One of the main ways a clinical herbalist helps their clients to optimize health, is through the use of custom herbal formulas. A custom herbal formula is designed for that specific client, their current state of health, their health concerns, etc. The herbs included in the formula, the dose amount, the dose schedule, formula form and other factors are all tailored to the client.
In general, an herbalist is more concerned about understanding the person, than the condition(s) they have. For example, if they see 10 people who have been given a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis from their doctor, each person will be given a different herbal formula because each person is different, their situation is different so the approach to support them must be different.
This is the way herbal formulas were prepared in all the world traditions. While general over-the-counter formulas can be effective, custom herbal formulas are more powerful, more effective and the changes are more lasting.
I haven’t had a chance to fully write up this entire process, but I recently ran across a great article that captures this. Its written by Chanchal Cabrerra, an herbalist with years of experience. The article captures a “behind the scenes” look at the way I work with clients and in general, the way herbalists work with their clients.
Building a Formula – Selection Criteria and Dosing Strategies
