Invest in Yourself—An introduction to the world of herbal medicine with Jane Placca

What is herbal medicine? Where do you find a trained herbal medicine practitioner? With little more than 2,000 trained herbal medicine practitioners in the UK, demand is outstripping supply. Since Covid–19, many have lost trust in allopathic medicine and the professionals within it altogether. Many are considering alternative remedies such as herbal medicine.

Jane Placca, BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine (2011), PG Cert Nutritional Medicine, Member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (MCPP), kindly agreed to welcome Debi Evans into her area of practice. Jane gives a fascinating and expert introduction into a world that many don’t even know exists. Jane reveals that we do have a choice in our health, we do have an alternative to pharmaceutical products, and we do have a way forward. What attracts someone into the world of herbs? What have we learned from our elders. It seems granny really did know best. 

Jane explains to those who have never consulted a herbal medical practitioner:

  • how long a first appointment lasts;
  • what information will be required;
  • what happens after the consultation.

This interview is an introduction to the wonderful world of herbs.

Herbal medicine practitioners are far and few between; a treasured resource that should be protected at all costs. As with the world of allopathic medicine, not all practitioners in herbal medicine are aware of the Great Reset or the globalist agenda. Finding one who is could be likened to finding a diamond in a coal mine. In this interview, we bring you such a diamond.

Herbal medicine—also known as traditional herbal medicine, medical herbalism, herbology or phytotherapy—is the use of plants as remedies for ailments and maintenance of good health. Seeds, leaves, roots, flowers, stems and flowers are understood have been used in herbal medicine for over 60,000 years. These remedies have been delivered in teas, tinctures, topical applications, liquids, pills and capsules. Herbs and other plants preceded many of today’s allopathic drugs, indeed some are extracts of traditional herbs.

The use of herbs to treat disease has been almost universal, and even today, the World Health Organisation estimates that 80% of the world’s population presently uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary healthcare. Written evidence of the benefits of herbal medicine goes back over 5,000 years. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of modern medicine, listed all of the known plants of the time by their uses to treat different sicknesses, and advocated for the use of a few simple herbal drugs, fresh air, rest and good diet.

As the National Health Service increasingly urges that we take responsibility for our own health, offering a cocktail of personalised medicine (which, translated, means novel, toxic, biologic drugs), Jane demonstrates the lengths a herbal medical practitioner goes to in order to deliver a unique, personalised plan for everyone who consults her. She underlines the importance of seeing someone fully trained and qualified in herbal medicine. A dandelion may look innocent; however, each part of the dandelion will work in a different way, and no one should consider a quick do-it-yourself course in herbal medicine. The use of many herbs may be contraindicated by synthetic allopathic drugs and even by the use of other herbs, due to the risk of causing severe adverse reactions.

Today, many more Western medical practitioners are starting to look at herbal remedies for many disorders. UK Column receives reports of nurses leaving the NHS in order to retrain in herbal medicine. How do you go about training to qualify as a herbal medicine practitioner? Is there funding?

Jane has kindly agreed to return to UK Column in the very near future to teach us more about her world of experience. Allopathic medicine is not the only way to health; there are other treatments. The choice is ours. Invest in yourself, be kind to your body, and be gentle.

The information in this interview is for educational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of UK Column; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, which is provided by your primary health carer.

Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health professionals with questions regarding a medical condition and prior to commencing any diet, supplement, or health programme.