Max Drake MNIMH
   medical herbalist

Herbal medicine can be used on its own or alongside other treatments for a wide range of common health problems. The support I can offer includes:

• Stress related illness: poor sleeping patterns, emotional problems, anxiety and mild depression

• Digestive disorders: irritable bowel, heartburn, liver and gall bladder conditions  

•  Headaches and migraines

•  Allergies, food intolerances: dietary assessment, hay fever

• Heart and circulatory conditions: High blood pressure, cholesterol, oedema   

•  Muscular skeletal problems: arthritis and other joint problems, fibromyalgia

•  Hormonal conditions: menopause, PMT, infertility, thyroid problems, blood sugar problems

•  Respiratory Problems including asthma

• Skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria and other rashes

• Low immunity: recurring colds and flu - like symptoms

•  Low energy: feeling tired all the time                          

The healing properties of plants have been used for centuries to treat many acute and chronic conditions. Western herbal medicine has its roots both in the indigenous practices of the British Isles, and in the European and Greco-Roman traditions. There are also some strong links to North American native traditions. As global communication and transportation have expanded, plants from all over the world are now found to be in regular use within the western framework.

Medical herbalists use plants in their natural form. Plants used in this way have a more gentle mode of action and fewer side effects than pharmaceutical drugs. The aim of herbal medicine is to promote and sustain health, supporting the body’s own healing systems rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

Most herbal medicines are given in the form of a liquid tincture that is taken in 5ml doses two or three times daily. You may also be prescribed an herbal tea, tablets, ointment, cream or lotion, depending on your condition. Follow up appointments are shorter and arranged at intervals appropriate to monitoring your progress.