Both traditionally and within medical contexts, herbal medicine has been practiced worldwide throughout history. Presently, herbal medicine or medical herbalism is considered a modality within the field of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. At Camellia, our primary approach is based on clinical training in Western Herbal Medicine (also known as Phytotherapy) which uses plant-based medicinal preparations, naturally derived from North American and European plants, to gently support the process of recovery and assist in the maintenance of health. With the addition of foundational training in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine plant applications, Camellia’s offerings may include recommendations or herbs from other traditional medicine systems in support of a person’s unique health presentation and needs.

Plant-based preparations may come in the form of alcohol-based extractions (i.e., tinctures), teas, topicals (salves, lotions), and/or capsules.

In general terms, an Herbalist may be described as anyone who is trained in the use of plant material to support healing. A Clinical or Medical Herbalist, however, is someone who has completed a professionally recognized amount of clinical training and therefore has been certified by an educational or regulatory body. In valuing professionalism and quality care, we, at Camellia, are educationally certified and working towards securing the status of Registered Herbal Therapist (RHT) as granted and governed by the Canadian Herbalist’s Association of BC. While we greatly honour and incorporate many traditional uses of plants in our provision of services, we also prioritize working from a scientifically supported approach through dedicated research and use of evidence-based herbal medicine.

Although sometimes referenced interchangeably, an Herbalist is not a Naturopathic Doctor or Homeopathic Practitioner. Yes, Naturopaths and Homeopaths use botanical medicine within their practice; however, their approaches and or specific focuses differ from an Herbalist’s greatly.

Notably, Naturopathic Services may be covered by some extended health care plans, while Herbal Medicine Services are not. Generally, clients should check with their own providers to determine whether their coverage extends to other complimentary and alternative medicine services.

At Camellia, we are trained in and equipped to offer herbal medicine for a broad range of health conditions and concerns. Although our special interest includes working with skin, digestive and hormonal (reproductive) health concerns, our experience and focus is not limited to these bodily systems. As every individual and their health status is unique and complex, so too is our approach and the variety of herbal support we can offer. If you’re curious whether Camellia can offer assistance with regards to a particular health condition, please contact us or book in for a 20-minute complimentary discovery consultation with Brit Lowe, Medical Herbalist, to determine if our services (herbal medicine) are right for you.

The presentation and timing of results differ from case to case. Some people may experience significant improvements in their health or condition almost immediately, while others may take longer to see any noticeable change. Generally, we might expect to see faster results for a condition that is considered superficial, while long-standing or more complex conditions may take longer to improve or require a longer-term or maintenance approach. As they are more complex and gentler in their activity, plant-preparations tend to take longer than conventional products.

Our consultation follow-up services include providing clients with a customized health plan which, in addition to a custom herbal formula, may offer basic nutritional and other lifestyle (ex. physical health routines, sleep strategies, home care, and social/ community connections or referrals) recommendations. In Western Herbal Medicine, Herbalists are trained to assess and address all aspects of a person’s health, including their emotional, mental, physical and spiritual wellness, in relation to the presenting health concern or condition. A person’s health is dependent on the health of their whole being; in acknowledging this, Camellia’s comprehensive approach strives to support all aspects of a person’s wellness.