HERBAL MEDICINE

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine in the world today. It draws on a long tradition of utilising the inherent therapeutic properties of natural and sustainable plant-based medicines, integrating a traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with modern medical research. It attempts to move beyond mere symptomatic help to achieve long-term health benefits though addressing underlying causes and encouraging a return to a natural state of balance. Herbal medicine acknowledges our individuality and provides healthcare tailored to our specific needs. Our long ancestral association with plants and their therapeutic effects offers a uniquely appropriate means of facing many of our contemporary ills, allowing us to achieve long-term wellness.

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Effective Therapy

Herbal medicine is effective in dealing with many of our common health complaints. Along with offering symptomatic relief, herbalists consider the functioning of the whole person on all levels and aim to achieve long-term health benefits by working with patients to affect fundamental change. Herbal therapeutics include advice on diet, lifestyle and well-being and ultimately help us to take control of our health.

Common health concerns amenable to help from herbal medicine include:

• Stress & anxiety

• Sleep issues

• Allergic conditions such as hay fever

• Low energy & fatigue 

• Immune conditions

• Joint aches & pains

• Skin problems including eczema, acne & psoriasis

• Digestive & bowel problems such as IBS

• Hormonal problems including endometriosis, PMS, irregular, painful and heavy periods 

• Perimenopause and menopause

• Supporting and optimising management of long-term health conditions such as thyroid conditions, high blood pressure and arthritis

• Supporting recovery from illness such as long COVID

• Support prior to and after surgery and other conventional medical treatments

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Safe

Herbal medicines are widely regarded to be gentle in their action, well tolerated and rarely exhibit side effects. They can usually be combined with orthodox medications and any potential interactions will be carefully considered during your consultation.

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Consultations

Initial consultations usually last an hour and aim to fully explore the nature of your health condition, its impact on your life and include a full review of your medical history, diet and overall wellbeing. Sometimes physical examination may be carried out to help diagnosis and is useful if you bring details of any current medications or recent test results. At the end of the consultation, we will explore possible treatment options and aim to develop a tailored treatment plan encompassing plant-based medicines along with nutritional and lifestyle elements. Herbalists also aim to work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure safe, effective and integrated treatment to restore and maintain optimum health. 

Once herbal treatment is underway, regular follow-up consultations aim to monitor and review your treatment as well as make any changes to your herbal prescription as your treatment progress. Follow-up consultations last approx. 30 minutes and usually take place 2-3 weeks following initial consultation and then at 4–6-week intervals thereafter.

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Herbal prescriptions

Herbal prescriptions consist of natural and sustainable plant-based medicines for both external and internal use and taking many forms, including high-quality tinctures (herbal constituents extracted in alcohol/glycerine/water), teas, decoctions, creams, ointments and capsules. Each prescription is made exclusively from plants and is individually tailored to meet the therapeutic needs of each patient. Prescriptions will usually be sent out by post following your consultation and typically cost around £10 per week.

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Fees:

Initial consultation: £50

Follow-up consultations: £35

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About Dave:

Dave is a fully qualified medical herbalist and member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), a self-regulating professional body for herbalists in the UK. Members are bound by a comprehensive code of ethics and practice and are actively engaged in programmes of continuing professional development.

Dave’s herbal medicine clinic aims to provide patients the means by which to address their health needs within an enlightened, caring and supportive environment, working compassionately and in partnership to achieve long-term benefits to health and wellness.

You can contact Dave on 07941 391 923 or via email: dave@lionherba.com