FAQs
Read below for frequently asked questions, if your question isn't answered here please feel free to make contact.
How do you take your tea?
Herbs and their stew times can vary, that's why we've provided this short guide!
Generally speaking herbal teas that contain roots tend to need longer to stew, this is the same for seeds and barks. This is because it takes longer to break down this kind of material and extract their medicinal qualities. You might chose to infuse these teas for longer (10-30 minutes, or even simmer).
Infusing herbs will ensure more of the medicinal compounds are being extracted, this is usually preferred over straining. However, the longer you infuse the herbs, the more bitter they may become. This isn't always preferred by some people, but the bitter compounds within herbs are also medicinal!
Flowers and leaves might only need 5-10 minutes, but this can be done to your liking. If, like us, you tend to leave the teabag in your herbal tea, a teapot is a good option.
At the end of the day - if you are taking the time to make yourself tea and setting intentions whilst doing so, then half the therapeutic battle is over. What's important is you are setting those intentions and drinking your tea regularly.
What is a herbalist?
Medical herbalists use herbs which are used traditionally to treat certain ailments and are backed by scientific research and clinical trials.
The training that herbalists undergo enable them to understand both biomedical and holistic approaches. For example, they are trained in diagnostic techniques, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, research skills, herbal therapeutics and hands-on experience within herbal clinics.
Herbalists use a selection of ways to treat their clients. These are whole-herb formulations and not extracts or diluted substances. For example, tinctures, teas, creams, capsules, poultices and many other forms of plant medicine.
More information at:
https://nimh.org.uk/_resources/what-is-a-herbalist/
What happens during a consultation?
During a consultation, the herbalist will start by asking a bit about why you have booked the consultation. We want to know what your concerns are and what your ideal outcome would be from the session.
After this and gaining some basic information, the herbalist will ask more about each of your body systems. These include:
Cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, nervous system, musculoskeletal and skin health.
Some of the questions might not seem relevant, but it helps us to build a picture of your needs and spot any patterns.
After a full assessment has been made the herbal practitioner may perform any clinical examinations they feel are relevant. For example, if you complain of a cough, the herbalist might listen to your chest.
Once we have all the information we need, we will commence any research required in light of your consultation and begin formulating your herbal prescription.
What can herbal medicine treat?
Herbal medicine has a broad range of applications due to the expanse of herbal constituents available in plant material. Flowers, leaves, bark, seeds and roots are all plant parts used in herbal medicine.
Herbs can be used to support and variety of illnesses from digestive issues, hormonal health, musculoskeletal, immune, respiratory and circulatory problems. Additionally herbal treatment can support emotional health, stress, sleep problems, energy and fatigue as well as supporting the microbiome.
This list is not exhaustive as herbs are also fantastic at treating acute conditions such as UTI's, coughs, colds, hayfever and more. Nutrition and nourishment is another benefit of herbal medicine, if you are just feeling 'run down'.
If you are not sure whether herbal medicine is right for you, feel free to contact or book and free 15 minute phonecall!
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