time with their clients, listening to their histories and learning their stories. This involves the client in the healing process, and enables the herbalist to tailor individual programs for each client and their needs.

Functional Herbalism understands that health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of vitality that is different for every person. In health, the human body regulates itself through a dynamic balance of the body systems. Functional herbalism supports these natural healing mechanisms rather than attacking disease directly.

Functional Herbalism focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Functional herbalists examine the many internal and external factors that influence health and disease, including genetics, environment, spiritual and mental health, and lifestyle. We ask what function has been lost in the body, and what can be done to restore that function.