about medical herbalists

conditions treated

appointment information

types of medicines

 

about medical herbalists

Western Medical Herbalists are taught the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors; in addition to this herbalists also take the overall constitution of the patient into consideration and try to identify the root cause of a patient’s symptoms.  This enables them to treat the patient as a unique individual and to develop a highly personalised treatment plan.

Herbalists belonging to the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) have all undergone rigorous training, adhere to a strict code of ethics and are regularly involved in continued professional development.

conditions treated

Herbs work at many levels, but they may primarily be viewed as strengthening the body and thereby increasing its power and ability to fight off disease.  By assisting the body in its ability to heal itself a number of diseases may be “treated”.  Most conditions seen by doctors can be treated with herbal medicine.  Herbalists also frequently treat chronic conditions for which orthodox medicine often has no cure.  Herbal medicine may be used to treat everybody, from pregnant ladies through to babies and the elderly.

Some of the complaints regularly treated by herbalists are listed below.

Digestive disorders like:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• peptic ulcers
• indigestion
• inflammatory bowel conditions

Heart and circulation problems like:

• high blood pressure
• angina
• varicose veins

Respiratory complaints like:

• asthma
• hayfever
• colds
• sinusitis
• bronchitis

Nervous system disorders like:

• stress
• insomnia
• headaches
• migraines
• depression

Gynaecological disorders like:

• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• infertility
• fibroids
• endometriosis
• menopausal difficulties

Skin conditions like:

• acne
• eczema
• psoriasis

Bone and muscular complaints like:

• arthritis
• rheumatism
• gout

Cystitis and urinary disorders, along with prostate problems

Tiredness, lack of energy, recurrent colds and infections

In certain instances other therapies may be deemed more appropriate or you may be referred back to your GP to request specialist attention.

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appointment information

The first consultation takes approximately 1 to 1½ hours and involves taking a full medical case history and performing any necessary physical examinations.  This will give the herbalist a broad picture of your overall health and constitution and will help highlight the root cause of your illness.  This allows for a thoroughly individualised treatment with the longer term aim of lasting healing.

A treatment plan will be formulated together with you, taking your individual needs and circumstances into consideration.  The treatment usually includes lifestyle and dietary advice, along with the appropriate herbal prescription.

A follow-up appointment is normally arranged for two weeks later in order to assess your progress and get feedback.  Thereafter follow-up appointments will usually be made according to your individual needs.  Follow-up appointments last approximately 30 minutes. All discussions with your herbalist are strictly confidential.

Initial consultations cost £40 with follow ups costing £25.

Payment should be made at the end of each consultation by cash or cheque.

Cancellations must be made at least 24hrs in advance, otherwise the full consultation fee is payable.

types of medicines

A blend of herbal tinctures (alcohol based herbal extracts) is most commonly prescribed. In some cases dried herbs for infusions will be prescribed, along with preparations such as creams, ointments and pills.  High quality organic tinctures made from fresh whole plant materials are used wherever possible in order to ensure optimum quality and a naturally balanced medicinal product.

Recycling: Please return any medical glassware for re-use and recycling.

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