About My Practice
How did you train in Herbal Medicine?
I trained for four years at Middlesex University. This included ‘hands-on’ clinical training with patients, as well as anatomy & physiology, clinical skills, herbal therapeutics, aromatic medicine, and herbal pharmacy.
What form of medicines do you use?
I mainly use tinctures, which is where the herb is cold infused in a mixture of alcohol and water. Alternatively I can use teas, capsules, creams, lotions, oils, or pessaries whatever is best for the patient.
What happens when I finish one of your treatment programmes?
You can choose to either stop treatment completely, or continue on a flexible month-by-month basis, where we review how much medicine and support you need until you can manage without my help.
Who would benefit from your home study programme?
The programme is written for anyone who’d like to learn more about how to get healthy, but could also be used in workplace wellbeing, or as lifestyle medicine training for GP’s.
How does your home study programme work?
There are eight modules altogether, and you can either buy and work through all eight for the price of seven, or just purchase the modules you’re particularly interested in. Click here to find out more.
About Herbal Medicine
How do you know which herbs to use?
I know which herbs to use from the answers the patient gives during their first in depth consultation. I also use Iridology where I examine the eyes to get extra insight into their constitution.
Can Herbal Medicine and Other Medicine Be Used Together?
Many of my patients take both forms of medicine and the herbs are safety checked beforehand. Herbs can sometimes reduce the need for mainstream medication over time and with close supervision.
Which herbal medicine is good for weight loss?
A healthy body will lose and maintain weight easily with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Herbal medicine can be used to address any health problems stopping weight loss.
Is herbal medicine available on the NHS?
The NHS withdrew most of its funding for herbal medicine in 2018, but there are a handful of clinics which still offer it, including the Dermatology clinic at Whipps Cross Hospital.
Where can I study herbal medicine?
There are a number of private colleges offering courses in the UK, and ‘Heartwood’ which offers online courses with hands-on clinical training. You can find out more here: https://nimh.org.uk/about-nimh/types-of-memberships/accredited-courses/
What herbal medicine is good for high blood pressure?
Lots of herbs can be used for high blood pressure, and it’s important to find the cause and choose the right one. Very high blood pressure needs medical treatment.
I can’t drink alcohol. Is there an alternative to herbal tinctures?
Yes, just let me know during your first appointment and we’ll discuss more suitable forms of medicine for you, however these can’t always be as versatile as tinctures.
Is Herbal Medicine government regulated?
No, it’s self regulated by a number of governing bodies, including the NIMH, which I belong to. Patient safety is assured by strict entry requirements, including approved training and ongoing CPD. Click here to find out more: https://nimh.org.uk/
I have lots of health problems. Can herbal medicine help me?
Yes, because I treat you as a person, not your individual health problems. There are probably 1-2 root causes behind all of your symptoms, so I treat those.
Herbal medicine for Migraine?
Herbs are excellent at treating migraines! One well known herb is Feverfew, but there are lots more which can help by balancing hormones and aiding digestion, both of which can affect migraines.
Herbal medicine for Endometriosis?
Herbal treatment can sometimes help rebalance hormones and reduce pain in endometriosis, although surgery might be needed in very bad cases. Please book a free call to discuss your specific case: https://physics-health.netlify.app/contact
What herbal medicine for skin allergies?
Allergies are always an internal problem, and herbal medicine needs to address the root cause which is usually poor digestion overloading the immune system. I provide both skin creams and internal medicine.
Herbal medicine and fertility?
Herbal medicine can be used to treat explained and unexplained infertility, and some Medical Herbalists specialise in helping couples to start a family. Please contact me to find out more.
What herbal medicines for infections?
Acute infections may need medical intervention and/or treatment by a Medical Herbalist. I use herbs which support the immune system, and treat the part(s) of the body affected.
Why are herbs better than medicine?
Herbs and medicine are equally effective when they’re used appropriately. Herbs gently nudge the body from chronic illness towards health, whereas drugs are more forceful and have more side effects.
Does herbal medicine have any side effects?
There is always the potential for herbs to have side effects but by choosing the right ones in the correct dose, the risk is minimised. Herbs are much safer than mainstream medicines.
Are herbal medicines effective?
Yes! Herbal medicines work really well for treating chronic health problems like menopause, IBS, Long Covid, and migraines. It’s important to start treatment as early as possible, and use the correct herbs.
How many herbs will be in my bottle?
I usually mix around 6-7 herbs into a prescription, and they can target several problem areas at once. Some patients do better on fewer herbs, or just one at a time. It is bespoke to the patient.
Herbal medicine for constipation
Constipation which is caused by overuse of laxatives needs different treatment to other causes. Herbal medicine alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise and other lifestyle measures can really help.
Herbal Medicine Vs Western Medicine?
Many mainstream medicines are derived from herbs, and the two can work well together when the herbs have been professionally prescribed. Either herbs or pharmaceuticals may be suitable depending on the situation.
Can herbal medicine treat cancer?
Legally, Herbalists are not allowed to claim to treat cancer. If you’re having mainstream treatments and would like support with side effects, please book a free call to explore your options.
Herbal Medicine for anxiety?
Mental and physical health go hand in hand, so it’s important to look at everything that’s going on, and treat all aspects. Anxiety is best treated by a Medical Herbalist.
How is herbal medicine made?
Most of my medicines are made by infusing fresh herbs in a mixture of alcohol and water to make a tincture. I blend around 6-7 tinctures together to create a personalised medicine.
Herbal medicine and pregnancy?
Some herbal medicines can be taken safely during pregnancy and others should be avoided. Unfortunately there’s a lot of misinformation out there, so book a free call for specific advice.
Which herbal medicine for acid reflux?
It’s important to know why the reflux is happening, and treat that. Herbs can be used to normalise stomach acid, and help keep it in the stomach alongside diet and lifestyle measures.
Will I have to take my herbal medicine forever?
Not usually. The idea is to stop when you no longer need it, as the body learns to stay well without medicine. Some people prefer to take a small daily dose indefinitely.
My Doctor says that herbal medicine isn’t worth trying. Is that true?
Some Doctors are naturally sceptical about herbal medicine without knowing much about it. I can tell discuss with you during a free call whether or not it herbal medicine would be suitable for you. Click here to book your call now.
Are herbal medicines safe?
Herbs have far fewer safety issues than mainstream medicines but care still needs to be taken when using them. They are safest when prescribed by a qualified Medical Herbalist.
Herbal medicine for PCOS?
Since PCOS is strongly linked to insulin resistance, any herbal treatment needs to be alongside a specific diet and regular exercise in order to get maximum benefit. Consider my 90 Day Rescue Programme.
What herbal medicine is used a diuretic?
There are lots of herbal diuretics, but one of the best known is Dandelion leaf. It is rich in potassium which often needs to be supplemented with mainstream diuretics.
Herbal medicine to calm nerves?
Nervines are a class of herbs used to calm nerves and soothe anxiety. Examples you might have heard of include Chamomile, Lavender, and Valerian, but there are many more!
What forms does your herbal medicine come in?
The majority of my medicines are tinctures, but I also stock some herbal teas, capsules, creams, oils, syrups, nasal sprays, pessaries, and lotions which are used as needed.
Which herbal medicine is good for sleep?
It depends on whether you mean getting to sleep, staying asleep, or both. Chamomile, Lavender and Limeflower are mild sedatives but book a free call if you need something stronger.
Herbal medicine to boost immune system?
Your immunity really depends on your overall health, so although herbs can improve immunity, you also need to look at factors like diet, stress, sleep and exercise. Check out my online learning.
What if I’m allergic to some herbal medicines?
I check for any allergies during your first appointment and take care not to prescribe anything you might have a reaction to. If a medicine doesn’t suit you, I will replace it.
Hypnotherapy FAQ’s
How does hypnotherapy work?
It works by distracting your conscious mind and allowing us to quickly replace any unhelpful blueprints in your subconscious mind with more helpful ones. It’s incredibly fast and powerful!
How does hypnotherapy work for menopause?
Hypnotherapy can help with the mental and emotional aspects by calming anxiety or anger, and helping you find the motivation to exercise, or eat more healthily so that your health improves faster.
How do I go into hypnosis?
The first time I ask you to tense and relax each part of your body in turn, and I give you some positive suggestions to help relax your mind too.
Is hypnosis scary?
No! Until the age of 7 you spent most of your life in hypnosis, and every time you daydream, get dressed, or do anything else automatically, you’re in a form of hypnosis.
What is hypnosis?
It’s a state of deep relaxation which enables us to work directly with the subconscious mind. It can be used to treat mental, emotional and physical problems quickly and effectively.
What does hypnosis feel like?
It’s very, very relaxing, but you’re completely in control of everything you say and do. You can hear and sense things much more clearly, and most people feel very energised afterwards.
Am I in control whilst I’m in hypnosis?
Yes. You have complete control over everything you say and do, and won’t be able to do anything you don’t want to.
How long do I stay in hypnosis for?
The maximum would be 40 minutes, but usually my clients are in hypnosis for around 30 minutes. We allow some talking time at the end too, as many people feel very relaxed when they come out.
Will I remember everything when I come out of hypnosis?
Yes, you’ll be able to remember the whole session afterwards.
What is hypnotherapy used to treat?
Mainly psycho-emotional issues including lack of self confidence or motivation, but we can also work on trauma, pain and physical illness as needed.
Does hypnotherapy work online?
It works in just the same way, but you would need to be in a quiet place, preferably with an armchair to sit in, and I need to see your face.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
It really depends on what you need help with, but typically clients need 3-5 sessions. I offer 3, 5 and 7 session programmes, and can advise you after your free call.
How much does hypnotherapy cost?
You can try a session for £99, and programmes are priced individually depending on whether it’s alone or as part of the Menopause Rescue programme. Click here to find out more.