Herbal Consultations

With my Naturopathic foundations I will endeavour to find the root cause of your ailments and not just treat the symptoms. With my background in nutrition (I was a food sensitivity tester for six years) I will be able to give you nutritional advice. After all, the right food can be the best medicine there is.

I treat every patient as unique even though they may display common symptoms, and so different approaches to treatment are appropriate for each person’s unique and individual constitution. I believe in a holistic way of working, using the natural resources which are everywhere around us as well as our own innate healing wisdom.

Herbal medicines are individually tailored. Herbal formulae are either made up on-the-spot at the end of your appointment, sent by post or available for collection. Herbs can be taken in a very wide number of forms. I most commonly prescribe tinctures (liquid herbal extracts) and teas (infusions or decoctions) but I also prescribe capsules, syrups, lotions, creams, rubs, inhalations and herbal baths.

Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts & generally have a very strong taste that sometimes can take a few days to get used to. 90% of the herbs I use are organic. All the herbs are from sustainable and traceable sources and none of the herbs used are endangered. I make many of the preparations myself.

I work with patients of all ages, including children. consultations with children I take the same overarching holistic perspective as I do with adults but with certain adjustments to account for the age and life stage of each child. Child appointments are shorter in duration because of differences in the extent of analysis that is appropriate for children.

It is imperative to support the developing self-regulation and self-healing capacities in a child’s body rather than overriding or suppressing them. Therefore the gentle food-like nature of most herbs is particularly appropriate for treating children. Children’s herb formulations can be given through a number of methods including tinctures, teas, topical rubs and lotions and in herbal baths.

Herbs rarely have any side effects and in most situations they can be used instead of or alongside a lot of orthodox medication. The herbal materia medica is much safer than that of “conventional” medicine. The toxic group of herbs is very small and only ever prescribed where absolutely necessary and at carefully controlled doses so that therapeutic effects can be achieved without adverse effects. However it is important to use herbs with caution when they are taken alongside conventional medicines. Certain herbs and drugs should not be combined.

I also take particular care when using herbs in situations where people are considered to be particularly vulnerable – such as with the very young and the very old and during pregnancy and lactation. Nonetheless, herbs – when used carefully – can provide excellent supportive options in these situations.

I will always communicate with your GP or other practitioners as appropriate.