What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is the practice of healing using whole-plant based medicines.
The aim is to strengthen and restore balance in the body, and to encourage
the body's natural ability to heal itself. Modern herbal medicine combines
thousands of years of traditional use with the most up-to-date research.
Western herbal medicine is based on a holistic approach. The intention
is to obtain a complete picture of a person's overall state of health -
a medical herbalist treats the whole person and not just the disease. Prescriptions
are individually formulated which means that two people visiting a herbalist
with the same condition will leave with their own uniquely blended medicine.
A herbalist looks to treat the cause of the illness as well as relieving
symptoms where possible.
What to expect when visiting a herbalist.
The first consultation takes up to one and a half hours. It involves taking
a full case history, including details of the current illness, past medical
history, diet and questions about a person's health in general. The consultation
may include a short physical examination. If necessary, pulse and blood
pressure are routinely taken. At the end of the appointment the herbalist
will prescribe a herbal remedy - usually an alcohol-based tincture, but
occasionally a medicinal herbal tea, herbal syrup or external preparation
such as a cream, ointment or liniment. The herbalist may also make dietary
and lifestyle recommendations.
Follow up consultations typically last up to three quarters of an hour;
the first of these takes place after two weeks and thereafter every four
weeks. The herbalist will regularly assess the progress of the patient and
the herbal mixture may be altered at subsequent visits. The journey to health
is a dynamic partnership between patient and herbalist and a two-way dialogue
is encouraged at all times.
How long will it take for me to get better?
As people respond at different rates to herbal medicine, it is difficult
to estimate how long treatment may last. Some conditions may see a swift
improvement, while others take a little longer. It is more useful to think
in terms of a long-term commitment than a "quick fix", although
in general there should be some improvement noticed in 3-6 months, sooner
in many cases. The length of treatment also depends very much on the severity
and duration of the illness and the individual's constitution.
Who can benefit from herbal medicine?
Herbal treatment is suitable for everybody, from children to the elderly,
including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Qualified medical herbalists
are trained to use herbs safely alongside orthodox medications, and to be
aware of drug-herb interactions. Patients should always bring along details
of any prescribed medication or supplements they may be taking.
Some conditions which may respond well to herbal medicine include:
- Stress/anxiety/depression
- Insomnia/fatigue/headaches
- Digestive problems e.g. IBS, indigestion
- Skin conditions e.g. eczema
- Gynaecological disorders e.g. PMS, menstrual irregularities, fertility problems, menopause symptoms
- Allergic conditions e.g. hayfever
- Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
- Respiratory complaints e.g. asthma, sinusitis, glue ear, recurrent colds
How much does it cost?
- First consultation - £40
- Follow up visit - £25
Please note that medicine is charged in addition to the stated consultation price:
- Tincture - £6 per 100ml (usual prescription = 100 ml per week)
- Oil/liniment - £3 per 100ml
- Herbal syrup/Aromatic water - £5 per 100ml
- Medicinal herbal tea - £4 per 100g (delivered direct by post)
- Cream/ointment - £3 per 30g, £6 for 60g
Vega testing
Katie also undertakes Vega testing by appointment. It takes 45mins for
a full test which includes 100 different foods, drinks, additives and allergens
(airborne pollens etc.) tested for sensitivity. The test is suitable for
any age, and may be of benefit if any of the following symptoms are experienced.
Digestive problems such as:-
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Colic/wind
- Diverticulitis
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel
- Diarrhoea
- Acid reflux
Skin problems such as:-
Respiratory Conditions:
- Tiredness
- Headaches/migraines
- Gout
- PMT
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Food cravings
Sensitivities to foods, drinks,additives, or allergens can go unnoticed
for years. It is often the substances being those things that we like best
which are the cause of the problem.
What is included?
The test includes around 100 items of foods, drinks, allergens and additives
along with a large number of vitamins and minerals being tested for deficiency.
Items tested include:
Pollens, chemicals, dust mites, moulds, feathers, wool, cigarettes, coffee,
tea, wine, lager, gin, bitter, sugar, wheat, oats, eggs, milk, beef, pork,
potatoes, tomatoes, onions, crab, haddock, plaice.
The test takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and, along with the
results of the test, any nutritional or dietary information relevant will
also be given. This would include advice on avoiding foods shown to be causing
sensitivity, alternatives, reintroduction of foods etc.
Prices:
A complete test including vitamin and mineral deficiency check = £49
For Further Information & Advice
Please contact the practice on 01704 500905. Appointments are available on
Mondays 9am - 1pm. Email
Katie.
