What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal Medicine uses plants to support the body’s own healing systems and restore and maintain good health.  It is the oldest form of medicine known and modern day use blends the traditional art with up-to-date scientific research.  Plants contain a number of active constituents each having their own medicinal and energetic qualities.

What can Herbal Medicine treat?

Herbalists treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause related problems, hayfever, bronchitis, migraine and anxiety – anything that you might see your GP about. It is often effective when other approaches have not been helpful and in those cases of illness when no medical cause can be found.

Western Medical Herbalists are trained in similar diagnostic skills to orthodox medical practitioners but combine this scientific knowledge with a more holistic, person-centred approach so that the patient, rather than the symptoms, is the focus.

What can I expect when I consult a Medical Herbalist?

The first consultation lasts up to an hour and a half to allow you to give full details of your current health and your past medical history.  The herbalist will take your pulse and blood pressure and may need to carry out other physical examinations if appropriate.

The information gathered will enable the herbalist to formulate a treatment plan and prescribe a mixture of herbs specifically for you and your individual needs.  Herbs are usually prescribed as a liquid mixture of several different herbal tinctures – an alcohol based herbal extract which is easy to take.  Herbs can also be prescribed as teas, syrups and as external preparations such as creams and lotions.   Dietary and lifestyle advice may also be given.
 
Follow up appointments take around half an hour and will be arranged as needed – usually after two weeks and then every four weeks.  These are an important part of the treatment as the herbalist and the patient, as well as the herbs, work together to restore good health.

The number of consultations needed depends on each individual case and the severity and length of illness.   The prescription will be adjusted as your health improves and repeat prescriptions will be available after a number of initial follow up visits.

The National Institute of Medical Herbalists www.nimh.org.uk

The National Institute of Medical Herbalists is the UK`s leading professional body representing herbal medicine practitioners.
It was first established in 1864 by a group of herbalists from the north of England and today has members across the UK and beyond.
The Institute promotes the benefits of herbal medicine and continuously strives to provide the best patient care through the work of its members.
Practitioners train for at least three years to science degree level and adhere to a strict code of conduct before they can gain MNIMH or FNIMH after their name.