Frequently Asked Questions

Initial appointments last 60–90 minutes. A full case history is taken to build a complete picture of your health — current symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, diet and any previous treatments. Follow-up visits occur within two weeks, then every 4–6 weeks for 30–45 minutes. Treatment includes dietary and lifestyle advice as well as an individually designed prescription of herbal medicine, nutraceuticals or FSM as appropriate.

Duration varies by individual and condition. Acute complaints may respond quickly, whilst chronic and long-term complaints may require a longer period of care. Positive changes may appear within the first two weeks with dietary modifications, though herbs work gradually with cumulative effects. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 2–6 weeks; complex or longstanding conditions take longer.

Herbal medicines are mostly prescribed in the form of tinctures — alcohol-based extracts of medicinal plants taken in small doses in water. Alternative forms include teas, capsules or creams, as the situation requires. All are made from fresh, wild-crafted and organic plant material wherever possible.

When prescribed by a qualified, registered practitioner, they are very safe and unusual reactions are extremely rare. However, not all herbs are safe and gentle simply because they are "natural" — many contain potent compounds and some can interact with prescription medications. Always work with a trained, registered practitioner rather than self-prescribing.

Yes. Herbal medicines complement and work very well alongside orthodox treatments, typically by supporting the body's own healing processes and relieving symptoms caused by illness or medication. Any potential interactions are carefully considered as part of your individual prescription.

These therapies may be used effectively and safely to treat everyone — infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly — always tailored to the individual. If you are unsure whether herbal medicine or nutritional therapy is appropriate for your situation, please get in touch and we can discuss it.

Herbal tinctures do not require refrigeration but should not be left exposed to full sunlight or extreme heat. They last for years due to the ethanol (alcohol) content acting as a preservative. Keep them in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed.

Herbal medicines are extracted in a combination of water and a smaller amount of ethanol (pharmaceutical-grade alcohol). This dual extraction captures both water-soluble and fat-soluble plant chemicals, giving a more complete medicine than water alone. The final dose taken in water contains an amount of alcohol roughly equivalent to that found in an overripe banana.