Herbal Medicine is a natural healing tradition that uses plants to improve health and wellbeing. It can be used as a stand-alone therapy or alongside conventional medicine. The range of symptoms and conditions herbs can be used to treat is vast. With innate intelligence that connects to our body, herbs work deeply; anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, they can heal tissue, regulate the immune system, and bring our nervous systems back into balance by healing nerves and regulating our stress response.
Read about my training and background, or scroll down to find out more about my personalised approach to putting together a healthcare plan through a consultation process, my prices and specialisms.
How I Work
I am from the longstanding tradition of consulting Medical Herbalists. Doing a consultation helps me to understand your health needs and goals. I can also perform physical examinations to ascertain a clearer picture. I undertake a complete medical history, background, lifestyle and current challenges.
I can then select the correct herbal treatment to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Whenever I feel a referral to a doctor or further testing is required I will recommend that to you.
If you want to talk to me to see what I’m like, you can book a free 10-minute telephone chat to help you decide if you want to work with me or herbal medicine is right for you.
If you decide to go ahead, I will book you in for:
An initial consultation (1hr 30)
An initial course of treatment (usually 1 month)
A consultation report with advice and treatment plan
If you decide to continue with treatment, we’ll book you in for:
A follow up consultation (45 mins)
Optional ongoing treatment with follow-up consultations
If you can make it to my clinic for your first consultation that’s preferable, as it’s good for me to meet you in the flesh, however I understand that is not possible for lots of people. I have been working via zoom for many years now and think that it works well too.
If you come for a face-to-face consultation, I’ll dispense your herbs after the consultation. If you are via zoom, I will post your prescription to you following a consultation . Repeat prescriptions are available up to a maximum of three months, without having a follow-up consultation.
How long does it take?
This is a difficult question to answer as everyone is different and my integrated approach means that I work with you according to your needs, capacity and desires for your health journey, tailoring your treatment plan to you.
However, as a general guidance, I say that 3 months gives herbal medicine a good amount of time to make a difference and then it’s up to you if you wish to continue consulting with me and using herbs to make health and lifestyle changes.
If you have an acute health issue may be that you just need one treatment, however, many people find they need to return for 2 or more sessions. Some of my patients have been receiving herbs for 20 years whenever they feel the need to have some support.
What I can treat
Specialisms and areas of expertise
Thanks to a rich but not always easy life, I’ve needed to learn about many illnesses the hard way. This has given me a deep knowledge of many of the following conditions:
Thyroid and immune system dysfunction
I have been studying the thyroid for 30 years since I was first diagnosed with an under-active thyroid. This gland is central to our wellbeing, energy levels and ability to function. Often under or mis-diagnosed at the GP, thyroid conditions can leave us with fatigue, brain fog and weight issues.
Herbs and dietary changes can help improve thyroid health and autoimmune dysregulation - which is the predominant cause of thyroid disorders. I can support you to interpret blood results and regain your vitality.
Cancer
I do not use herbs to treat cancer, but to support the person with cancer. Supporting people through treatments: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine and other drug protocols. At this time, it is essential to ensure the herbs prescribed are the right ones and can be taken alongside pharmaceutical medication. Herbs can be really helpful in mitigating side effects from medication and for the emotional support needed to navigate through this time.
Nervous system dysregulation, burn-out, insomnia
Herbs work wonderfully to help reset the nervous system after stress, overwork or trauma. Increasingly, I am working alongside therapists and counsellors while the client does to the inner work of unravelling and resetting, the herbs act as supportive agents.
Hormonal balance
I work with peri-menopause and menopause, menstrual dysregulation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, prostate health and many more condiitons. I also support people undergoing gender transition.
Many conditions, including nervous system dysregulation, adrenal fatigue and autoimmune disorders, are affected by hormonal imbalances. Herbal medicine, lifestyle and dietary changes can help.
If you wish to discuss your condition and the ways I could support you:
please book a free 10-min phone call
How much it costs
I use an income based sliding scale, with the aim of making herbal medicine affordable for all.
This table shows the cost according to your income band - if you share your income with a partner, you would add both partner’s incomes together and divide it by two. When you book a consultation, you will be asked which income band you are in. If your income changes while we’re working together, you can let me know so I can amend how much you’re being charged. I do this on a trust basis and do not ask for proof of income. If you have any queries or concerns about pricing, get in touch.
Consultation prices
Band Income PA 1st consult Follow-up consult
A Less than £15k £35 £30
B £16k - £20k £40 £35
C £21k - £25k £45 £40
D £26k - £35k £55 £45
E £36k - £55k £65 £50
F £56k - £70k £80 £60
G £71k - £79k £95 £70
H £80k+ £120 £80
Student clinic discount
I run a training clinic for Medical Herbalists every Wednesday and Thursday for students enrolled on the 5-year National Institute of Medical Herbalists’ accredited courses at the Heartwood School of Herbal Medicine or Betonica School of Herbal Medicine, who have to undertake 500 hours in a clinic.
For patients willing to book in for a consultation during a student clinic day, I offer a reduction of 20% from the consultation fee (normal medicine charges apply), making it £15. A maximum of 3 students will be sitting in and quietly observing while I take the consultations. Patients benefit from extra time and a reduced cost, whilst for the students, the experience is invaluable.
If you’d like to book a consultation during a student clinic session, please select this option when you book.
Herb prices
Medicine costs are separate to the consultation fee. On average, it works out at £9 – £10 per week plus postage*.
Tinctures: £9 - £10 per 100ml (1 week’s worth) / 50ml dropper £6.50
Creams & Balms: £10 - £15 per 60g
Herbal tea: (made to your prescription) £8.50 per 100g
Supplements:
I believe that taking certain supplements can be really instrumental in achieving wellbeing. Because of this, I pass on my practitioner discount to my patients of 20% off quality supplements. After the consultation, I will email you my recommendations via The Natural Dispensary.