Medical herbalism looks beyond symptoms to explore underlying causes, understand the wider factors contributing to ill health and establish clear treatment priorities.
Medical herbalism uses medicinal plants to support health, combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific research.
Medical herbalists are trained to assess and treat a wide range of acute, chronic and complex health conditions, and tailor herbal prescriptions to each individual.
Treatment is carefully planned to work safely alongside conventional medicine, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Medical herbalists may also liaise with GPs, consultants and other healthcare professionals, and recommend further medical assessment, investigation or referral when indicated.
HERBAL MEDICINE
YOUR CONSULTATION
Before Your Consultation
Before your initial consultation, you will receive a Patient Registration Form and a Consent Form. Please complete and return these at least five days before your appointment so I can review your medical history, medications, supplements and any potential herb–drug interactions.
It is also helpful to have any recent blood test results or medical reports available for your consultation.
Your Consultation
I offer both face-to-face and online consultations.
Initial consultations usually last 60–90 minutes and include a detailed assessment of your health concerns, medical history, existing diagnoses, medications and supplements, as well as your diet, sleep, stress levels and lifestyle.
Where clinically indicated, I may carry out a physical examination and review relevant blood tests or other medical information.
My aim is to work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan that reflects your individual needs and health priorities.
Follow-up Care
Follow-up consultations are an opportunity to review your progress, discuss any changes in your health or medications, and adjust your herbal prescription or treatment plan.
The frequency and duration of follow-up appointments depend on your individual circumstances, the nature of your condition and your response to treatment.
As your health improves, your prescription can be adjusted or gradually reduced, with the aim of stopping treatment when it is no longer needed.
Your Herbal Prescription
Herbal prescriptions are individually formulated, with medicinal plants selected according to your symptoms, overall clinical presentation and treatment priorities, rather than diagnosis alone. Potential contraindications and herb–drug interactions are carefully assessed before prescribing. I use liquid herbal extracts, glycerites, bespoke herbal teas, powders, capsules and topical preparations, and may also offer nutritional and lifestyle recommendations where appropriate. With your consent, I can communicate with your GP, consultant or other healthcare professionals where this would be helpful. Herbal prescribing during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires particular care, as some medicinal plants may be unsuitable, so please let me know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Areas of Practice
I work with a broad range of health issues. Examples include:
Digestive & Gastrointestinal Health
Reflux, indigestion, bloating, IBS, IBD and other digestive disorders
Women’s Hormonal & Reproductive Health
Menopause, perimenopause, PMS, painful or irregular periods and other hormonal or reproductive concerns such as PMOS
Stress, Sleep & Nervous System Health
Stress, anxiety, low mood, sleep disturbances, fatigue and nervous system complaints such as headaches and migraines
Immune & Autoimmune Conditions
Allergies, recurrent infections, autoimmune conditions and complex chronic presentations
Musculoskeletal Health & Chronic Pain
Osteoarthritis, inflammatory joint conditions, fibromyalgia, neuralgia and persistent musculoskeletal pain
Skin Health
Eczema, psoriasis, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions
Respiratory Health
Asthma, hay fever, sinusitis and recurrent respiratory complaints
Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Circulatory concerns, blood pressure, cholesterol and metabolic health
Urinary & Prostate Health
Recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder concerns and prostate health
Cancer Care
Herbal support alongside conventional cancer treatment, with particular attention to treatment-related risks, contraindications and potential herb–drug interactions.
About Me
My interest in health and medicinal plants developed through my own experience of living with a chronic health condition. This highlighted the importance of looking beyond individual symptoms and considering health in a broader, more individualised way.
I have a background in psychology, research and medical publishing, and hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology.
These experiences ultimately led me to train as a medical herbalist, bringing together my interests in the medical sciences, medicinal plants and a holistic approach to healthcare.
Professional Training and Qualifications
I graduated with a degree-level 6 Diploma in Herbal Medicine (DipHM) with Distinction, following six years of professional training through Heartwood Education. The course is accredited by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), the UK’s oldest professional body for medical herbalists, established in 1864. Full membership requires a recognised degree-level qualification in herbal medicine that meets the Institute’s professional and ethical standards.
My training combined the medical sciences with clinical assessment, diagnostic skills, physical examination and the study and clinical use of medicinal plants. Areas of study included anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and clinical herbal medicine. As an integral part of the course, I also completed more than 500 hours of supervised clinical practice working directly with patients.
Awards
Dorothy Carroll Award
Jointly awarded for achieving the highest mark in the final clinical examination.
Phyto Products Award for Pharmacology
Recognising excellence in pharmacology and herbal safety.
Professional Standards
I am a full member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) and practise in accordance with its professional and ethical standards, with a commitment to continuing professional development.