What is it?
Herbal Medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world, and it is still extensively practised today. Herbal Medicine is the use of plant remedies in the treatment of disease and is one of the most popular complementary therapies in the UK. You may know that many of the pharmaceutical drugs today are based on herbs; in Herbal Medicine we combine modern scientific research as well as traditional methods for optimum results.
Many Herbs have powerful medicinal properties, and are known as botanical medicine or Phytotherapy. People have used herbs as a medicine to assist the healing process during illness. Herbal Medicine also helps in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Herbal Medicine can treat a wide variety of conditions, and is most frequently used for chronic conditions, set out below are some examples including:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Depression & stress related conditions
- Circulation problems
- Digestive problems
- Eczema & other skin problems
- Headache & migraine
- High blood pressure
- PMS & reproductive problems
- Respiratory conditions
Herbs can also work to stimulate the body's own healing power and restore the balance of health.
How does it work?
Medical Herbalists are trained in orthodox diagnostic skills; however we take a more holistic approach and treat the whole person. Prescriptions will be based on and tailor made to the patient’s needs. We may also advise on diet and lifestyle if necessary and we can treat people of any age.
The initial consultations will last approximately 50 minutes. During the consultation, a full case history and any necessary physical examination will be taken. Follow up appointments will last 30 minutes. Normally the follow up appointment will be 2 to 6 weeks after the initial consultation.
The number of consultations and their spacing, will depend on the nature of the condition and the patient's progress and duration of their illness. It is usually impossible to predict how long treatment will last in most cases, as individual responses can vary. The longer the patient has been unwell, the longer it is likely to take to restore better health. However, most people feel positive changes within the first weeks of treatment, followed by more gradual improvements in the following weeks or months.
The Herbal Medicine will be prepared after the consultation. They are individual and usually in the form of tinctures (alcohol based herbal extraction), herbal teas, creams or lotions.
If the patient is already taking medication or other treatment, we always take this into consideration. It is important for them to take professional advice and not to stop any treatment without guidance from their specialists (e.g. their GP).
Herbal remedies will be made up for the patient within 1 to 2 days and will be left at The Greenwich Natural Health Centre (GNHC) or posted, whichever is more convenient for the patient, I prepare and mix remedies in my Apothecary and all my remedies are free from animal products and, wherever possible, are organic.
Practitioners
Rieko Oshima-BarclayTel: 020 - 8691 5408