Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine is the use of plants to restore optimum health. It is the oldest recorded form of healthcare, and today continues to be used by an estimated 80% of the world's population for some aspect of primary healthcare (WHO). From centuries and millennia of using herbs as medicines and foods, there is much accumulated knowledge of their safety and actions. Herbalists utilize this traditional knowledge and combine it with modern research to devise treatment plans that promote optimal health. A herbalist will ask questions about your overall health - physical and emotional, diet and lifestyle, and use assessment techniques such as tongue diagnosis, or clinical examination techniques, to help them understand what is causing your illness.
What kind of conditions can Herbal Medicine treat?
Herbal Medicine has something to offer most people. Common complaints that may be aided by Herbal Medicine include:
Digestive Disturbance - IBS, colitis, food intolerance, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease.
Female Complaints - menopausal symptoms, PMS, heavy periods, endometriosis, amenorrhoea, infertility, PCOS.
Male Complaints - prostatitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, infertility.
Mood-related Complaints - panic attacks, anxiety, depression, mood swings.
Skin Complaints - eczema, psoriasis, dryness, itching.
Children's Complaints - frequent infections, bed wetting, anxiety, low mood, teething, colic.
Common Ailments - headaches, colds, flu, recovery from illness, arthritis, MS, ME, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes.
What can I expect at a consultation?
The initial consultation lasts 1 hour. The Herbalist will take a detailed history of your health, including diet and lifestyle, and will then offer advice about adjustments that may aid your condition. An individually designed herbal prescription is formulated for you and prescribed in the form of a tincture (alcohol-based medicine) or a tea (dried herbs), and preparations such as cream as required.
How often will I need follow-up consultations?
This is very individual, depending upon you and your condition. Generally, repeat consultations will initially be required every 2-4 weeks, decreasing in frequency as your condition improves. Repeat visits are to follow your progression, allowing changes to your herbal prescription as appropriate.
Can I use Herbal Medicine if I am already taking prescribed medicine from my GP?
Absolutely. While herbs and drugs can interact, your qualified Herbalist will take your medications into account when devising your prescription. It is important to bring an accurate list of your medications to your initial consultation.
How much does it cost?
The initial visit (1 hour) costs £35, and repeat visits (30 minutes) are £20. Prescriptions are an average of £6 per week for tinctures or £2.50 for teas. Costs vary for other preparations. Concessions are available for those in receipt of benefits and those with low incomes.
Qualifications and Training
Emma Roe is qualified to BSc level as a Medical Herbalist, and is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. She gained diplomas from ITEC in Holistic Massage and Aromatherapy, from Well Mother in Pregnancy Massage, Neal's Yard Remedies in Holistic Facials, and from other organisations in Hot Stone, Indian Head and Colon Massage.
As a practitioner well trained in the holistic approach to natural health, Emma works with her clients to resolve the root causes of their complaints, rather than simply treating symptoms. As no two people are alike, no two treatments are alike, and each treatment with Emma is carefully tailored to meet the individual's specific needs. She chooses to use organic herbs, oils, and skin care products wherever possible.
In addition to clinical work, Emma runs courses in Herbal Medicine Making, works with community organisations to promote the use of wild herbs and to develop community growing spaces, and teaches for Inspire Massage Workshops in Edinburgh.
For more information or to contact Emma visit www.HerbalMedicineandMassage.co.uk