Madeline Taylor – Medical Herbalist
What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine has been used in different cultures for thousands of years for a range of physical and emotional conditions. Herbal medicine uses the whole part of the plant rather than an extract such as the bark, leaf, flower and root in various forms such as teas, tinctures (alcohol extraction), powders, creams.
Herbalists draw on modern research, traditional knowledge and clinical experience to inform herbal practice. Herbal prescriptions are formulated for individuals rather than conditions.
The herbs used in a formula are carefully considered by a herbalist taking into consideration the properties, actions and character of the herbs, whether they are right for the person being treated, and whether they fit well together.
Herbal medicine can be used for a wide range of conditions such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, period pain, menopause transition, acne, chronic fatigue and more. Essentially, a herbalist offers an alternative to conventional medicine for a broad range of ailments aiming to restore and improve health. Herbal medicine can work alongside conventional medicine; herbal prescriptions are checked for any contraindications with medicines and change prescribed herbs if necessary.
Herbalists consider other factors such as diet and lifestyle and advise on suitable changes as appropriate.
Full Herbal Medicine Consultation
Initial Consultation: what to expect
Your initial consultation will last between 60 – 90 minutes. Maddy will take your full medical history which will include current and past illnesses, family medical history, diet, medications and a review of bodily systems. If necessary, with your permission, she will carry out a clinical examination to assess health problems such as listening to your heart or lungs. Usually, at your first appointment, your pulse and blood pressure will be taken and a tongue diagnosis will take place.
Follow up Consultation
Monthly follow up consultations will last for 30-45 minutes and are essential to monitor your progress, and to amend your prescription if necessary. Maddy will discuss any changes to your health and any challenges you have had with the treatment plan. Your feedback will be used to inform future prescriptions and advice.
Treatment Plan
A holistic assessment will take place and a treatment plan will be custom made for you. This will include herbal medicine and may advise on nutrition and lifestyle changes if necessary. If necessary you will be advised to pursue additional tests, investigations or support via your GP or other private practitioners. Maddy is also able to arrange functional testing if required.
Acute Herbal Medicine Consultation
An acute consultation is a short consultation suitable for acute illness or symptomatic treatment. For example, you would like medicine for a cough, urinary tract infection or a period pain mix. This type of consultation is suitable for symptomatic treatment but not for identifying and addressing the root cause. For this, you would need the full consultation.
During the consultation Maddy will take relevant details from you in order to ensure the correct medicine is made for you and is safe. This includes:
● Personal contact details
● Current health issue
● Past medical history
● Family history
● Allergies
● Medications
Your medicine may include a tincture, tea, powders or a combination of these.