What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicine, in fact the World Health Organisation estimates 85% of the World’s population is still dependant on the healing properties of plants for health and treating disease.
Herbalists treats each person as a unique individual and prescribes herbal medicines to obtain or regain optimum health. The condition treated may be of a short or long term nature.
Medical Herbalists are trained in similar diagnostics and clinical skills to orthodox doctors but they treat in a holistic way by seeking and identifying the underlying cause of the problem, not just the symptoms of the disease.
What can be treated with Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine can be successful in treating numerous health problems. For example:
Arthritis, skin complaints, digestive disorders, bowel problems, migraine, insomnia, depression, anxiety, fatigue, hay fever, sinusitis, catarrh, menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, asthma, bronchitis, cystitis and much more….
Taken as a tonic it can also keep us well and may help prevent illness.
What happens in a consultation?
The first consultation lasts about one hour, during which time a detailed history of the patient is taken to include the present illness or condition, past medical history, medication, diet and any other relevant factors. From this information a picture is compiled of how the person functions as a whole, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the various systems of the body.
If necessary physical examinations including pulse taking, blood pressure, etc. will be carried out as required. The action of the prescribed medication and outcome will be discussed with you at the outset. The required herbal medicine will be prepared from the in house dispensary and instructions given on how best to take the medication. Advice about diet and lifestyle may be included if required.
An appointment will then be made for a follow-up visit usually after about two weeks, depending on the nature of the complaint. Subsequent visits depend on the illness concerned and will be regularly discussed with you. A qualified Medical Herbalist is trained to refer patients when appropriate and will be available to answer any queries that may arise during the treatment.
The main aim is to complement orthodox medicine by using natural treatments that negate many of the uncomfortable side effects associated with pharmaceuticals, and help the body to heal itself.
Consultations are by appointment and there is a well stocked on-site pharmacy which enables patients to observe their medicine being prepared.
Janice was one of the first people to graduate with a degree in Medical Herbalism. At Middlesex University Janice was taught by some of the country’s leading authorities in the subject. She subsequently completed a four year post graduate degree course in Acupuncture at York and feels both disciplines complement each other extremely effectively.
During Janice’s ten years in practice she has been responsible for writing the BSc course in Herbal Medicine for Lincoln University and was a member of the accreditation board at both Lincoln and Leeds Universities. She was subsequently offered the position of external examiner for the course.
More recently Janice is undertaking a three year Master of Medical Qi Gong course.
Medical Herbalism
