Rosemary and Thyme Herbals

General information

Herbal medicine is the use of plant medicine in the treatment of disease. It is the oldest form of medicine known. Our ancestors, by trial and error, found the most effective local plants to heal their illnesses. Now, with the advancement of science enabling us to identify the chemical constituents within these plants, we can better understand their healing powers.
Herbal medicine is a vitalistic form of healing in that it encourages the body's own natural healing processes so that health can be regained from within and thereby hopefully reducing the need for chemically produced drugs. Herbs are gentle on the body and the mind and can be used to treat short or long term health problems, babies to adults.
Medical Herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors but take a more holistic approach to illness. Our education has included anatomy, physiology, pathology, differential diagnosis, botany, pharmacology and nutrition, as well as in-depth study and experience of each of the herbs we use. We enjoy the right of primary diagnosis along with Medical Doctors and Chiropractors. The underlying cause of the problem is sought and, once identified, it is this which is treated, rather than the symptoms alone. The reason for this is that treatment or suppression of symptoms will not rid the body of the disease itself. Herbalists use their remedies to restore the balance of the body thus enabling it to mobilise its own healing powers

Initial appointments last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and follow-up visits, up to one hour. The herbal combinations we use are put together at the clinic specifically for you. Your treatment and medicines will be reviewed at each visit, so thereby your medicine changes as you change and heal. This ensures that you are taking an herbal prescription which treats your specific situation at each stage of your return to health. The number and frequency of visits you make to the clinic is dependent on your individual needs.

Herbal medicine can help with almost any condition that patients might take to their doctor. Common complaints seen by herbalists include:
• Skin problems such as psoriasis, acne and eczema
• Digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome,indigestion angina, high blood pressure, varicose veins, varicose ulcers
• Pmt, period problems and menopausal problems
• Osteo-arthritis
• Stress, migraine and headaches
• Tonsillitis, influenza and allergic responses like hayfever and asthma
• Autoimmune disorders i.e. rheumatoid arthritis

Herbalism, in this country, is now classed as an ‘alternative’ or ‘complementary’ discipline but it is still the most widely practised form of medicine worldwide with over 80% of the world’s population relying on herbs for health. Science is continually trying to identify the chemical make up of plants but in most cases the complexity of the plant kingdom still evades the limited techniques modern science has to offer.

People have always relied on plants for food to nourish and sustain the body. Herbal medicine can be seen in the same way. Plants with a particular affinity fro certain organs or systems of the body are used to ‘feed’ and restore to health those parts which have become weakened. As the body is strengthened so is its power and ability to fight off disease and when balance and harmony are restored, health will be regained

Herbalists do not treat the disease the person has, but the person who has the disease. We aim to identify the underlying cause of the problem and then address this, rather than any symptoms patients may have.

Many of the pharmaceutical drugs used today are based on plant constituents and new drugs today are still being derived from the plant world. The pharmaceutical industry identify and artificially synthesize single constituents in plants which they believe may work, and reproduce these on a large scale. The important difference is that our herbal medicines are extractions of part of the whole plant (flowers, leaves, berries, roots) and contain hundreds or even thousands of plant constituents that work in harmony.

Q: I am pregnant. Can I use herbal medicines?
Yes herbal medicine may be used when you are pregnant but please do not buy over the counter medicines. Please consult a qualified herbalist who will be able to advise you on which herbs are safe to take in this most important period of your life, and the forms in which you should take any herbs you use.
Herbs may also be used by women who want to incorporate them into a natural birthing plan and we will be able to advise you on this if you contact us.
A herbalist will also be able to provide you with advice about herbs and how they can help both you and your baby's health after the birth. This may be anything from dealing with stretch marks to baby's colic and nappy rash.
But please remember to consult a qualified herbalist rather than self-prescribing.

Q: I am taking orthodox medications. Can I take herbs at the same time?
Some people are wary of trying herbal medicine because there is much confusion about whether you can take herbal medicines alongside orthodox medicines.
Some herbs and orthodox medicines don't mix, whilst some do, and this is why it is important to see a herbalist rather than buying over the counter herbal extracts. Your herbal treatment will be more successful in the long run and you will be safe. A qualified herbalist will have the knowledge required to advise you on this issue.

Together, as patient and herbalist we decide what are the priority health issues for you and agree between us how we will set about tackling any areas of concern. We will also be able to give you some idea of how long we think it will take your herbal treatment to resolve any health issues you have. This may range from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of your condition. If you have a terminal illness herbal medicine can still be very effective in providing secondary palliative care to increase comfort and life quality.
We will provide you with a medicine or medicines to take home. Our medicines are made at the time of your consultation so you can begin taking them the same day. Our medicines are put together from primarily organic herbs which are biodynamically cultivated or wildcrafted from sustainable sources. They are:
• Organic dried herbs which we may ask you to use as herbal teas or washes
• Organic liquid tinctures and fluid extracts. These are the most likely form of herbs that we will prescribe to you. We will usually ask you to take 30 drops (only 1.5mls!) three times a day with a little water.
• Creams and ointments

We may ask you to make dietary changes if necessary; these are rarely drastic, but tend to be simple additions or reductions of items in your diet. Even if you have a severe digestive complaint gentle, slow changes are best.
We will also talk to you about your general lifestyle. That is, for instance, whether you are going through particular stresses or strains. As everyone is aware, things like moving house, changing jobs or being a carer can have a major impact on your health. You do not have to talk about anything you do not want to; you share with the herbalist as much as you wish. We may recommend some, again simple, lifestyle changes such as an increase in exercise, or the opposite (!) if you do too much. Most people just need to make minor changes to make a big difference.
Jean R Dow B.Sc.(Hons), B.A.(Hons), M.Sc.