Herbal medicine is also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine. An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicine products are considered dietary supplements that people take to improve their health. For centuries, herbs have been used for their claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants.

As a licensed Naturopathic doctor, Dr. Fred Arnold utilizes herbal medicine on an individual basis with each patient. There are many different herbs that are used in practice dependent upon each patients unique condition. Some of the more common herbs used as a tincture (liquid solution) or in combination with vitamin and mineral supplements includes the following:

• Aloe vera has traditionally been used for the healing of burns and wounds.
• Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) may be effective in treating urinary tract infections in women with recurrent symptoms.
• Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches.
• Garlic (Allium sativum) may lower total cholesterol levels.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extracts have been recognized for many centuries as a "liver tonic"
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare) may be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
• Saw Palmetto can be used for BPH. Supported in some studies, failed to confirm in others.
• Stinging nettle in some clinical studies effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia and the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
• Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia.
• Willow bark (Salix Alba) can be used for a variety of anti-inflammatory painful conditions.

Although, herbal medicine can be used for almost any known condition, some of the more common conditions treated with herbal medicine include the following:

Reference: Tilgner, Sharol, N.D., Herbal Medicine, From the Heart of the Earth, Wise Acres Press, Inc., 1999