Who can benefit from herbal medicine?
Patients of all ages, from infants to the very elderly, can benefit from herbal medicine. Those already receiving treatment from their doctor may also be helped, and are prescribed only herbs that do not adversely interact with other medication. If appropriate, and with the patient’s consent, GPs or consultants are kept fully informed of the herbal regime.
What can herbal medicine treat?
Herbal medicine is appropriate for most of the conditions for which you would visit your GP. It is particularly suited to conditions that don’t respond well to the conventional ‘magic bullet’ approach, such as:
- Improving immune response
- Treatment of viral and bacterial infections
- Chronic degenerative diseases
- Most forms of allergy or auto immune disease
Nervous system imbalances
Specific conditions that can be treated include:
- Allergies – hayfever, allergic rhinitis, histamine intolerance and other food intolerances and sensitivities
- Babies – colic, teething, chronic nappy rash, fevers
- Childhood illnesses – chicken pox, tonsillitis, croup, ear ache, glue-ear, worms, head lice, impetigo, conjunctivitis and hyperactivity
- Circulatory – high blood pressure, varicose veins, poor circulation, swollen ankles, varicose ulcers, anaemia, Raynaud’s disease
- Chronic conditions and immune disorders – chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, MS and other autoimmune diseases
- Digestive – IBS, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, candida, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, gallbladder conditions, liver disorders, nausea and poor absorption
- Endocrine disorders: thyroid disease, diabetes
- Gynaecological – menopausal symptoms, period pain, PMS, irregular cycles, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, pregnancy related and post-natal problems
- Men’s health – prostate conditions, erectile dysfunction
- Musculoskeletal – fibromyalgia, muscle and joint pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, gout, headaches
- Nervous System – stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, neuralgia, migraine, cold sores and shingles
- Urinary – urinary infections such as cystitis and interstitial cystitis, irritable bladder, thrush
- Respiratory – asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, coughs and colds, sore throats and recurrent infections
- Skin – eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, fungal infections; bacterial, viral and parasitic infections.
What happens during a consultation?
No two patients are alike even if they appear to be suffering similar symptoms, so no two treatment plans or prescriptions are exactly the same.
During your first consultation, which lasts about an hour, I will take a detailed case history covering not only your present problems but also your wider medical history, present medication, lifestyle, diet and social circumstances. A blood pressure check and other examinations are carried out where necessary.
Follow-up consultations are of shorter duration and usually every two to three weeks. Adjustments are often made to the medication during these follow-up sessions to ensure the prescription is at its most effective.
What is the National Institute of Medical Herbalists?
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists was founded in 1864. Admission to the Institute follows graduation from an accredited university or equivalent course, where students are trained in both medical and plant sciences. Members are required to carry out Continuing Professional Development and commit to a career-long learning programme organised by our Post Graduate Training Board. All members are governed by a strict code of ethics and practice, and a complaints and disciplinary procedure. They are also covered by professional indemnity and malpractice insurance. The letters MNIMH or FNIMH after the name of a herbalist are your assurance of a professional practitioner you can depend on.
Complementary services
You might also be interested in some of our other health care services:
Acupuncture
A system of healing which has been practised in China and other eastern countries for thousands of years.
Massage
Our comprehensive range of therapies have an holistic effect on the individual treated.
Mobiliser
The mobiliser helps to maintain a flexible spine, ease aches and pains.
Bikefit
A good bike-fit maximises performance and comfort whilst minimising strain on the body.