Pamela Duncanson BSc. (Hons) M.NIMH
Medical Herbalist

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is the use of whole plant preparations to treat illness and restore good health.  It is an ancient art that has been practised for thousands of years, but it is also a progressive and evolving modern approach to health care supported by scientific research and clinical studies.

Medical herbalists take a balanced holistic approach to illness, treating the whole person and not just the disease. A course of herbal treatment has the potential to go far beyond the symptom relief and to work at a deeper level to restore long term health and vitality.

The plant extracts in herbal medicine are naturally balanced, easily absorbed by the body and rarely cause unwanted side effects.

Qualified herbalists are trained in orthodox medical science and use the same technical language and diagnostic skills as the medical professions.  Under the guidance of a qualified herbalist most herbal medicines are compatible with treatments from your doctor. 

What can herbal medicine treat?

Western Herbal Medicine can treat almost any condition that you would take to your doctor, and it excels at treating and managing chronic health problems

• Skin problems such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea
• Digestive problems such as ulcers, indigestion, colitis, irritable bowel, hiatus hernia, constipation, liver and/or gall bladder problems
• Women's problems such as PMS, fibroids, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, painful periods
• Respiratory disorders such as catarrh, sinusitis, ear infections, coughs and bronchitis, allergic responses such as hay fever and asthma
• Joint/muscle disease such as arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia
• Heart and circulation such as high blood pressure, varicose veins, high cholesterol
• Immune system problems such as poor immune function, chronic fatigue syndrome
• Urinary problems such as cystitis, prostate problems, urethritis
• Other problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, low energy, migraines and headaches

What’s involved in a herbal consultation?

• An initial consultation lasts for one hour.  This allows the herbalist to get a complete picture of your overall health as well as focusing on the specific health problem.   A blood pressure reading will usually be taken.
• The herbalist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your particular needs and the appropriate herbal medicine will be dispensed.  Dietary and lifestyle changes may be discussed.
• Medicine is usually in the form of an alcoholic tincture (taken 2-3 times/day).
• A follow-up appointment is arranged for 3 weeks later to monitor progress and supply more medicine.  Subsequent visits if required follow at 3 or 6 week intervals.  The length of treatment varies with each individual case.
• All clinic records are securely kept and patient information treated with absolute confidentiality

Prices