Have a look at the list at the bottom of the page which describes many conditions seen by herbalists. All consultations are strictly confidential. The first consultation for an adult usually lasts for one to one and a half hours with subsequent visits lasting 20-30 minutes. During this time a detailed medical history will be taken which will involve discussing any past and present medical conditions, details of any prescribed or over the counter medications, family history, diet and lifestyle factors, anxieties and concerns. Any appropriate examinations (such as taking blood pressure) may be performed to help judge the extent of the condition. This will be the end of the initial consultation.
Using the information you supplied in the consultation and any notes from the examination the herbalist will put together a herbal prescription for you, this may be in the form of a tincture, a tea, herbal tablets, a cream, oils or any other herbal preparation that the herbalist deems appropriate. Along with the medicine will be a prescription sheet outlining what herbs are in the medicine in the form of common and scientific name along with part of the plant used and also information describing each herbs purpose with regard to your condition. There may also be a note containing advice relating to diet and lifestyle that maybe useful to the patient. The herbalist will arrange a time for you to pick up or have your medicine posted out to you, usually within 1-2 days of the consultation. Here is a link to the charges.
Any follow up consultations usually takes place two to three weeks after the first and gives the herbalist the chance to find out how well the medicine is being tolerated and how the patient is progressing, at this point the herbalist may make slight changes to the medicine to optimize it for the patient. Herbs can sometimes work quickly, but in most cases the patient must be prepared to take the herbal medicine for a number of months to gain maximum benefit, timescales will be discussed at your initial consultation. Subsequent consultations may be held on a monthly basis, for long term chronic conditions 3-6 monthly gaps between consultations maybe appropriate.
Some common complaints seen by herbalists
Hormonal: Menstrual problems including PMS, menopausal symptoms, period pain
Skin conditions: Eczema, dermatitis, teenage spots, acne, candida, insect bites.
Digestive system: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, flatulence, indigestion, constipation.
Circulation: Circulation problems, hemorrhoids.
Respiratory: Coughs, cold, flu symptoms, catarrh, bronchitis, earache, sinus problems.
Muscles and bones: Rheumatism, bruising, inflammation, injury, sprain, cramp, muscle spasm
Nervous: Anxiety attack, stress, insomnia (Sleep problems), hyperactivity, mood swings, poor concentration, headache, migraine.
Allergies and Immunity: Hayfever, eczema, reduced immunity, recurrent infections, cold sore, candida.
Urinary tract: Cystitis. Enlarged prostate.
Many people want a quick fix for a medical condition that may have taken many years to develop, it is unreasonable to think that conditions like this can just disappear overnight with a “miracle” herbal cure, so be a patient patient.
To book an appointment with Medical herbalist John Earnshaw call 01423 712126 or e mail info@earnshawsherbaldispensary.co.uk