“What are the benefits of a consultation with a medical herbalist?”
Medical Herbalist Gabriella Clarke answers shares some insights into her profession and how she can help.
Medical herbalists combine centuries of tradition with modern scientific practice. The main difference between your local healthcare professional and a herbalist is that herbalists take a more holistic approach to their patients and will spend at least an hour discussing their problems and personal issues in search of the right solution.
HERBAL MEDICINE CAN TREAT A RANGE OF CONDITIONS
Herbal medicine can treat most conditions that patients might take to their GP. These include skin problems, hormone imbalances and menopausal symptoms, digestive problems such as IBS, nervous disorders such as stress, insomnia and depression, as well as circulatory problems and heart conditions. Allergy issues such as asthma, eczema and food intolerances, muscular and joint problems such as arthritis, and respiratory problems and urinary tract problems are other problems often seen by herbalists.
LIFESTYLE AND DIET
A full medical history will be taken at the start of a session and any appropriate physical examinations may be carried out. At the end of the session a management plan will be drawn up and discussed with the patient, which will include any lifestyle and dietary changes that may be appropriate to their needs.
HERBAL SOLUTIONS
A herbal medicine, usually in the form of a tincture, will be dispensed. This will usually be tailored to the individual patient’s needs as appropriate. Patients are usually expected to come back for a follow-up appointment, typically around four weeks after the initial consultation.
To find out more why not visit the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH)
