Alternative therapies meet

CUTTING-edge researchers, developers and educators in herbal medicine gathered in Tweed Heads over the weekend to further the knowledge and education of Western herbal medicine and naturopathy.

The seventh International National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) conference, held every three years, concluded on Sunday after three days of speakers, presentations and workshops at Twin Towns Resort.

Naturopath Antoinette Balnave, who attended the conference, said it had been an excellent turnout.

“Over 500 people attended,” Ms Balnave said.

“It is very exiting to come here to the Coast.

“There were international speakers from all over the world, from Canada, the UK and America.”

New Zealand presenter Isla Burgess has researched and initiated a global medicinal plant conservation and sustainability plan that could help reduce the continued loss of medicinal plant species. She believes this is vital with the loss of one plant species every few hours on the planet.

Dr Kitty Campion, who practiced herbal medicine in the United Kingdom for more than 30 years who has now migrated to Australia, also attended the conference.

The conference was opened on Friday by guest speaker and NHAA president John Baxter.

Saturday saw concurrent presentations on research, treatment of diseases, philosophy, education and many aspects of traditional and modern use of herbal medicines from around the world.

The night ended with a conference dinner and special celebrations for the NHAA’s 90th birthday.

Founded in 1920, the NHAA is the oldest natural therapies association in Australia, and the only national professional body of medical herbalists.

“It is very exiting to come here to the Coast.”