FAQs

You may have a question about herbal medicine, here are some answers to some frequently asked questions. If you’d like more information about how herbal medicine can support your health you can also book a free 15 minute discovery call.

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine uses the power of medicinal plants to address the root cause and gently nudge the body back into balance. It’s a blend of ancient wisdom which has been used for thousands of years and modern science.
Rather than being medicine that address a symptom, herbalists treat everyone as an individual and look at the root cause, this is why a first consultation is 90 minutes. The first consultation takes into consideration your whole health history, as well as diet, lifestyle and all the systems of the body.

Modern day pharmaceuticals are based on isolated compounds, whereas herbal medicine uses the whole plant with all the constituents working together synergistically.

Herbal medicine can include tinctures, herbal infusions, powders, capsules, pessaries and topical treatments such as creams and ointments. If you chose not to consume alcohol an alternative to a herbal tincture can be provided.

What training does a herbalist have to complete?

I completed a four 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 a number of different medical herbalists giving me a great insight into different practices. Medical herbalists have extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and plant chemistry, as well as nutrition, herbal therapeutics and herbal medicine making.

Are you insured?

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

Do you belong to a professional association?

I’m a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, established in 1864. As a registered medical herbalist I have to abide by a code of conduct.

What can herbal medicine treat?

Herbal medicine can treat lots of different conditions, always taking into consideration the root cause of what is causing the symptoms.

These include:

Digestive challenges: IBS, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, SIBO, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, haemorrhoids and indigestion
Stress and anxiety
Sleep issues – insomnia and sleep maintenance
Headaches and migraines
Perimenopause and menopause, irregular periods, PCOS, PMS, endometriosis
Allergies such as hayfever
Skin conditions: Psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and acne
Autoimmune conditions
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Urinary tract infections
Respiratory issues
Recovery after surgery

This list is not exhaustive so if you would like to chat through a condition that is not on this list please feel free to book a free discovery call with me.

Is herbal medicine safe?

Yes. Herbalists use the whole plant, rather than isolated extracts so the plant constituents work in synergy with each other. People have benefited from herbal medicine from thousands of years – it’s tried and tested! Herbalists are also trained to check any contraindications with any existing pharmaceutical medicine you are currently taking. However it’s important to stick to the dosage instructions provided on your medicines and during your consultation I would also about any existing allergies.

How much do you charge?

FEES

First consultation – 90 minutes, £85.

This includes:

Analysis of your patient registration form and any blood tests (if applicable)
Detailed assessment of symptoms
Review of your health history, medication, diet and general health
Setting health, diet and lifestyle goals and your tailored treatment plan
Creating your herbal prescription, this may include 5-7 different herbs and is bespoke and tailored to you. This may be a herbal tea, tincture, topical cream or ointment, powder or capsules.
Making and packaging your herbal prescription in the form to suit you.

As an example:

Tinctures £12 per 100ml (approximately one week)
Teas £14 per 100g bag
Capsules (per 60) from £15.00
Creams and Ointments (30ml) from £8.50

Follow up appointments

45 minutes, £45.

These are usually online and include a review of your progress, your symptoms and how you are feeling.
I’ll then update your treatment plan and herbal prescription following the consultation.
Follow up appointments are usually every 4 weeks.
Included in the fee is time for dispensing your herbal medicine after the follow up consultation.
You can sometimes order additional herbs without an appointment, however a dispensing fee of £10 is charged if you order a repeat prescription without a follow up consultation. As a minimum a follow up consultation is required every four months to sure your treatment remains effective and also safe.

What do you mean by a ‘herbal prescription’?

Every patient is unique and everyone has a health story unique to them. Similarly a herbal prescription is also unique to the individual. A herbal prescription could contain seven different herbs, all carefully chosen to suit the patient and their health issue. This could include a bespoke herbal tea, tincture, a powder, capsules, topical treatment such as a cream, ointment or lotion.

Can children benefit from herbal medicine?

Yes, usually children don’t tend to need a 90 minute consultation, so a slightly shorter first appointment is available. Contact me for prices and details. Herbal prescriptions are bespoke to each patient and gentle herbs can be provided in lower doses. Children also love coming along to workshops and finding out more about plants.

Take a look at my events page for upcoming workshops.

Can you treat pets?

No, unfortunately not. Medical herbalists are not trained to treat animals. I would recommend looking for an appropriate vet using holistic medicine.

How long should I expect to take herbal medicine?

Pharmaceutical medicine tends to supress symptoms and as herbal medicine treats the root cause it can take longer to resolve long standing issues. Everyone responds differently to herbal medicine and for a chronic illness I wouldn’t expect to see huge changes at the first follow up, having said that many people do respond very quickly and see positive changes within four weeks.

Most herbalists work on a basis of one month for each year of the chronic illness. Another factor is being committed to make dietary and lifestyle changes. I don’t want a patient to become dependent on a herbal prescription, but want the root cause to be resolved and this is often supported by looking at eating habits and changes in lifestyle.

For hormonal imbalances I would recommend three cycles. The average treatment length is three to four months, but I also have patients who like the ongoing support and have been with me for longer.

If you’d like to find out more book a free 15 minute discovery call to find out more

I’m taking prescription medication from my doctor, can I take herbal medicine as well?

Yes. Herbal medicine can be very effective at offering support alongside pharmaceutical medications. There are some long standing health conditions which do require allopathic treatment and it would be rash to suddenly stop taking medications. Some herbs can interact with pharmaceutical medication which is why herbalists are trained to check if you are taking any medication.

Can I join you to harvest herbal medicines?

I often receive requests to help me harvest herbs and although I would love some help, gathering herbs on my own gives me time to connect with the plants as part of my spiritual practice. Spending time in nature also provides me with a better work/life balance as I’m running a busy clinic day to day.

If you’re interested in learning more about medicinal herbs why not join me at my next event? Have a look at my events page for details

What is your cancellation and payment policy ?

First consultation
Payment is required before the initial appointment via BACS or PayPal. Payment is due within 48 hours of invoice for any herbal medicine.

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 or PayPal.

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, otherwise a late cancellation / non-attendance fee of £25 is payable.

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