Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What You Can Expect

Herbal Integrative and Functional Medicine Initial Exams are scheduled for 60 minutes, up to 90 minutes (case complexity-dependent), through Telemedicine (Secure Phone, Video and Text), where a detailed case and relevant medical history are established.

Laboratory reports (when available) and current medications are reviewed in order to establish a suitable approach. Food Allergy and Food Sensitivity Testing recommended for more precise care.

Relevant recommendations will be discussed, including Nutrition and Lifestyle modifications*.

*Clinical Nutrition and Dietary Practices are part-and-parcel of Functional Herbal Medicine and Integrative Medicine approaches for optimal results. Our Foods and Dietary Habits are a foundation to Hormonal Balance, Autoimmune Management, Immune Function, Metabolic Optimization, Disease Management and Prevention. We work with modifying our food choices over time, as healthy habits and exploring variations that work for You are built upon daily practice with mindful observation. 

It is essential to understand that Herbal Medicines originate from plants, applied in Artisan-crafted concentrated preparations for their clinical effects. Plant (Herbal) Medicines combined with strategic dietary choices is a vital combination toward Imbalance Recovery.

Custom-tailored Organic Herbal Medicines are then hand-prepared here in the Compounding Apothecary, specifically for your personal needs (when appropriate). Follow-up calls and text relays are engaged to closely monitor your progress and modify formulations as the body responds.

When appropriate, medicines taken internally primarily include: Organic Fluid Extracts, occasionally freeze-dried Organic Powdered Herbs, and guidance with Nutrition -- food as medicine. Recommendations for external applications may include cremes, ointments, oils, washes, compresses, gargles, etc.

We will walk you through all recommendations, to make sense of the countless options available and overwhelming information found online. 

Organically grown and ecologically harvested herbs are used exclusively; This reduces exposure to unnecessary, unhealthy chemicals and residues being introduced into the body. Source-verified from seed to harvest.

WHAT IS THE MEDICAL HERBALIST’S PERSPECTIVE?

Qualified Medical Herbalists are highly trained in much of the same examination skills as conventional medicine practitioners, but take a more holistic approach to addressing short and long-term illness.

Ultimately, the underlying cause of a problem is sought, identified, and addressed, not just the symptoms alone.

Herbalists use plants and whole plant products to restore balance to the body, support immune competency, improve resistance to stress, and increase general vitality.

Herbal Medicine is safe and effective on its own, or integrated with conventional treatments. It can take a primary or supportive role in healing and well-being.

Only Herbalists qualified in England [United Kingdom] are authorized to utilize the title: MEDICAL HERBALIST, which requires a minimum of 4-5 year formal University degree in Clinical Herbal Medicine and Board Qualification with acceptance into The National Institute of Medical Herbalists – The oldest and largest body of professional Medical Herbalists in the World. www.nimh.org.uk

WHY HERBAL MEDICINE?

Many people seek to reduce or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medications, because of their variable and undesirable side effects.

Qualified herbalists know when a condition can be helped solely with herbs and nutrition, and when treatment is best integrated with a physician’s attention.

A multitude of conditions that individuals may take to their doctors can be addressed with herbal medicine, on its own or in tandem with conventional medicine. 

 

WHAT IS HERBAL MEDICINE?

Herbal Medicine, also known as Phytotherapy, is the use of plants and whole plant products for their medicinal healing properties in the resolution of disease and maintenance of well-being.

It is the oldest system of medicine known, and used extensively throughout the world. The World Health Organization recognizes and continues to act in the preservation and promotion of traditional herbal medicine because of its safety, efficacy, and affordability.

Alongside the advancement of science, we are able to identify and understand the chemical constituents and activities that contribute to plants’ healing powers, and so combining this new knowledge with ancient wisdom in their application.

Having proper formal education, a Clinically-Qualified Medical Herbalist can safely work independently as well as alongside Conventional Medicine treatments.