What is Herbalism?
Medical herbalists are complementary healthcare providers who work with anyone who wants to improve their health. We think holistically, working with you to incorporate timeless tools like food, sleep, social relationships and movement into your life, alongside herbal extracts including tinctures, syrups, teas, capsules and topical applications. Whether or not you have already been diagnosed, you are welcome to come for a consultation. We will always refer to the appropriate place if our services need to be complemented.
Often, the people we see have already tried – or are still undergoing – other treatments, including pharmaceuticals. We’re able to work safely alongside whichever other strategies you choose. It’s fundamental to us that you understand the health decisions you make, so we’ll make sure you understand why we give the advice and the herbs that we do. Ultimately, our goal is that you are better able to care for the health of yourself and those around you because you better understand your body and yourself.
Whether you’re living with a chronic condition that you’d like to manage more actively, want tools to get over that cold quicker, or would like to improve your overall health, we’re here to support you.
What can I expect when I see a Medical Herbalist?
The initial consultation will last between 60 and 90 minutes. We’ll take a full health history, find out what your priorities are, and discuss a strategy that makes sense to us both. You’ll leave with a full understanding of what happens next, which often includes a herbal remedy. Everything we discuss is confidential, just as it is when you visit your GP. We will request your permission to measure your blood pressure, pulse etc., along with conducting any physical examination that will help us understand your symptoms.
It’s incredibly useful to us if you bring the names and dosage information of any pharmaceutical drugs you are taking, any supplements, recent blood test information and doctors’ letters, if applicable.
Follow-up consultations tend to be shorter than the initial appointment, lasting 30-60 minutes, and tend to take place 2-4 weeks after the first, depending on the situation. We’ll discuss your progress, explore other aspects of your condition and answer any questions you have. We prefer to meet for at least one follow-up consultation, and thereafter it depends on the situation. For some people this means regular appointments for many months, for others it means getting back in touch periodically in case of flares or new symptoms. We are always here as a resource for you.
About Sophia
We welcome Sophia to our team. She has recently graduated and is keen to get started!
Sophia’s first experience of the effectiveness of herbal extracts was in her early teens when a close family member avoided the worsening of an MRSA infection, following an operation. Since then, she studied to become a medical herbalist and apprenticed at Elder Farm, a medicinal herb farm, where she grew, harvested and made the medicines used by the Betonica Community Clinic in Somerset. She is passionate about supporting people to bring wholeness to their lives through activities, like spending time in good company, exercising, gardening, eating well and sleeping well, in addition to using herbal medicines. Sophia has worked as a foraging instructor, and loves facilitating relationships between people and the natural world. She is working towards a degree in biology to deeper her capacity to research and communicate the complexity of the natural world and the interconnected nature of health for humans and planet. Sophia is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the oldest professional body for herbalists in the UK, and is fully insured.
INTRODUCTORY OFFER – Half price initial consultations for you and one friend/family member!
Offer ends 31st May 2022
Normal Fees:
Initial Consultation: £50 – 60-90 minutes
Follow-up Sessions: £35 – 30-45 minutes
Medicine Costs Vary: £7-10 per week (Liquid medicines)
£7-14 (Topical medicines)
How to Book:
Contact the clinic: 01460 62103 / info@orchardosteopaths.co.uk
Contact Sophia: 07428633749 / sophia@wild-duck.org