Gloucester Natural Therapies Clinic

The A-Z of Complementary Therapies in Gloucestershire

Friendly, Professional, Expert Advice and Treatment in Natural Medicine and Health Care

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Medical Herbalist

Practitioner

Herbal Medicine

Modern herbal medicine is based on the oldest, most natural and most universal system of medicine. Every early community around the world used plants as their main source of medicines and until the beginning of 20th century most drugs were plant-based. Herbalists apply modern research and the highest professional standards to the rational use of natural medicines. The vast majority of herbal remedies have stood the test of centuries and have been well researched. Many clinical trials have confirmed traditional uses of herbs - herbal medicine is therefore an evidence-based therapy.

Herbal preparations used by today's herbalists take the form of tinctures, easy-to-brew teas, capsules and tablets made from powdered herbs, creams, ointments and syrups. They are convenient to take and not expensive.

What Happens at a Consultation?

Your first consultation will last at least an hour, during which time the medical herbalist will take a full case history, discuss your past medical history, medications, diet, lifestyle and family medical history. The herbalist may take your blood pressure, ask for urine samples and may make other examinations, such as listening to the heart or palpating your abdomen. The herbalists may also refer you for further tests, for instance blood tests.

At the end of the consultation your treatment plan will be discussed, which will involve taking herbal medicine in a suitable form and may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes. Your prescription will be made up of a number of different herbs, chosen individually for your needs.

A follow up visit will be arranged for two to three weeks later, when your progress will be assessed and your prescription adjusted as your condition improves. You should expect between three and five consultations with your herbalist, although often the progress can be much faster.

Safety

Many people do not realise that it is not always safe to self-medicate with herbal medicines, especially when taking medication prescribed by a doctor. There is really no substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified medical herbalist who can use herbs to tremendous benefit without side effects and can advise you on combining herbs and orthodox treatment in a safe manner. All members of NIMH and CPP are bound by a strict Code of Practice and are covered by Professional and Public Liability Insurance

Prices correct at time of publishing May 2006

Herbal Medicine Gloucestershire Clinic - Gloucestershire Herbal Medicine Clinic