Frequently Asked Questions

Herbal medicine uses the potent properties of plants to support health and well-being, a practice that is supported by scientific research and clinical studies. 

Herbal medicine uses the active ingredients from plants/fungi or plant parts, such as leaves, roots, flowers or seeds, to improve health, prevent disease and treat illness. Drawing on thousands of years of traditional knowledge, herbal medicine is a respected field of study, with an extensive array of qualitative and quantitative research papers and clinical studies investigating the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants.

A Medical Herbalist is a highly trained, qualified healthcare professional who employs a unique blend of traditional wisdom and modern science.

Benefits of our approach:

• Evidence-Informed Practice: Medical Herbalists utilize plants whose traditional applications are supported by a growing body of modern scientific research and clinical trials.
• Comprehensive Training: All registered members of the NIMH hold a BSc degree or equivalent in Herbal Medicine. Their extensive education includes training in orthodox medicine (conventional diagnostic skills used by GPs) as well as intensive plant medicine studies.
• Holistic Approach: While trained in conventional diagnostic skills, herbalists take a holistic approach to illness. The goal is to identify and treat the underlying cause of disease, not just suppress the symptoms.
• Integrated Care: Medical Herbalists are qualified to safely prescribe herbal remedies to be used alongside other medications and treatments, ensuring safe and integrated care. In fact, many patients are referred to a herbalist by their own GP for complementary treatment.

Consulting a Medical Herbalist offers a professional, evidence-informed path to achieving a balanced and vibrant life.

More information at: 

https://nimh.org.uk/_resources/what-is-a-herbalist/

I completed a six year degree level course with Heartwood, one of the UK’s leading herbal educators. The course included over 3,600 hours of study as well as a minimum of 500 patient facing hours which involved taking consultations and creating treatment plans in a clinic environment. I was able to do part of this training with several different medical herbalists giving me a great insight into different practices and hands-on experience. Medical herbalists have extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, research skills and plant chemistry, as well as nutrition, herbal therapeutics, herbal medicine making and diagnostic techniques. 

Yes, I am fully covered by Balen’s Insurance.

I am a registered Medical Herbalist and a proud member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), the UK's oldest professional body for herbal practitioners, established in 1864. As a NIMH registrant, I adhere to a strict code of ethics and conduct, ensuring the highest standards of professional practice and client care.

Yes, the practice of using whole plants, rather than isolated extracts, allows the various plant constituents to work in synergy, often providing a more balanced and effective effect. 

Safety is paramount. Professional herbalists are trained to carefully check for any potential contraindications with your existing pharmaceutical medications. It is crucial to always follow the dosage instructions provided with your herbal prescription(s). During your consultation, we will discuss any existing allergies and intolerances you may have as well as your past medical history, family history and more to ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective for you.

The paediatric herbal consultations offer a safe, holistic and comprehensive approach to supporting children's health naturally. I work closely with families to understand a child's unique health profile and lifestyle, developing personalized, herbal treatment plans. Together, we can discover how medicinal plants might support common childhood concerns—from eczema, sleep, digestion to immunity—in a safe and nurturing way. Utilizing effective and gentle medicinal plants at low doses and nutritional guidance, the goal is to enhance your child's vitality and natural resilience, providing a supportive foundation for long-term health.

Children also love coming along to workshops and finding out more about plants.

Herbal medicine has a wide range of applications, drawing on the medicinal properties of various plants, fungi, lichen and plant parts like flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, and roots.

Herbal medicine can be used to support a variety of health concerns, including:

• Physical Ailments: Digestive, respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and immune system issues.
• Hormonal and Emotional Health: Hormonal balance, stress, sleep problems, and energy levels.
• Specific Conditions: Acute issues such as UTIs, coughs, colds, and hayfever.
• General Well-being: Supporting the microbiome and providing nourishment when you're feeling run down.

If you are unsure if herbal medicine is right for you, feel free to book a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs.

Because every patient's health story is unique, so is their prescription. A herbal prescription is not a one-size-fits-all remedy, it is a bespoke blend of carefully selected herbs tailored specifically to your needs and health concerns.

Your prescription might include a combination of different medicinal plants and can be prepared in various forms, such as:

• Tinctures or Teas: Liquid extracts or      infusions for internal use.
• Capsules or Powders: other options for daily      intake.
• Topical Treatments: Creams, ointments, or      lotions for external application.

The duration of treatment is highly individual. While pharmaceutical medicine often suppresses symptoms quickly, herbal medicine aims to address the root cause of the issue, which can take longer to resolve long-standing concerns.

What to Expect:

• Initial Changes: While some people see positive changes within the first to four weeks, significant shifts for chronic conditions may take longer to appear.
• General Guideline: A common approach is to expect approximately one month of treatment for every year a chronic illness has been present. True healing takes time.
• Average Duration: Most effective treatment plans last between three to four months, though some patients prefer ongoing support for longer periods. 
• Hormonal Health: For hormonal imbalances, a commitment to three full cycles is typically recommended.

Commitment is Key:
Sustainable results often depend on your commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes. The goal is not dependence on a prescription, but rather to resolve the root cause and empower you with lasting wellness.

If you’d like to learn more, book a free 15-minute discovery call to see if herbal medicine is right for you.

Yes, herbal treatments can be safely and effectively used alongside conventional medical treatments as part of a comprehensive, holistic healthcare plan. Our approach is evidence-informed, focusing on the quality, safety, and synergistic effects of medicinal plants to help you achieve optimal health. I have witnessed the benefits of an integrated approach to health in some long-standing complex conditions.

Being "natural" doesn't inherently guarantee a product is safe. Consulting with a qualified medical herbalist ensures expert guidance tailored to your treatment plan. Certain vital medications must never be stopped without first consulting both your doctor and herbalist.

Crucially, many herbs interact with conventional medications, necessitating caution or complete avoidance. It is also essential to disclose all herbal medicine use to your doctor or pharmacist before surgery, as medicinal plants can indeed interact with conventional treatments.

Medical herbalists possess specialized training in medicinal plant-pharmaceutical interactions. They can effectively communicate with your medical professional to collaboratively determine the safest and most effective health approach for your condition.

First consultation
Payment is required before the initial appointment via BACS, square or Stripe. Payment is due prior to any herbal medicine being dispensed.

Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance of your appointment, or you will be liable to a 50% late cancellation / non-attendance fee (£40).

Follow-up consultations
Payment is required before follow up consultations by BACS, square or Stripe.

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, otherwise a late cancellation / non-attendance fee of £25 is payable.