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Herbal Medicine

Western Herbal Medicine is a safe and effective holistic therapy.  It has evolved from a long and rich tradition of using plant-based medicines in the British Isles, Europe and North America.  This heritage is now being enriched with a growing body of scientific research.

A major distinguishing factor of Herbal Medicine is the approach to treatment taken by a Medical Herbalist compared to a traditional (allopathic) medical doctor. A course of treatment is usually based upon trying to resolve the underlying cause of illness, rather than just the alleviation or masking of symptoms. In addition to using conventional medical diagnostic skills, a Medical Herbalist will also consider several other aspects of a patient’s life including diet & nutrition, sleep, digestion, living & working environments, state of mind and function of the body’s organ systems.  This enables the Medical Herbalist to take a holistic view of the patient and formulate a tailor-made treatment plan for the individual.

The approach to treatment is always aimed at encouraging patients to actively participate in achieving a return to health by providing a positive impetus for the individual to take control of their life and where necessary make changes to maintain better physical, emotional and mental health.

Herbalists use whole extracts from the active parts of plants such as the leaves, roots, fruits, seeds and bark.  The use of such whole extracts (containing numerous different chemical constituents) is considered more effective and has fewer potential side-effects than the use of concentrated single active chemicals or extracts standardised to contain high concentrations of particular phyto-chemicals.  The constituents of a herbal extract are said to work together 'synergistically' so that the effect of the whole herb is greater than that expected from the sum of it's components.  Also, several herbs are usually used together - working synergistically to optimise the therapeutic effect of the medicine.

Medicines are usually dispensed in the form of tinctures.  Where appropriate, teas, decoctions, capsules, supplements and topical applications such as creams and oils may also be prescribed.  The length of a course of treatment can vary greatly depending on the nature of the illness, but initially, follow-up consultations are usually spaced at 2 - 3 week intervals. 

Conditions commonly seen by General Herbal Medicine Practitioners include:

  

Ø     Gynaecological disorders – e.g. PMS, endometriosis, PCOS & menstrual irregularities.

Ø     Subfertility and Sexual dysfunction - e.g. difficulties in conception, erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, low sperm count.

Ø     Heart and circulatory disorders – e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, varicose veins and congestive heart failure.

Ø     Urinary problems – e.g. cystitis, vaginosis & prostate disease.

Ø     Digestive system disorders – e.g. constipation, Crohn’s disease, IBS, colitis, ulcers, gastritis and indigestion.

Ø     Disorders of the nervous system – e.g. headaches & migraines, depression, anxiety and sleep problems.

Ø     Immune system dysfunction – e.g. asthma, hayfever, eczema, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis, thyrotoxicosis.

Ø     Cancer Support - e.g. Chemotherapy induced immuno-suppression, cancer therapy side-effects, cancer therapy potentiation.

Ø     Acute infections – e.g. colds, flu, coughs and sore throats.

Ø     Rheumatism and gout.

Ø     Stress, low energy and fatigue.

Your Herbalist 

Gursewa Harrad BEd (Hons) BSc (Hons) MNIMH holds a degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of Westminster and is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

For  further information, please visit my website: www.medherb.co.uk

Fees & Charges

Initial Consultation (1 - 1 ½ hours)        £40.00

Follow-up Consultation (30 - 45mins)    £27.00

Follow-up Consultation by Tel. - up to 15mins (Not appropriate in all cases)   £13.00

Mini Consultation – up to 20mins          £15.00 (Suitable only for minor/acute ailments, e.g. throat infection, cystitis, etc)     (Redeemable against a future full consultation)                

 N.B. Dispensing charge is included in the above fees

Repeat prescription dispensing charge  (No change to the prescription required)     £5.00

Tincture/Fluid Extract mixes:        Approximately £5.00 - £7.00 / 100ml

Dried herb mixes:       Approximately £3.00 - £4.00 / 100gm

Postage & Packing:

Charged at cost (Packing + Royal Mail Standard 1st Class Parcel Service). Can be sent Special Delivery if requested. 

         Please note 24 hrs notice must be given to cancel appointments, or a

         missed appointment fee will be charged