Top Questions

What can I expect at my first consultation?

Your first consultation will usually be between 1-1.5 hours long. This time together will allow us to discuss your current health concerns while also enabling me to gain a detailed picture of your health history, lifestyle, diet and health goals. Some non invasive observations may be carried out with your permission, such as monitoring your blood pressure, pulse and taking a quick look at your tongue. I may also look at your eyes using a small specially designed magnifying glass to gain a deeper picture of your constitution and health using a method called Iridology. We will discuss lifestyle, nutrition and supplementation recommendations as relevant to you. You will then be provided with your own individualised herbal remedies which may be in tincture, glycerine, dried or powdered form depending on which is the most suitable for you.

Can I take herbal medicine if I'm taking other prescribed medication?

Although there are many herbs which are safe to take alongside other prescribed medication, there are also herbs which can interact with medications and must not be used at the same time. For this reason it is highly advisable to work with a qualified Herbalist who will be able to advise which herbs are safe for you, avoiding any possible interactions. You should also discuss any herbs and supplements you are taking with your prescribing GP and keep them up to date and informed about your herbal treatment.

What kind of conditions can Herbal Medicine help with?

People can visit a Herbalist with almost any condition, in the same way in you would visit your GP. Anyone can benefit from a visit to a Herbalist or Naturopath as you will be given support, advice and an individualised plan uniquely tailored to you. As a Naturopathic practitioner a huge part of my consultation process is to support clients by educating and empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Herbs can help with a huge range of ailments from skin conditions, arthritis, digestive complaints, hormonal disruption and endocrine disorders, gynaecological conditions, circulatory problems and stress related issues such as anxiety, amongst many others.

How quickly can I expect to see results?

As every person and condition is so unique, the answer to this question varies greatly. The more fully you engage in your treatment plan, the more benefits you are likely to experience. Ultimately your health is your own responsibility and by taking this into your own hands you can become empowered and begin to see the changes you desire. Often people begin to experience improvements within a few weeks but everyone and every condition is different. If you have had a health condition for a long period of time (e.g. a chronic condition) then this will take longer to treat than an acute condition (which arises over a short time period such as a cold or flu). Ultimately we will work together to gain the best results for you, prioritising and working on your health goals in the most effective way to obtain long lasting results.

After the first consultation, how often do I need to attend?

Follow up sessions are shorter than the initial consultation and generally last between 30-45 minutes. You are likely to have been provided with a 3-4 week prescription at your first appointment so it’s generally recommended to come for a follow up session 3-4 weeks later so that we can review your treatment. We can discuss the best options regarding follow up sessions depending on your particular health needs and circumstances.

How is herbal medicine different from pharmaceutical medication?

Many pharmaceutical medications are derived from phytochemical constituents which have been extracted from plants and isolated for medical use. This often results in unpleasant side effects as the synergistic action embodied within the plant in nature has been disrupted. In herbal medicine, the plant is used in its whole form so the combination of constituents within the plant can work together, modify and support each other, resulting in a generally safer treatment without unpleasant side effects. A Herbalist will formulate a prescription based on your unique needs and health goals, tailoring your treatment personally to you. Over time and with follow up sessions, this formula can be adjusted accordingly as you work together with your Herbalist to address imbalances and gradually bring the body into greater health.
Another significant difference is that herbal medicine does not supress symptoms as this in turn can drive illness deeper into the body and create more serious issues down the line. Instead, a Herbalist combines the art and science of herbal medicine to create unique prescriptions with the aim of restoring balance, addressing deficiencies and excesses within the body and working on a holistic level, addressing the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health of the individual.

What is a Naturopath?

A Naturopath is a health practitioner who works on a holistic basis, this means they take into account all aspects of an individual’s health, lifestyle and experiences in order to formulate a uniquely tailored treatment plan. This usually encompasses several modalities/natural therapies in which the Naturopath is trained, for example; hydrotherapy, nutrition, herbal medicine, flower essences and stress management techniques among many others. A Naturopath is an educator who supports their clients by educating and empowering them to take charge of their own health and ability to live a happy, healthy life. A Naturopath works on the basis of bringing the body, mind and spirit into balance to restore a state of health and homeostasis within the body. This can be achieved in a number of different ways and through the consultation process, the most effective and suitable methods for you can be explored and identified.