What is Medical Herbalism?

Herbal medicine was the first form of medicine and is still practiced widely today all around the world. It uses extracts from plant roots, leaves and flowers. These contain numerous chemical constituents which have therapeutic actions to treat the underlying causes of health conditions. Herbs may be given internally as medicine or tea or externally as cream, oil or ointment. Traditionally, different cultures have used plants that were native to their geographical area. We offer Western Herbal Medicine which uses herbs found mainly in the UK and Europe.

Why choose Medical Herbalism?

Herbal medicine is a patient centred approach backed up by scientific research. It empowers you to work with the herbalist to address the underlying causes of your health issues and then make changes to promote optimal wellness.

It can be effective when used alone or in combination with orthodox medicine and other therapies. It is suitable for all ages including children.

What happens during a treatment?

You'll be listened to as you explain what you would like help with, how you are feeling now and how you would like to feel.

You'll then be asked questions about your health (current & past), your family’s health history, your diet and lifestyle and any medication or treatment you are on. This will help with assessing your current health.

Your blood pressure and pulse will be taken.  If necessary a physical examination will be carried out with your permission. A specific herbal prescription will be made for you. This may be an internal medicine / tea or external cream /oil /ointment. You will be provided with recommendations on diet and lifestyle changes if relevant to help you enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.  Together with the herbalist, you will agree a plan of action.  You will be asked to book in for another appointment about two to four weeks later so the effectiveness of the herbs and their effect on you can be checked. Thereafter, the length of treatment will be unique to each individual and will be reviewed together.

What is it good for?

Herbal medicine can be used for any condition that you would see a doctor about or not. It is particularly beneficial for chronic conditions and supporting people through other orthodox treatments. In addition, it’s very effective for those conditions often dismissed by doctors such as bloating, irritable bowel, aches and pains, fatigue, period pain, menopausal issues and allergies / sensitivities to name a few.

What is the cost?

First consultation (approx 90 mins) £45
Follow up consultation 30 mins   £14
Follow up consultation 60 mins  £28
Discounts for children
Medicine per prescription item:  £3 - £8

Other Herbal Medicine Services provided by Julia Richards:

Julia offers occasional events and workshops

Examples of topics are:

• Herbs for common ailments
• Using food as medicine
• Your herbal first aid box
• Herbs for children
• Herbs for women
• Herbal tea tasting
• Managing stress
• Getting through exams and busy projects

Get wellbeing tips from:

Julia’s blog here and regular self-care articles on social media here: https://www.facebook.com/IlkleyComplementaryTherapies/

Links and Resources

The National Institute of Medical Herbalists

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patients in care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
Thomas Edison ( 1847 – 1931)