Published article: Herbs for Healing

As many readers will know, using herbs for healing isn't a "New Age" craze but a tradition as old as mankind itself. Many modern prescription drugs come from plants sources.

Luzia Barclay, from Turnworth near Blandford, suffered with serious kidney problems for many years. Modern medicine could only offer her various antibiotics.

These worked for a while but eventually the bacteria became resistant to them. She was told to see it a life-long condition.

After a time she decided to see if there was another way. She turned to a professional herbalist who looked into the causes of her illness. Now she has completely recovered.

Since then, Luzia, who has lived in Dorset for 23 years, has devoted her time to bringing up her four children and to establish roots in Turnworth.

By the time her youngest child started at school, Luzia felt that herbs had made such an amazing impact on her own health that she decided to study Herbal Medicine. She gained her Diploma of Botanical Therapy in 2001.

Since then Luzia has had her own herbal practice at her home in Turnworth. Additionally, she has taught at Kingston Maurward College, Dorset Adult Education and the Kingcombe Centre. She runs workshops both from her home and Long Crichel Herb Garden. These courses give people an introduction to the value of the herbs that grow around us.

"I feel very strongly about passing on the knowledge of the use of herbs and other natural remedies because they are very effective in restoring health and preventing illness.

"Plants like Echinacea can boost the immune system, which is the basis of wellbeing. So many people today are concerned and worried about the rise in "Superbugs" such as MRSA and other hospital infections.

"It is in the nature of bacteria to develop resistance in order to survive, but they find it extremely hard to develop resistance to natural remedies.

"There are many over-the-counter herbal remedies available, but a professional consultation will help you to find the root cause of your illness and provide a tailor-made prescription."

You can catch Luzia now and then as Resident Herbalist on BBC Radio Solent where she answers listeners' questions in a Sunday phone-in slot.

For more information, to sign up for a course or to make an appointment go to www.herbsforhealing.org.uk, or call Luzia on 01722 330663.