At Jekka's we are proud to partner with a number of leading institutes, horticulturists, gardeners, chefs and herb experts.
We have long believed in the medicinal properties of herbs and have formed a friendship with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. As qualified herbalists they have contributed to Jekkapedia (see the links below) and are attending Jekka's HerbFest.
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists ('the Institute') is the United Kingdom’s leading professional body and voluntary regulator of herbal practitioners. They work to:
- Champion herbal medicine.
- Promote the expertise of our members.
- Safeguard the public and maintain standards.
The organisation has a long and illustrious history. It was first established as the National Association of Medical Herbalists in 1864 by a group of herbalists from the north of England. Today the Institute has members throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. They believe that:
- Herbal medicine should be a recognised and valued healthcare option for all.
- Patients should be assured of the highest possible standards when they see a herbalist.
- Herbal education should be of an exceptional standard and as accessible as possible.
Medical herbalists will make use of plants whose traditional uses are backed by modern scientific research and clinical trials. Herbal medicine can be made from the whole plant or just parts of it, such as the leaves, flowers, roots or bark. It has been the main source of medicine used by people for thousands of years.
All of their members hold a BSc degree or equivalent qualification in Herbal Medicine or Clinical Herbalism, have a thorough understanding of orthodox medicine as well as plant medicine and are trained in the same diagnostic skills as a GP. However, herbalists take a holistic approach to illness, looking at the underlying cause of illness or disease rather than just the symptoms. They are able to prescribe herbal remedies to be used alongside other medication and treatments, and many patients are referred to a herbalist by their GP for treatment.
Their members treat thousands of patients every year. By choosing one of their members as your herbal medicine practitioner you can be confident of their high standards of training and professional conduct.
Feel better, see a herbalist: nimh.org.uk/find-a-herbalist
Want to read more about medicinal herbs? Please read Jekka's Guide to Medicinal Herbs and see the medicinal tab in Jekkapedia where the herbalists in the Institute have added content for the following herbs:
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
- Aloe (Aloe vera)
- Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
- Dill (Anethum graveolens)
- Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
- Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
- Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
- Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
- East Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Echinacea (Coneflower) (Echinacea pallida)
- Assa-foetida (Ferula assa-foetida)
- Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Sweet Tea Vine (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
- Hops (Humulus lupulus)
- St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
- Catnep (Nepeta cataria)
- Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus)
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
- Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
- Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
- Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
- Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus castus)
Medicinal content provided by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. To find a herbalist or to find out more about medical herbalism contact the Institute on info@nimh.org.uk or visit them at nimh.org.uk.
The Institute are having an online Herbal Medicinal Conference from the 9th October to the 11th October 2020. Find out more here.
Please note: The information provided here and throughout www.jekkas.com is for educational interest only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat significant health problems. Any serious or long-term health concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.