Herbal treatment involves a consultation, physical examination if appropriate and dispensing of medicine.
A first consultation usually lasts approx. 1½ hours and involves taking a detailed case-history. Information on the current problem, previous medical history, diet, lifestyle, etc. is asked for. Physical
examinations are carried out if necessary, e.g. pulse, blood pressure, listening to lungs or heart, examination of throat, ears etc. A treatment plan is developed which deals with diet and lifestyle and herbs are prescribed and dispensed from the clinic.
Herbal preparations typically might include 4-6 herbs taken in the form of teas, tinctures (water/alcohol extract) or capsules/tablets.
Treatment is always tailored to the individual. Depending on the problem being treated, it is usually
necessary to have follow-up treatments where progress is discussed and the prescription altered to suit the patient’s changing needs. Follow-up appointments usually take place every 2-3 weeks depending on the condition being treated and last approx. ½ hour.
Herbal medicine can be used to treat almost any condition – either as a primary treatment or in support of another form of medicine Illnesses which are often treated by herbal practitioners include
- respiratory disorders (colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, etc.)
- digestive disorders (chronic indigestion, appetite disorders, IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, gallstones, constipation, etc.)
- circulatory disorders (varicose veins, poor circulation, high blood pressure, etc.)
- musculo-skeletal disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.)
- nervous disorders (stress, depression, insomnia, migraine, etc.)
- skin problems, (eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.)
- urinary problems (urinary tract infections, cystitis, etc.)
- menstrual disorders (period pain, irregular periods, PMT, etc.)