Herbal Medicine
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| Echinacea Picture by J. Didymus |
Herbal medicine is the use of plant remedies in the treatment and prevention of disease. It is the oldest and most widely used form of medicine in the world today. Plants contain many different natural medicines. These work together to gently, but effectively, help restore you back to health, without the side-effects of drugs.
Consultations
The first consultation is 11/2 hours. A full medical history is taken and any relevant physical examination carried out. We then discuss the treatment options.
Medicine
Usually a combination of herbs will be prescribed and dietary and lifestyle advice offered. Nutritional supplements and breathing excercises may also be recommended. The medicine is usually in the form of a tincture (an extract of plant material in alcohol and water), which is taken 2-3 times daily. Herbal teas, pills and skin creams may also be used.
Follow-up Appointments
A follow-up appointment is usually booked 2-4 weeks later. The length of treatment needed will depend on the nature of your illness and your general health.
* Children’s appointments are shorter and the medicine prescribed is often tasty and alcohol free.
Remedies
To get a feel of how herbal medicines work I have included a few remedy 'pictures' . In practice about 5 herbs will be combined to treat the whole person.
Calendula
Echinacea