Kandis Lock, N.D. is pleased to offer herbal medicine services in Ottawa. Herbal medicine is a system based on the use of plants or plant extracts that may be ingested or applied to the skin. Herbal remedies are often in the form of extracts, tinctures, capsules and tablets as well as teas.
What are herbal medicines?
Plant medicines (or herbal medicines) have been prescribed for thousands of years and are often the basis for modern prescription medications. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures (such as African and Native American) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used.
Herbal Medicines can be used for virtually any condition. Some common examples are:
- Tumeric for inflammatory conditions, alzheimers and as an anti-cancer agent
- Garlic for bacterial and yeast infections as well as cardiovascular disease
- Ginger for nausea
- Astragalus as an immune support (increase your white blood cells)
- Dong quai as a menopausal support (helps with hormone balancing)
Are herbals safe?
Herbal medicines are safe and effective if given properly by an educated practitioner. As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Kandis Lock is trained in the use of herbs, and in herb-drug interactions. Part of that training is ensuring that there is no interaction with medications and ensuring the least amount of side effects possible.