What conditions do you treat?

Herbal Medicine/ Phytotherapy is able to support and/or improve most conditions that are not life-threatening.

Do you do additional testing?

Yes, we are able to arrange testing for blood, urine, stool, hair, saliva as required by your practitioner.

Can herbal preparations be used with pharmaceutical medicine?

Yes Phytotherapy can be used in conjunction with modern medicine, however, adverse interactions can occur and it is therefore imperative that a qualified Medical Herbalist or Naturopath check these before co-prescribing with pharmaceuticals.

Can I claim Private Health?

At the moment no. Private Health was cut for Naturopaths and Herbal Medicine Practitioners in 2019, which is now under review.

Do you do telehealth?

Yes at this point of time we only offer telehealth consultations. Our integrated Telehealth system lets us conduct secure video calls with end-to-end encryption. You will be able to access your Telehealth session via a secure link that requires no downloads.  The link will be emailed to you upon booking your consultation.  It is suggested that you choose a time for your consultation when you will not be disturbed and a place that is quiet.

Does Phytotherapy really work?

Herbal medicine has been practised for many thousands of years around the world and continues to be a pillar of healthcare in many countries. It is estimated that 80% of the worlds population relies on herbal medicine (World Health Organisation). For the past century in western society however, the popularity of pharmaceuticals has sidelined herbal traditions from everyday use and from the mainstream medical system, but this is not because herbs weren't effective. The immediate effect of penicillin and later anaesthesia and antibiotics were persuasive tools for the birth of the pharmaceutical industry. Medicine that is 'Made in a Laboratory' became perceived as being superior and safer.  The natural health industry has responded to the social expectations brought about by the 'new kid on the block' i.e. Modern Medicine, by restructuring and professionalising. An explosion of scientific research supporting herbal effectiveness and a disillusionment with emerging issues in modern medicine, have seen many returning to these traditional roots of healthcare. In short, herbs never stopped being beneficial to humans, only that the focus in western society has been on the new pharmaceuticals, forgetting about the advantages of other modalities such as phytotherapy.

Over-the-counter supplements Vs Liquid Herbs

And the winner is.....Liquid Herbs! (See table below)

Herbalist vs Herbal Medicine Practitioner/Medical Herbalist/Phytotherapist

In short, a Herbal Medicine Practitioner/Medical Herbalist/Phytotherapist is a science degree trained specialist. Their professional training includes subjects in Biochemistry, Botany, Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Materia Medica, Herbal Medicine Therapeutics, Nutrition, and Research & Evidence based practice, to name a few.

A Herbalist, on the other hand can include anyone who has done a course in herbs including a hobbyist, or has done a subject in herbs as part of a larger course.

Herbalist vs Naturopath: What’s the difference?

To be honest, not a lot! Since 2017 in Australia, the minimum standard for natural medicine practitioners has been a Health Science degree and the curriculum for the first couple of years is identical for both modalities.  Naturopaths are more specialised with nutritional therapeutics, whereas Herbal Medicine practitioners, whilst using basic dietary and nutritional modalities, specialise in Phytotherapy/Herbalism. With the availability of literally hundreds of herbs and therefore treatment possibilities, Herbal Medicine Practitioners are uniquely placed to provide extremely individualised treatment options.