Herbal Medicine

What is it?

Herbal medicine, also known as phytomedicine, is the art and science of using botanical medicines to treat and prevent illness. It has been used for thousands of years across the world, so it can be considered one of the oldest forms of medicine.¹

Empirical knowledge has been accumulated over the years by carefully observing both nature and disease and how they affect one another. Dioscorides, a Greek surgeon in Roman emperor Nero’s army, is well-known for his book De materia medica that documents the use of over 600 herbs. Galen, another ancient Greek physician, wrote dozens of books on pharmacy as well as developed an elaborate herbal polypharmacy system where he created herbal formulas combining herbs to produce more targeted results.¹

Alongside the accumulation of empirical knowledge, a “healthcare” system of diagnosis and treatment also developed, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and Ayurvedic medicine in India. Together, empirical knowledge and diagnosis have led to contemporary clinical practice of herbal medicine. Modern phytomedicine can now benefit from the use of current technology and scientific methodology to further analyze herbs to aid in diagnosis and treatment.¹

Dr. Pulley received her Master’s of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition from New York Chiropractic College, where she learned more about Western herbal medicine (not to be confused with Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal medicine, which can be learned with a Master’s of Science in Oriental Medicine). She can use both Western nutrition and Eastern dietary therapy with an herbal medicine approach to determine the combination of herbs and supplements that can best help with your condition. Some conditions that she has found benefit greatly from herbal medicine include:

• Anxiety
• Low mood or depression
• Insomnia
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Acid reflux
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Trouble loosing weight
• Low immunity

Herbal medicine consultations are available at the office for anyone who wishes to find out the benefits of herbal medicine for themselves.

Dr. Pulley has many of the products she recommends available for sale in the office that she will recommend during your herbal consult. She primarily offers Standard Process and MediHerb products since they are among the highest quality supplements and herbal products available. It is crucial to obtain high quality products for your journey to wellness because supplements and herbs are not regulated well in the United States, which can lead to many issues with quality such as a product being contaminated with allergens (such as gluten or peanuts) or not containing the herbs listed or in the quantities claimed.

Dr. Pulley will explain why you would benefit from each product and how to use them when she recommends them. If questions arise later, always call the office and Dr. Pulley will be happy to answer them.

You can also order Standard Process and MediHerb products online through Patient Direct. If you need a Patient Direct Code, please call the office at 978-237-5106. Your account will be approved once you have undergone a consultation.

1. Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs & Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide. 3rd ed. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. 2010.