Herbal Medicine
Herbal Consultations
Western Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy, introduces modern medical and scientific understanding into the herbal consultation and treatment process, giving patients a balance of both art and science in the approach to managing their health and well-being with herbal medicine.
This approach to herbal medicine is rich with knowledge that is rooted in the wisdom of thousands of years of tradition, but has also grown and developed through the incorporation of knowledge from various global lineages.
Western Herbal Medicine takes into consideration the whole person, not just the current symptoms of an issue. Looking at a person's history and present wellness levels and building a picture of that patient as an entire being. Treating a patient's presenting health issues from the roots up.
'Phytotherapy' is a complementary form of medicine, it is a traditional way of treating patients that can be used in an integrative way alongside orthodox 'allopathic' medicine prescribed by a patient's doctor.
It can also complement other therapeutic approaches that are more physically or emotionally centred, such as massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, craniosacral therapy, talking therapies, vibrational therapies and reiki, because the herbs work to support a person's natural balance and their body's search for equilibrium and individual optimal well-being.
A western herbal medicine consultation considers a patient as a whole person and looks at areas including:
• Presenting symptoms
• Past medical history
• Social and lifestyle factors
• Nutrition and fitness
• Family history
Herbalists don’t specialise in general, although some herbalists may train additionally in specific areas. A patient may consult with an herbalist for various reasons and multiple conditions both chronic and acute on different levels, physical, mental, and emotional.
The following are a few examples of areas a patient may consult an herbalist on, but there are many other reasons too.
• Digestion
• Emotional Health
• Skin
• Hormone Health
• Allergies
• Heart & Circulation
• Energy & Stamina
Herbal medicines don't just treat physical conditions, they can be used in the support of emotional well-being too, and in the complementary treatment of mental health conditions alongside a patient's doctor's or therapist's care.
Herbal Medicines come from plants that were living breathing beings with energy and vibration just like us and so they also support us at this 'energetic' level. Many of us benefit by being in nature and interacting with plants in addition to how they help us medicinally.
​
​
​
​
If you have any specific questions about herbal medicine and your unique journey, we can discuss them at you at your first appointment. If you would like to have a brief chat with me before booking, please email me or arrange a call-back via Southcote reception on 01622 661883.
Initial Herbal Consultations
First appointments take 75 minutes. The first appointment is an opportunity for me to ask you important questions about your health and wellness.
Your case history may include:
• Current presenting issues (the reason for your visit)
• Past medical history (including your childhood, up to your more recent health)
• Diet and Lifestyle (what you eat, the quality of your sleep, how much exercise you do)
• Social History (whether you drink alcohol and/or use tobacco products)
• Self-Care (how much time you have to relax or enjoy hobbies just for you)
Depending on the reason for your visit, with your permission I may carry out some non-invasive physical examinations.
Physical examinations may include things such as:
• Measuring your blood pressure
• Taking your temperature
• Checking your pulse(s)
• Looking in your ears
• Feeling your tummy
• Listening to your lungs and heart
• Checking your reflexes
Follow-up Herbal Consultations
The frequency of follow-ups is dependent upon your unique situation.
After your first consultation, there will usually be 2 to 4 weeks before an initial follow-up and then the distance between appointments will depend on your progress.
30-45 minute follow-ups:
I will talk with you about how you have been since your last appointment. I will go through any progress with your presenting conditions, how you are getting along with any herbs prescribed and any other lifestyle considerations that were discussed and carry out further physical examinations if necessary.
Short Follow-up/Phone Follow-up (up to 30 minutes):
Usually for existing patients with new short-term or acute issues that are not addressed as part of their usual treatment plan. This is also an option for existing patients who do not need physical examination or who cannot get to clinic due to a current health issue.
Herbal Prescriptions
Primary herbal prescriptions are uniquely blended for a patient from liquid herbs and/or dried herbs.
​
For 'acute' or short term issues, you may not need prescriptions for more than a few weeks or months, however for 'chronic' conditions a maintenance prescription may be needed in the longer term.
​
There may be one or more Herbal Teas (infusions/tisanes), Tinctures (alcohol-based liquid medicines), Syrups (glycerine or sugar-based liquid medicines) as well as powders, lotions and creams etc.
​
In some cases, I may also suggest a supplementary product such as a tablet form of herb or oil from a reputable source when needed.
​
Herbal medicines may act fairly quickly for certain issues however in some cases they may take more time to fully begin their work, sometimes a few months of treatment will be needed to see more significant changes.
Initial Prescriptions: Usually for a 2 to 4-week time frame.*
​
This is to get you started on your herbal medicine and see how you progress in the short term, then your prescription will be re-evaluated.
​
Follow-up & Repeat Prescriptions: After an initial two to four weeks, a prescription may be altered or adapted a little to refine its effect. Going forward I may then continue to tweak a prescription as needed until it works at its optimum for your unique well-being journey.
Fees
Prescription costs vary as the prescription depends on your unique case.
An average liquid herbal prescription may cost £30 to £90 per month.
An average dry herbal prescription may cost £13 to £26 per month.
I will always do her best to provide the medicine a patient needs at a reasonable cost.
​
-
Liquid Herbal Medicines per 105ml: £15
-
Herbal Dropper/Spray Bottle per 30ml: £4.50
-
Dried/Powdered Herbs per 100g: £13
-
Capsules (per 30): £13
-
Creams per 30g: £11
-
Pessaries/Suppositories per week: £9
-
Supplements as per retail pricing
-
Juices as per retail pricing​
​
​
​
​
*Dispensing is done on a Monday morning.