Herbal medicine uses preparations from plants to support wellbeing and manage everyday health concerns.
In the UK it is most commonly used as complementary support alongside conventional medical care.
Herbal medicine may be used for a wide range of wellbeing goals, including digestion, sleep and stress support. A responsible practitioner will take a full health history and consider medications, allergies and safety before making recommendations.
You will usually discuss symptoms, medical history, diet, lifestyle and current medications. Herbal preparations may be recommended alongside lifestyle guidance and follow-up.
Herbal remedies can interact with medications and may not be suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding or certain medical conditions. Always seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms.
Herbal medicine has been practised across cultures for centuries. Modern practice increasingly integrates traditional knowledge with contemporary understanding of safety, interactions and evidence.
Showing 42 conditions where Herbal Medicine is commonly used.
| Condition | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Acid reflux / heartburn support |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for reflux (DGL, marshmallow). |
|
Anxiety |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for anxiety support. |
|
Bloating |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for bloating. |
|
Constipation |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for constipation. |
|
Depression |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for depression (St John's Wort; monitor interactions). |
|
Diarrhoea |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for diarrhoea. |
|
Eczema stress impact support |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for eczema. |
|
Endometriosis support (adjunct) |
moderate
|
Herbal support for endometriosis. |
|
Fertility stress (emotional support) |
moderate
|
Herbal support for fertility. |
|
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for anxiety. |
|
Gut-brain stress symptoms |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for gut-brain health. |
|
Hay fever impact support |
moderate
|
Herbal support for hay fever/allergic rhinitis. |
|
High blood pressure stress support (adjunct) |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for blood pressure support. |
|
Indigestion / dyspepsia |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for indigestion. |
|
Insomnia |
mixed
|
Check interactions |
|
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) |
mixed
|
Adjunct support |
|
Low libido |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for low libido. |
|
Low mood |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for low mood. |
|
Menopause symptoms |
mixed
|
Medical review advised |
|
Menstrual cramps / painful periods |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for menstrual pain. |
|
Migraine support |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for migraine prevention. |
|
PCOS support (adjunct) |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for PCOS. |
|
Pelvic pain |
moderate
|
Herbal support for pelvic pain. |
|
Perimenopause symptoms |
mixed
|
Medical review advised |
|
PMDD support (adjunct) |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for PMDD. |
|
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for PMS. |
|
Psoriasis stress impact support |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for psoriasis. |
|
Rheumatoid arthritis support (adjunct) |
moderate
|
Anti-inflammatory herbal approaches for RA. |
|
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for SAD. |
|
Sinus congestion support |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for sinus congestion. |
|
Sleep anxiety |
moderate
|
Herbal support for sleep anxiety. |
|
Stress |
mixed
|
Common reason for use |
|
Trouble falling asleep |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for sleep onset. |
|
Trouble staying asleep |
moderate
|
Herbal approaches for sleep maintenance. |
|
Chronic illness adjustment |
limited
|
Herbal support for chronic illness. |
|
Fatigue |
limited
|
Investigate underlying causes |
|
Grief and bereavement |
limited
|
Herbal support in grief. |
|
Libido concerns (supportive) |
limited
|
Herbal support for libido concerns. |
|
Low energy |
limited
|
Herbal approaches for low energy. |
|
Nausea support |
limited
|
Herbal approaches for nausea. |
|
Non-restorative sleep |
limited
|
Herbal support for sleep quality. |
|
Post-viral fatigue support |
limited
|
Herbal support for post-viral fatigue. |
Are herbal products safe with my medicines?
Some herbs interact with medicines. Tell your GP, pharmacist and practitioner about everything you take.
What forms might be recommended?
Common forms include teas, tinctures and capsules. Dosing and sourcing are explained during consultation.
Can I use herbs in pregnancy?
Only with qualified guidance. Some herbs are unsuitable. Always follow medical advice.