What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is the holistic use of medicinal plants to treat and prevent disease. Attention is also given to nutrition and lifestyle.

Herbal medicine seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than treat symptoms alone. It not only encourages the body's own self-healing process but can also directly enhance the function of particular organs or systems in the body such as the liver or the immune system.

Being the oldest form of medicine and still used today by most of the world's population, herbalism combines traditional and latest research-based knowledge to the patient's advantage. Treatment is thus safe and effective, as the qualified and experienced herbalist can safely treat patients who are also taking conventional medicine

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine uses a deep understanding of the elements in nature to treat the human body by harmonising and strengthening weak areas, increasing the body's own vital energy or Qi and removing toxins or blockages which impair health and cause symptoms. The root cause of disease is sought and treated.

The pulse and the tongue are important tools in aiding diagnosis. Chinese herbal remedies are excellent tonics in weak, depleted states such as in convalescence from serious illnesses, childbirth, during the menopausal phase or in chronic stress and overwork. They also work well in emotional states such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. Chinese herbal remedies are versatile and can be used in many forms: herb teas, pills, powders, tinctures or creams.

Treatment - what can I expect?

Very often improvement is seen by the second visit though it may be partial or slight.  Prognosis varies and depends on the condition, how long the patient has had it for and how it has been managed up to then.

Generally speaking by the 3rd month of treatment most patients should see considerable improvement in their condition if they have taken the herbal medicines prescribed and have followed any dietary or lifestyle advice.

The rule of thumb is ' a condition may take a month for every year of duration plus 1-2 extra for good measure' ie: a 10-year condition may take a year to clear (10 months +2).   However as we humans are very complex and will invariably present with more than one condition, it's expected that some conditions will clear more easily and quicky while the rest may take longer.

Digestive and skin conditions usually respond very quickly while others such as hormonal or immunological may take longer for changes to be monitored.

Follow up visits will again depend on the severity of the condition and will vary from 2-3 weeks initially until a positive response is obtained and after that they usually take place every 4-6 weeks depending on progress. The patient is given enough herbal medicine to last until the next visit and, if necessary, extra will be left for collection or posted if visit time is extended.

What can be treated?

Herbal Medicine can successfully treat a wide range of conditions. Amongst the most commonly treated areas are:

•   Promoting energy and enhancing well being
•   Immune system deficiencies wich can lead to recurrent infections, allergies and some                         auto-immune conditions
•   Digestive problems, elimination and absorption difficulties
•   Hormonal inbalances and fertlity difficulties in men and women as well as problems during                  pregnancy or the menopause
•   Respiratory and catarrhal conditions
•   Circulatory problems and blood pressure
•   Emotional and stress related conditions
•   Joint problems, arthritic conditions
•   Skin conditions in children, adolescents and adults
•   Hair loss/growth problems
•   Babies and children's problems ranging from recurrent infections, catarrhal states, breathing              difficulties, skin conditions, allergies and poor digestion

Prices

My initial consultation takes 75mins and costs £60.Follow up visits last 45min and cost £50.
I do offer reduced fees to those who are unemployed or on very low incomes by arrangement.

Price for herbal medicines vary according to quantity and dosage prescribed but roughly cost £4-6/100mls which last usually a week. Creams cost £2-3/30g, £4-6/60g. When Chinese herbs are prescribed these cost £3-4/2-3 weeks' supply of pills, £14-18/month's supply of concentrated powder and dried herbs for decoction around £7-10/week. Western and Chinese herbs may be prescribed at the same time in some cases as neccessary.

encourage the healing process. I run a Herbal Dermatology Clinic at Whipps Cross Hospital and have been involved in teaching, training and supervising students for many years. My areas of particular expertise and interest are skin, fertility and hormonal conditions.

I am a long-standing member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH) and a member of the Register of Herbal Medicine (MRCHM).

Contact

For appointments please call the Light Centre. If you have any questions please send me an email.

If you would like to find out more visit Beatriz’ personal website www.healingbyherbs.co.uk.

©  Light Practice Ltd. 2006  All rights reserved.

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