Prior to your first consultation you will be asked to complete and return two forms in the envelope provided. This allows you time to reflect on areas of your health I may wish to ask about in more detail at your appointment and enables me to utilise the appointment time more fully. The first consultation usually takes around an hour and follow up appointments approximately 30 minutes. The fee for your consultation is payable on the day by either cash or cheque. Any medication I prescribe will be dispensed the following day and posted to you by first class post. If you live locally you may wish to collect this. An invoice for payment of the medicine will be enclosed for which I would appreciate prompt payment.
Following your first consultation you will be provided with written recommendations in three parts: herbal medicine, diet and supplements.
Usually I will provide you with a mix of herbs in tincture form. The formula is made up by mixing individual herbs particularly for you. Herbal tinctures are very concentrated. It is important therefore, to mix it with at least four times the amount of water before you take it. Some herbs have a stronger taste than others and you may wish to dilute it further and even add some fruit juice. You will find that you get used to the flavour after taking it for a few days. Herbal medicine can be taken at the same time as any dietary supplements you may be taking. Around mealtimes is usually best. There are a few herbs which need to be taken at specific times and if these are prescribed this will be indicated to you. Herbal tinctures can be kept at room temperature - they do not need refrigeration. Teas should be made fresh every day, but can be divided into two or more doses and drunk hot or cold. Some other forms in which herbal medicine may be prescribed to you are creams, lotions, oils, suppositories and supplements.
I will initially supply you with 250ml of herbal medicine which, when taken at the standard dosage, will last you around 2 weeks. Usually I will make a second appointment for you 6 weeks after your first visit (this being dependent on the condition for which you are attending), but I like you to telephone me after a week to make sure that you are not having problems taking the medicine and that the formulation is suitable for you e.g. not too laxative. It is very unusual for there to be problems.
After I have spoken to you or had a message from you that the medicine is suitable, I will dispense a further 500ml of herbal medicine which will last you until your second appointment. It is important that you continue to take the herbs at the prescribed dosage until the next appointment.
Regaining your health takes time and patience with natural medicine. Herbal medicine speeds up the healing process and quite often positive health benefits would be expected after 6 weeks, depending on the condition and how long you have had it. Herbal medicine works very differently from modern medicine and the effects are slower, but often more profound in reversing damage to the body's cells. Generally the effects take 3 months to be fully effective, but again this is dependent on the condition being treated. Nevertheless, taken regularly and consistently, it can be very effective. I will also guide you in making appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes, but you need to implement them to benefit from the full potential of your body's natural healing powers.
A healthy diet is fundamental to healing and much can be achieved by good diet alone. Specific dietary modifications which have been discussed with you during the consultation will be written down to remind you.
As the health benefits of dietary changes can be slow to become evident - up to a year - supplements may be suggested to speed your vitamin, mineral and essential fatty acid re-balancing to make a faster impact on your health. In giving you advice on supplements, consideration has been given to your typical dietary pattern and any signs or symptoms of poor health.