Traditional or Western herbal medicine, also known as phytotherapy, is one of the oldest forms of practised medicine in the world, used to nurture and restore the body. It is a gentle medicine that is suitable for adults, children and babies.
Herbalists work with fresh or dried medicinal plants which may be prescribed in the form of teas, tinctures, capsules and tablets or used topically in oils or creams. The herbal formulations are holistic, supporting the whole person and tailored to each individual.
NIMH
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) was founded in 1864 and is the oldest professional body of traditional herbal practitioners in Western herbal medicine. All members are trained in medical sciences and governed by a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Medical Herbalists
Medical herbalists are trained to take a detailed client case history, lasting up to one hour and will then discuss a personal plan including herbal medication, lifestyle and nutritional advice.
Frances Watkins studied at Middlesex University in the UK gaining a first class BSc (Hons) in Herbal Medicine and completed her doctorate at the University of East London (UEL) investigating antimicrobials from native British plants used in 10th century Anglo-Saxon wound healing formulations. Frances is a member of both the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) and the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP). Her herbal practice covers Watford, Bushey Heath, Kings Langley and surrounding areas of Hertfordshire in the UK. Particular interests are menopause and executive stress although patients seek herbal support for many different reasons.
Treatment
Medical herbalists help patients with a variety of conditions including:
Allergies
Increasingly, more people are experiencing allergic reactions to a variety of irritants including animal hair, dust mites, perfumes, metals and household cleaners. Traditional herbal medicine is effective in supporting these allergies and in asthma and hay fever, can reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Menstrual Problems and Menopause
Menopause can be a distressing time causing fatigue, irritability, insomnia, hot flushes, headaches and a sense of being unable to cope. Peri and post-menopausal women benefit from herbs which help to normalise hormone levels and reduce symptoms.
Muscular and Joint Pain
Certain muscular and joint pains, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, can be progressive. Herbal tinctures, lotions and creams actively help to relieve such pain and assist the body to eliminate harmful toxins.
Anxiety and Stress
Herbal medicine can help many of us with hectic schedules when feel low in energy. Frequently we experience poor sleep patterns, sometimes waking in the early hours of the morning. Over a period of time this can deplete the body’s natural defence mechanisms resulting in fatigue.
Coughs and Colds
Herbal tinctures and teas are very effective in relieving symptoms of coughs and cold. Reducing muscle tension in the chest area and thinning and expelling mucus, the herbal medication will soothe the airways and lungs and support the body by increasing its nature defence mechanisms.
Palpitations and Varicose Veins
Heart and circulatory conditions that benefit from herbal medicine include angina, elevated blood pressure, headaches, palpitations, varicose veins and piles.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Reinforced foods often include copious amounts of sugar e.g. breakfast cereals - check next time you shop. In the long term, a high consumption of sugar can have a damaging effect on the digestive system, which in turn, puts increasing demands on the liver, kidneys and pancreas.
Urinary Infections
Lowered immunity increases susceptibility to bacterial infections and autoimmune disorders i.e. interstitial cystitis. Stress incontinence, water retention, inflamed prostate gland and gout all respond well to herbal medication.
Eczema, Psoriasis and Acne
Chronic skin conditions respond to herbal medicines that will increase blood supply to the inflamed area and eliminate toxins. Herbal creams and lotions can also help to combat fungal infections.
Please Note
A medical herbalist would not treat acute conditions e.g. meningitis. If you are in any doubt about your health, consult your GP without delay.
Fees
Please allow one hour for your initial consultation which will include the taking of a full case history, blood pressure check and herbal prescription. Follow up appointments will normally be two weeks after your first visit and monthly thereafter, usually lasting half an hour. To book an appointment in Berkhamsted, Bushey Heath, Kings Langley, St. Albans or Watford, Herts call Frances on .
Initial consultation (1 hour) – £60.
Follow up appointment (½ hour) - £30
Concessions Initial consultation -£45
Follow up appointment - £25.00.
Children (under 16 years) Initial consultation - £30
Follow up appointment - £15.
Herbal tinctures - from £10 per week (100 mL)
Dried herbs - from £7 per 100 g
Contact
Frances Watkins BSc (Hons), PhD MNIMH MCPP
Medical Herbalist
Soothingminds
47 Garston Crescent
Watford
WD25 0LD
Phone:
Mobile:
Email:
Website: soothingminds.co.uk
© Soothingminds 2017