Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine (or phytotherapy as it is also called) prevents and treats illness using the active constituents of plants. The practice is present throughout recorded history and formal studies are documented as far back as the Ancient Greeks.
Herbal medicine treats the whole person rather than the symptoms, based on the concept that all the cells, tissues and organs of the body are connected and do not act independently.
Medicines are dispensed as teas, tinctures, capsules, inhalations and creams, and are made from whichever part of the plant - leaf, flower, root, bark or fruit - contains the required active constituent.
What A Medical Herbalist Does
The initial consultation takes up to 90 minutes during which time your full case history is taken. This includes diet and social history as well as personal and family medical history, so it is helpful if you bring a list of current medication including vitamin or herbal supplements together with the results of any recent laboratory tests. The consultation may also include simple physical examinations such as blood pressure readings.
At the end of the consultation the herbalist will discuss the assessment with you, outlining the treatment plan including nutrition and lifestyle. Your individual prescription will then be prepared for collection or post.
A 30 minute follow-up appointment is arranged for about two weeks later when your condition and prescription will be reviewed.
You may be assured that qualified medical herbalists are trained to recognise conditions which they would recommend should be referred to your GP.
Liz has an honours degree in phytotherapy (the study and practice of herbal medicine) and is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. The NIMH was founded in 1864 and is the oldest professional body for medical herbalists. Members train extensively in medical and botanical sciences and therapeutics and are covered by professional idemnity insurance. Liz also holds the RHS General Examination in Horticulture Certificate.
Herbal Medicine is commonly used to treat:
- Arthritis & rheumatism
- Bronchitis, coughs, colds, sinusitis & tonsilitis
- Indigestion, diarrhoea & irritable bowel syndrome
- Urinary tract infections
- Prostrate problems
- PMS, infertility & menopausal conditions
- Haemorrhoids & varicose veins
- Eczema, acne & fungal infections
- Immune deficiency
- Stress, insomnia & depression
- Infections
- Children's ailments
Fees
| Initial consultation | £30.00 |
| Child concession | £20.00 |
| Follow-up | £20.00 |
| Child concession | £15.00 |
| Repeat prescription charge | £2.00 |
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