Herbal Medicine

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine involves using plant based medicines to address illnesses and help restore health. It has been used successfully for centuries and this knowledge has been refined through generations. Modern herbal medicine involves utilizing traditional knowledge and combining this with a modern scientific approach to provide an integrated treatment plan.

Herbal medicine is increasingly becoming validated by pharmacological and biochemical scientific research. In fact, herbs are often the basis of many of today’s modern medicines, Aspirin, for example is derived from salicylic acid which is found in willowbark, Salix spp. and meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria.

More recently, a systematic review of the scientific evidence has indicated that St Johns Wort extract, Hypericum perforatum, might be as effective as standard antidepressants and has fewer side effects (Linde et al, 2009). In Germany, where the health system is more integrated, St Johns Wort is regularly prescribed by doctors for low mood and mild depression. There are many other examples.

Herbs, used appropriately and under professional supervision, can be very successful in helping to manage the symptoms of disease. Integrated health is an exciting development in the field of health care and how we approach the attainment of good health.  Increasingly, a wide variety of health professionals are recognising the benefits of herbal medicine as part of an integrated health plan.

Herbal medicine may be prescribed alone, or in conjunction with other medication from your GP or health specialist to attain optimum health.

What can Herbal Medicine help?

Herbs, used appropriately and under the guidance of a trained Medical Herbalist, may be used to address a wide variety of complaints, such as:

• Women’s health, including PMS, painful and heavy periods.

• Menopausal support.

• Endocrine and metabolic disorders.

• Pre conception optimisation- male and female.

• Skin problems.

• Sleep disturbances.

• Asthma, allergies and hay fever.

• Digestive and bowel problems.

• Muscular aches and pains.

• Recurring urinary problems.

• Recurrent respiratory problems.

• Headaches.

• Anxiety, stress and low mood.

• Fatigue and low energy.

Your appointment

The initial consultation will last approximately an hour. A thorough medical and social history will be taken and, if appropriate, physical examinations can be performed. A treatment plan will then be offered and, if indicated, a combination of herbs will be prescribed with targeted nutritional, lifestyle  and supplement advice. You may also be referred for further additional medical investigation before herbal treatment commences.

A follow up consultation will take place two/three weeks after the initial consultation and your progress will be monitored; changes may be made to your prescription and treatment plan dependent on the patient’s progress.

Treatment may be short or long term dependent on the condition, however, it is important to be aware that chronic conditions may take longer times to treat and require advised lifestyle and dietary changes on the part of the patient. Sara believes in working as a partnership to get your health back on track and changes will be made step by step.