What is herbalism?
Since this is the most common question we get asked, we've written a whole section on it! Please click About to read it.
Do you have a phone number?
To make an appointment or to check the date/time of a booked appointment, you can call the Regent Salon on 01293 774366. Please note that I probably won't be available in person when you call, so the person you speak to may not be able to answer specific questions. Therefore if you have any queries about our services please get in touch via this website or our Facebook page. When you book an appointment via Facebook, I will give you my mobile number so that you can text me if you're running late. In the meantime, please use our email address or the contact form on this website.
Can I bring my child in for an appointment?
I do not recommend natural remedies for infants, but I will happily see children aged 2+. Natural remedies may be particularly suitable for children as they are considered to be gentle on the system. I can also mix herbal remedies in syrup form for children, to make them easier to administer.
Can I get herbal remedies for someone else?
Unfortunately, UK law prohibits the sale of herbal remedies except in the context of a face-to-face consultation. Therefore, I can only supply herbal remedies to you in person. However, if you know someone who would like a herbal remedies consultation but is housebound, please contact me as we may be able to arrange a home visit.
How much do your services cost?
The initial consultation fee is just £20. For more information, please see our Services page.
Can I see a herbalist if I'm on medication?
Yes, but please ensure that you know exactly what medication you're taking, as you will need to tell the herbalist so that they can ensure they don't suggest any herbs that may not work alongside it. If it's easier, bring your medication with you to show to the herbalist. If you have a serious condition that is undergoing treatment, you should also check with your doctor first whether there is any reason you shouldn't use natural remedies.
Are natural remedies safe?
Natural remedies are considered very safe because they are gentle and organic. Our bodies generally digest plant matter very well, and most people do not suffer significant side-effects from natural remedies. However, it is important to remember that most herbal remedies have not been subjected to clinical trials, so you must decide for yourself whether or not you wish to take them. It is possible to suffer allergies to anything, including certain plants.
A trained herbalist will talk you through any possible side-effects and take into account any known allergies, as well as any relevant herb-drug interactions.
A trained herbalist will talk you through any possible side-effects and take into account any known allergies, as well as any relevant herb-drug interactions.
Do natural remedies work?
Natural remedies are based on thousands of years of anecdotal evidence. Most claims for herbal remedies have not been subjected to clinical trials, however, so you must decide for yourself whether they are worth pursuing. Clinical trails have established the effectiveness of some herbal remedies, such as St John's Wort for depression. Regardless of scientific backing, many people feel that natural remedies are worth trying because they are gentle on the system and have minimal side-effects. To read some testimonials from clients we have helped, please click here.
Can I see a herbalist if I'm pregnant?
Generally, we don't recommend consultations to women in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy because there are not many remedies that I can suggest using. Therefore, I don't want to waste people's time! However, after the first trimester there are a number of herbs which are considered safe to use in pregnancy, so please get in touch if you think a consultation might benefit you. I can recommend remedies for problems such as morning sickness, bloating and anxiety, as well as preparations to assist a smooth delivery.
Why would I see a herbalist rather than just buying herbal remedies myself?
Herbal remedies and herbs in their raw state are very easy to obtain. However, the knowledge of how to use them properly takes a long time to acquire! Many herbs can be dangerous if used incorrectly, and many herbs can also interact with medicines or even supplements such as vitamin tablets, causing unpleasant side effects. A trained medical herbalist will be able to select the most appropriate remedies for you and ensure that they are used safely.
Are you fully qualified?
Yes! In the UK, qualifications are not currently needed to practice herbal medicine. This harks back to the days of the village wisewoman, when knowledge was built up by practical study and learning from one's parents, whilst doctors studied at universities. However, as well as years of practical experience with herbs, I have several formal qualifications in the area, including a Level 4 Diploma in Herbal Medicine. I am also a qualified Aromatherapist, and a member of the CMA (Complementary Medical Association). For a full list of my qualifications, please see About.
How does seeing a herbalist differ from seeing a doctor?
We're glad you asked that! Doctors work within a conventional medical framework. The general principle of this framework is strongly scientific; that is to say, symptoms are analysed, fitted into categories and a particular condition is named. Drugs are then prescribed to treat the symptoms, according to what illness has been diagnosed.
This framework has obvious advantages, especially when treating serious illnesses. However, it also has some weak points. Generally, we only visit a doctor when we're ill, and they simply don't have time to run a complete 'diagnostic' on us. Also, drugs sometimes just suppress symptoms, without actually curing the root cause of the illness.
This is where a herbalist comes in. A herbalist will give you a thorough consultation (our initial consultation lasts for an hour), where we will go through many aspects of your lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, sleep patterns, causes of stress etc. Along with observation and simple tests (like checking a client's pulse), this allows us to build up a more complete picture of a person's wellbeing. We don't claim to diagnose any specific illness (you'll need to consult a medical doctor for that), but we aim to make suggestions for how you can increase your general wellbeing, either by making small changes to your diet or lifestyle, or by taking herbal supplements. If you have a complex condition, we may suggest that you return for further consultations over the course of several months to a year, so that we can try different remedies to find exactly the right combination that works for you. Unlike a doctor, we don't use pre-made, 'one size fits all' remedies, but instead we mix personal blends for each individual.
However, please remember that if you have serious concerns about your health you MUST seek professional medical advice as a first port of call. Herbs help the body to heal itself and can provide a gentle, long-term solution for many people, but they are not suitable for treating serious illness or in acute cases where quick treatment is necessary.
This framework has obvious advantages, especially when treating serious illnesses. However, it also has some weak points. Generally, we only visit a doctor when we're ill, and they simply don't have time to run a complete 'diagnostic' on us. Also, drugs sometimes just suppress symptoms, without actually curing the root cause of the illness.
This is where a herbalist comes in. A herbalist will give you a thorough consultation (our initial consultation lasts for an hour), where we will go through many aspects of your lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, sleep patterns, causes of stress etc. Along with observation and simple tests (like checking a client's pulse), this allows us to build up a more complete picture of a person's wellbeing. We don't claim to diagnose any specific illness (you'll need to consult a medical doctor for that), but we aim to make suggestions for how you can increase your general wellbeing, either by making small changes to your diet or lifestyle, or by taking herbal supplements. If you have a complex condition, we may suggest that you return for further consultations over the course of several months to a year, so that we can try different remedies to find exactly the right combination that works for you. Unlike a doctor, we don't use pre-made, 'one size fits all' remedies, but instead we mix personal blends for each individual.
However, please remember that if you have serious concerns about your health you MUST seek professional medical advice as a first port of call. Herbs help the body to heal itself and can provide a gentle, long-term solution for many people, but they are not suitable for treating serious illness or in acute cases where quick treatment is necessary.
Can I visit you for regular health checks?
Of course! Many people find they benefit from a regular 'service', just like a car. You're welcome to make yearly or six-monthly appointments, where we can run through your general wellbeing and see if your lifestyle is still well suited to providing optimal health. However, please remember that if you have any specific health concerns, you must visit your GP.
Can I order more herbs over the phone?
Unfortunately we can only supply herbs in person following a face-to-face consultation. This is because the law surrounding the supply of herbal remedies in the UK dates from the days before phones were invented! Once you have been in for an initial consultation, you will be able to use our follow-up appointment service for future visits. However, we cannot supply herbs or advice on specific remedies except in person.
Will my information be kept confidential? What is your Data Protection policy?
All client information is kept in strictest confidence. We will keep all your personal information in locked storage facilities, or encrypted files if stored digitally. Contact details are stored separately from any information you give us about medical conditions, and none of your information will be shared with any third parties unless you ask us to do so (to help another therapist understand your condition, for example). You can request for the data we hold about you to be deleted at any time, although please note that if you then decide to return for another appointment you will need to book another initial consultation (not a Follow-up Consultation).