What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine, also known as botanical medicine or phytomedicine utilises the therapeutic properties contained within plant seeds, berries,
roots, rhizomes, bark, leaves and flowers for medicinal purposes. Selected plants are used to treat a variety of ailments and disease as well
as promote vitality, healing and balance within the body.
How does it work?
In western herbal medicine the belief is that the whole plant is more effective therapeutically rather than isolated constituents that are used in
synthetically made drugs. It is the different therapeutic constituents present in the plant used that creates the synergy that is believed to be the
key of western herbalism.
Who can benefit from it?
Western herbal medicine is suitable for all age groups from babies to the elderly. It can be used alone as a chosen treatment or integrated
with orthodox western medicine. When patients experience side effects from their orthodox medication, herbal medicine can help alleviate them.
It is important that if a person is receiving an orthodox medicine regime that the patient brings their medical and diagnostic test results to their
initial consultation so that the medicine herbalist can record the details.
The consultation.
The medical herbalist has a holistic and person-centred approach towards the patient. The herbalist will take a detailed case history of the patient taking
account of the presenting problem and its history, family history, drug history, and personal health history together with nutrition and lifestyle choices.
The herbalist will look at the cause of the problem as well as the symptoms presented. Blood pressure/pulse will be taken as well as height and
weight recorded. A physical examination may be conducted if necessary in order for the herbalist to complete their assessment. The duration of all
initial consultations is one hour and then half and hour for follow up consultations.
How are the herbs taken?
Depending on the case of the patient the herbalist may choose to prescribe herbal teas, tinctures, tablets and capsules as internal remedies as
well as creams and ointments for topical application. The medicine will be sent to the patient direct. The herbalist will tailor the prescription to the
individual patient and so the cost of the medicine will vary.
What conditions can herbal medicine treat?
- The circulatory system - high blood pressure, haemorrhoid, and poor circulation.
- The respiratory system - coughs, colds, asthma, catarrh, sinusitis, hay fever, bronchitis.
- The digestive system - constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, heartburn, ulcers, indigestion, poor appetite, crohns disease, and candida.
- The nervous system - stress, anxiety, low mood, headaches, migraine, insomnia and hyperactivity.
- The skin - eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections and warts.
- The muscular and skeletal system - rheumatism, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, gout, muscle and joint pain, and fibromyalgia.
- The urinary system - cystitis.
- The female reproductive system - menopausal syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome.
- The male system - low libido, benign prostate hypertrophy, and impotence.
- The immune system: lowered immunity, bacterial and viral infections.
- The glandular system: thyroid problems.
The medical herbalist
Medical herbalist Stephen David Masters graduated from the University of Westminster with a BSc (Hons) degree in Herbal Medicine.
Stephen is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), which is the leading professional body for the European herbalism in the
United Kingdom. All members must adhere to a code of practice and ethics. Membership includes professional insurance. Stephen is also a
personal trainer who qualified with the American College of Sports Medicine and able to advise clients on exercise, nutrition and supplementation.
Why should I choose to see Stephen David Masters?
The consultation conducted by Stephen will be a totally different experience from that of self medicating using over the counter herbal medicine preparations. People often find themselves confused when buying from their local health food store, via the internet or local supermarket and ask themselves questions like:
- Which herbal preparation should I take and why?
- What dosage should I take?
- Can I take this herbal product whilst taking medication issued by my doctor?
- Are there any side effects?
- Which herbal combinations will help the condition I am trying to treat?
Stephen provides excellent support for his patients when they are under his care. It is essential that the patient is able to contact their therapist regarding any questions or concerns they may have. Once patients are following Stephen's personalised holistic strategy all herbal medicine prescriptions and supplements are delivered to their door. This makes it extremely convenient for patients who may have many commitments. Stephen will also visit patients in their homes of they are unable to travel to the chosen clinic.
Clinic Locations:
Alternatives Complementary Therapy Centre
118 High Street
Northwood
Middlesex
HA6 1BJ
Tel: 01923 828 832 |
|
The Stanmore Park Medical Centre
William Drive
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 4FZ
Tel: 0208 951 3888 |
