HERBAL MEDICINE
Although ancient in its origins, Herbal Medicine is as relevant now as ever, marrying thousands of years of traditional knowledge and current scientific research, it is still a growing and evolving discipline.
It relies on understanding and carefully harvesting the synergistic properties of plant parts (flowers, leaves, roots) and blending them appropriately. Preparations can be prescribed in the form of infusions, powders, tinctures (alcoholic extracts), syrups, creams, capsules.
Herbal medicine is a holistic practice. It looks at each individual as a complex system of interactions (genetic, biochemical, physiological, physical, psychological, behavioural, spiritual, environmental), and seeks to restore health by addressing the root cause(s) of the imbalances that express themselves as symptoms.
About a quarter of prescription drugs used today, such as aspirin, morphine, or digoxin, are directly derived from traditional herbal knowledge. The most biologically active compounds are identified and extracted from plants to then be synthesised and concentrated in the lab to produce drugs. However, in this process, a lot of other beneficial and protective substances contained in the plant are lost. Side effects of drugs are pretty common and can become an extra burden for someone already struggling with a health condition. Using the entire plant parts in herbal preparations ensures that all their constituents are delivered to the body and the risks of unwanted effects are minimised.
Herbal medicine was first documented by the Sumerians over 5000 years ago, and the use of plants in the prevention as well as in the treatment of disease is seen in every human culture, with an estimated 80% of the world population relying on herbal medicines as part of their healthcare. For some, it is their preferred method of treatment, for others it is a useful adjunct to conventional pharmaceuticals. A certain number of people use natural medicine as a way of keeping healthy while others seek them only when ill. Whatever your health concerns, chances are you would benefit one way or another from incorporating herbal medicine into your life.
An initial herbal consultation takes about 90 minutes, as we go through your medical history and symptom presentation in details, as well as lab results if you have any. As a UK-trained herbal practitioner, I am qualified to carry out the necessary physical examinations I need to reach a diagnosis (blood pressure, palpation, tongue and pulse, for example). Follow-up appointments are a lot shorter, and spaced by 2 to 4 weeks. Progress are reviewed and changes in treatment plan are implemented if necessary. It generally takes a couple of weeks for the effects of herbal medicines to be felt and a few more weeks to start seeing the results of lifestyle changes.
Prices (2019/20)
Initial consultation (90 min): £90
Follow up (30-45 min): £45
Herbal tincture: £12 per 100 mL
Herbal tea: £8 per 100g
Herbal powder: £8 per 100g