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Herbal medicine also known as phytomedicine and botanical medicine, is the use of plant leaves, flowers, roots, bark, berries and seeds as medicine for healing intent. Man and animals have been using herbal remedies probably from the onset, certainly before any documented history. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings have shown plants used for medicinal purposes.

Several indigenous cultures have developed traditional medical systems, such as Ayurveda (Indian sub continent), Unani (middle eastern) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These systems acknowledge some form of individuality and involve a persons constitution in determining a healing path. African and Native American cultures use herbs for healing rituals.

All these cultures around the world have been shown to use similar plants for similar ailments. Due to technological advances, scientists since the 19th century have been extracting and modifying plant constituents. This lead to chemists making their own synthetic versions which is now the pharmaceutical industry.

The use of Herbal remedies is very much in the increase due to growing concerns of side effects of pharmaceutical drugs as well as the costs. Also the desire for natural organic remedies is growing throughout the world.

Homeopathy is a natural healing process which involves the stimulation of an energetic response to the given remedy. The remedies are founded on the following principles; “Like cures like” A substance which produces symptoms of the illness will in small doses cure the illness.

Extreme dilution of the substance will actually increase its therapeutic ability whilst its negative side effects are diminished. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed after wholistic analysis of the individual with their responses and temperament being key indicators. Due to the extent of dilution (no chemical trace left), Homeopathy is very safe for all ages and conditions. It is widely accepted and can even be found in some NHS practices.

A successful medical physician Dr Edward Bach (1886-1936) left his Harley St practice and went into the country to find natural remedies. The healing properties of 38 plants, flowers and trees where identified. Some of these include oak, heather, clematis, white chestnut and pine.

They were placed in spring water in sunlight for about 3 hours. The infused water is then preserved and used as the remedy. The flower remedies consist of thirty-eight flowers which are categorised into seven different groups: Fear, loneliness, Uncertainty, lack of Interest, despondency and despair, oversensitivity and too much concern for others.

The specific combination of the thirty-eight flower remedies is formulated by the practitioner based on the client’s emotional and mental picture. The remedy usually consists of five flower essences which are put into dropper bottles filled with water and some preserving agent like cider vinegar. Safe for all which include babies and the elderly. The usual dose is 2-4 drops under the tongue four times a day.

These flower remedies are particularly useful for dealing with loss, grief, loneliness, despair, fear of being alone, shyness, anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, panic attacks, helps letting go of the past, eating disorders, attention deficit, claustrophobia, asthma, Insomnia and many others.

Shaf believes that there is some degree of emotional content to every pathology (disease). By addressing the emotional component to any illness will significantly hasten the recovery.

The iris (coloured part of the eye) has twenty eight thousand nerve endings and is made up of several layers. The iris is seen as a map of the body systems, organs and glands. Some of the signs shown are spots, pigments, pits, texture and other markings. Shape, colour, size and position of all markings are considered in the interpretation.

A persons inherited constitution is also established which shows individual strengths and weaknesses. Any tendencies of inherited diseases may be identified and treated accordingly via Herbal remedies after cross reference with case findings.

Iridology was developed in the 19th century by the Hungarian Dr. Ignatz von Peckzely. He noticed as a child an owl’s iris sign which changed as its broken leg healed. He published his findings in 1881. Nils Lilinquist later added his observations. Iridology was only widely recognised after Dr. Bernard Jensen in 1950 published his chart in the states. The chart showed the exact location of every gland and organ reflected in each eye. For example the brain is on top of the iris and the kidneys are at the bottom. The body systems are shown circumventually i.e in 6 rings. These are digestion, blood and lymph, glands and organs, muscles, skeleton and skin.

Iridology is a diagnostic tool and is best used in conjunction with a healing therapist such a Herbalist. Shaf is also trained in Pyschodynamic Behavioural Iridology where the emotional and spirituality of the individual can be analysed. “Gateway to the soul”. Shaf believes there is always some emotional contribution to any disease and extent of which may be determined through behavioural Iridology. For example anger/resentment may lead to Liver issues and grief/loss to Lung issues. This can then be worked on through Bach Flower Remedies and/or Herbal medicine and thus speed up recovery period and possibly prevent re occurrence of the disease.

A lot of useful insights can be gained which play a vital role in the establishment of the healing path. Iridology is of immense importance as part of the Naturopaths repertoire of diagnostic tools.