What is Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is plant medicine. Medicinal plants are taken externally or internally for their therapeutic values and medicinal effects. It is the oldest medicine on the planet. Every country on a global scale uses traditional herbal medicine, often as their primary healthcare system. Traditional knowledge base is vast, past on through word of mouth or in writings of old and current. With the arrival of the industrial age, increasing scientific research supports the beneficial use of herbal medicine. We use Herbal prescriptions to address a huge range of conditions, such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Headaches
  • Sleep disorders
  • Thyroid disease
  • Digestive disorders
  • Raised Blood Pressure
  • Hyperactivity disorders
  • Muscular aches and pains
  • Hormone related disorders
  • Side effects of medications
  • Depression, learning difficulties
  • Mental fog/inability to think clearly
  • Irritable or inflamed bowel disorders
  • Eating disorders- obesity, bulimia, anorexia nervosa

How long does it last?

An initial consultation is an hour and a follow up appointment is 30 minutes. Herbalist Rhian is available for herbal consultations upon request.

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What happens during a herbal consultation?

After a thorough case history, herbal medicines are prescribed to bring the body back into some form of balance which is it naturally always striving to do. The herbal prescription is made up which is bespoke for you depending on your presenting symptoms.

What form will my herbs be in?

The medicine recommended to you will very much depend on you as an individual and your requirements. Below is an outline of how herbs may be administered.

Tincture

This is a liquid extract of medicinal plants where a mixture of alcohol and water is used to extract active constituents.

Tea or Tisane

Dried whole plant parts (eg the whole leaf, whole flower, bud, bark, seed or root).

Powder

Dried then ground herbs to be mixed into yoghurt or a smoothie. Can be put into capsules as well.

Creams, Ointments, Liniments, Salves

For external use we apply medicinal plants mixed with beeswax, base cream, aloe vera gel etc to work on the skin surface and be absorbed into the tissues as well.

Glycerites

Vegetable based glycerine is used to extract the medicinal properties. Very popular with children as it is sweet but does not contain sugars or sweeteners and is non-alcoholic.