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PlantMeds is a Medical Herbalism practice based in Edinburgh.
SERVICES
Herbal Medicine is a system of healing that uses plant based remedies to support the body during illness and disease. Whist many modern pharmaceuticals are derived from a single plant constituent that are artificially synthesised for the mass market, herbal medicine uses the whole plant to bring the body back into balance. This results in a gentle and effective form of medicine.
Herbal Medicine treats everybody as a unique individual, focusing not only the symptoms but the underlying cause.
An indepth medical history is taken, after which you are prescribed a unique blend of plant medicines to address your individual needs.
Herbal Medicine is suitable for everyone from babies to the elderly.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine is the oldest and most universal system of medicine known, it has been around for thousands of years and is still used by approximately 80% of the worlds population as their primary source of healthcare.
Western Herbal Medicine originated in Europe and is still widely practised today. In Germany going to see your Herbalist is as common as a visit to the GP, it is not considered to be an alternative therapy. This public perception is due to the fact that doctors are taught some aspects of Herbal Medicine as part of their medical degree training. Even here in the UK some doctors surgeries have a resident Herbalist.
What is a Medical Herbalist?
A qualified Medical Herbalist will have completed a 3-4 year university science degree in Herbal Medicine, including both botanical and orthodox medical training. This includes the study of medical sciences, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical clinical examination & diagnostic techniques, alongside botany, materia medica, the pharmacology of plants, nutrition & practical pharmacy. Each student must have completed over 500 hours of clinical practice before graduating.
Herbalists have the right to primary diagnosis in the UK. They are trained to identify red flag health situations, and when to refer their patients back to their GP, to a specialist, or for further laboratory testing when required.
Herbalists consider the whole person, not just their symptoms. The aim is to bring the person back into balance by focusing on all aspects of their health, including past medical history, family medical history, current health, diet, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing.
Prescriptions are tailor-made for the individual based on their unique set of needs.
What is Herbal Medicine Used For?
Herbal Medicine can be used by people of all ages, from babies through to the elderly.
Many of the conditions commonly seen by a GP are also seen by Medical Herbalists.
- Stress and anxiety
- Emotional health issues
- Insomnia
- Digestive problems - such as bloating, indigestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome
- Energy, stamina and fatigue issues
- Muscle and joint conditions - including osteo and rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart and circulatory complaints - high and low blood pressure, high cholesterol
- Autoimmune disorders, immune system disfunction
- Hormonal imbalances, period problems, menopausal issues
- Fertility, pregnancy and childbirth
- Skin complaints
- Headaches
- Mens health - including prostate problems and erectile dysfunction
The above list is not exhaustive, these are simply some of the more common conditions a Herbalist might see.
Types of Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine can be administered in a variety of different ways depending on the plant(s) used, treatment aims and patient preference.
Internal preparations are usually prescribed in the form of either tinctures or teas. Tinctures are plant chemicical constituents extracted in ethyl alcohol and water. Only a small amount of tincture is required to have a therapeutic effect. For those patients whom even small amounts of alcohol consumption is not appropriate other alternatives are available, such as capsules, glycerites, and syrups.
External prescriptions are used where appropriate and take the form of specifically blended creams, ointments, or infused oils.
The Consultation
Initial consultations normally last around an hour, with follow up appointments lasting half an hour.
A full medical history is taken, including presenting complaint, family history and past medical history. This allows for a thorough understanding of your overall health.
It may be necessary for the Herbalist to perform a physical examination such as checking blood pressure or listening to the heart depending on the presenting complaint.
Prices:
Initial consultation - £50
Follow-up Consultation - £30
Medicine - approximately £8 per week.
Contact / Appointments
Appointments are currently available Kirk Loan, Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
Home visits are available for those with mobility problems. Please contact us for further information.
Service Categories
Allergy Testing / Treatments, Herbalists, Mens Health, Natural Fertility Management, Weight Loss, Womens Health
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