FAQs

Herbalism (also known as Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy) is the practice of studying and using plants and plant extracts for their medicinal and therapeutic properties, as well as their nutritional properties. Herbalism has not only thousands of years worth of anecdotal evidence of its efficacy (keeping the human race going all this time!) but now, thousands of scientific studies proving its efficacy. In the Master Herbalist tradition, of which I studied and practice, herbalists assess each individual case and use combinations of herbs specific to the person being treated, as opposed to “a pill for an ill” style of treatment, where the illness is treated and the individual is not necessarily taken into account. Master Herbalists formulate these herbal combinations to not only ease the symptoms being experienced, but also to address underlying causes specific to the patient to bring the whole body back into balance, and thus to a place where the patient can achieve healing. These combinations may take the form of tinctures (liquid extracts), powders, infusions (teas), and topical applications such as ointments, oils, and poultices. 

 

Does Herbal Medicine have side effects?

 

A Master Herbalist prepares herbal mixtures in such a balanced and gentle way that the likelihood of a side effect is extremely rare. As with anything, treatment should be implemented gradually, allowing the body to get used to any new changes. The majority of herbs have zero negative side effects, and those that do, only have them if taken in huge doses, which in our tradition would never happen. In the unlikely event that a patient has an allergy to a plant that they were unaware of before, they may experience a reaction such as a rash or headache, however, I have yet to see this in my practice. 

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What conditions can Herbal Medicine treat?

 

There are few conditions that Herbal Medicine cannot, at the very least, help alleviate, such as, anxiety, low mood, AD(H)D, allergies, IBS, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, hiatus hernia, acid reflux, diverticulitis, PMS, painful periods, menopause, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, fertility issues, chronic UTIs, BPH, erectile disfunction, low libido, arthritis, osteoporosis, gout, auto-immune conditions, recurrent infections (viral, bacterial, fungal), parasites, worms, acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin ulcers, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke recovery, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, blood sugar imbalance, insulin resistance, fatigue, addiction recovery support, insomnia, fatty liver, and many more.

 

Please note, I do not currently provide herbal medicine for cancer patients. 

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Does Herbal Medicine interfere with medications or medical treatments?

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If you are on pharmaceutical medication, all care is taken to ensure the herbs prescribed do not interfere with them. There are a small amount of pharmaceutical medications that cannot be taken with herbs. If you are on these types of medication, you can still benefit from treatment through diet, lifestyle changes and other natural therapeutics. 

Please bring a list of your medication with you to your first consultation with details of dosage and how long you have been on them. If you are taking supplements (vitamins, minerals, etc.), please also bring a list of these with details of brand, dosage and how long you have been taking them.