More about herbal medicine :: Herbal medicine is the oldest known form of medicine and is the origin of much of modern medicine - many well-known drugs are derived from common plants. For much of human history, herbal medicine has formed the mainstay of healthcare for the majority of people, and this is still true in many parts of the world. There is a strong tradition of the use of healing plants throughout all cultures from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Chinese, India and First North Americans.

Herbal medicine today :: Modern herbalism (or phytotherapy from phyto, meaning plant) draws on the accumulated knowledge about plant remedies gained throughout human history. Today's medical herbalists study the traditional uses of plants and their applications in the treatment of disease and the support of the body's healing processes. They also keep up-to-date with modern research and findings about the chemical constituents, physiological effects on the body, and effectiveness of herbal medicines. Herbalists are trained to safely prescribe herbal remedies alongside conventional medications and to advise on other important aspects of one's health, such as diet and stress management.

Nutritional Therapy :: Nutritional Therapy uses a combination of diet, naturopathic techniques and food supplements to support the body and help it maintain and repair itself. The focus is on developing a sensible, healthful and sustainable eating plan based on a nutritious wholefood diet tailored to your individual needs. By correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies and taking a positive attitude towards food and food choices, many health complaints will improve and energy and vitality will increase naturally.

What Can Herbs and Nutrition Help? :: I have helped people with a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, skin problems, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, infertility, allergies, menopause, autoimmune conditions, yeast infections, chest and sinus complaints to name but a few. Treatment involves in-depth analysis of the health problem together with an appreciation of emotional and nutritional status. Click here to find out more about having a Nutritional or Herbal consultation.

Qualified Practitioners :: At present there are no laws preventing anyone from calling themselves a medical herbalist or nutritional therapist. To be sure that you are consulting someone that is properly trained, contact the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) or the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP) for herbal medicine and the British Association of Nutritional Therapists (BANT) for Nutritionists. These professional associations only allow fully qualified practitioners to join and will be able to put you in contact with a local practitioner.

CONSULTATIONS

All about you :: During your first visit, you will be asked about your past health, current medications, family history, diet and lifestyle, as well as your current health problems. It is usual to have your blood pressure taken, and other examinations may be suggested, for example listening to your chest or asking for a urine sample. You will be given an indication of how herbal or nutritional treatment can help with your condition and an idea of how long it might take for your individual treatment program to be effective.

Tailored to you :: Your herbal medicine or nutritional program is formulated depending on your individual needs and the information you give during the consultation. When giving herbal medicine I usually prescribe a mixture of herbal tinctures (liquid extracts of herbs in an alcohol base), but you may also be given a herbal tea, cream, lotion, tablet or inhalation. If you come for nutritional therapy, I will give recommendations about the types of food you eat and drink and may advise some specific nutritional supplements or other ways to improve your health and vitality. I always write down any advice given during the consultation for you to take away with you.

Laboratory Testing :: In some cases laboratory tests may be recommended in order to assist in diagnosis and planning the most effective treatment. Many of the tests use kits which are sent to your home and returned directly to the laboratory. Examples of tests that I offer include:

• Hair Mineral Analysis
• Digestive Stool Analysis
• Female Hormone Profiles
• Gastric Acid Levels
• Osteoporosis Risk
• Adrenal Stress Hormone Testing
• Metabolic and Oxidative Stress Profile
• Homocysteine Levels
• Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
• Thyroid Hormone Screening

Monitor your improvements :: Follow-up visits are arranged for 2-4 weeks after the initial consultation to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your personal treatment program. A number of further visits at longer intervals are recommended to monitor your progress with regular check ups if long-term treatment is necessary.

The results :: The length of your overall treatment very much depends on the nature and duration of your illness - the longer you have been unwell, the longer it is likely to take to restore you to better health. However, most people feel positive changes within the first weeks of treatment, followed by more gradual improvements in the following weeks or months.

Nutrition or Herbs? :: You may feel drawn more to one therapy than the other. Treatment using herbal medicine will mainly focus on the use of the herbal remedies plus some basic dietary advice. In nutritional therapy consultations, there is more focus on diet and I give detailed recommendations on beneficial foods and a personalised eating plan to help get you started together with recipe ideas if you need them. If appropriate, I will also offer nutritional therapy clients the choice of using some herbal medicine, as the two therapies complement each other very well, and I find that the use of herbs speeds up progress and can cut down on the number of food supplements required.

If you are unsure which therapy is most suitable for you, please do not hestiate to contact me to discuss your requirements.

How much does it cost? :: My consultation fees are as follows:
:: Nutritional Therapy
Initial Assessment (one hour) £60
Follow up visits (30-60 mins) £35
:: Herbal Medicine
Initial Assessment (50 mins) £35
Follow up visits (25 mins) £25

Please note: Herbal medicines, nutritional supplements and further investigations are charged seperately.

"Let us thank Nature for all these gifts, the best gifts to be had, and do not envy others their riches. Stick quietly to your good, simple medicinal herbs. Whether you apply them internally or externally, you can rest assured (even if you use them incorrectly in either case) that they do you no harm"
Sebastian Kneipp