Welcome to my website! My name is Viv & I'm a qualified Naturopath & Herbalist based in Wivenhoe, Essex.

Introduction to Herbal Medicine

As far back as Roman times, physicians considered that illnesses were caused by imbalances within the body which allowed disease to take hold. Herbal medicine practice believes that herbs can be used to correct these imbalances and restore the individual to health rather than suppress a condition.
In the UK herbalism is classed as an alternative or complementary form of medicine, but the flowers leaves and barks used with their active chemical ingredients are still used by 80% of the world’s population as their main form of medicine. Herbs have several advantages over commercially formulated drugs. They are selected to respond to the needs of the person, not the illness. It is true to say that 2 people with the same illness may well  be given 2 different formulas dependant upon their own weakness and body chemistry.
Herbs are used as they are found in nature with all their chemical constituents intact. This is thought to be why they are generally free from side effects. Herbs are safe, the plants used today have been used for 60,000 years by man to heal. Pharmaceutical products are tested using animals or in the laboratory for months before being granted licences.

Naturopathy

Many of the principles inherent in herbalism are shared with naturopathy. This system believes in the body’s ability to heal itself given the correct stimulation. Many naturopaths use herbs, homeopathy or detoxification techniques such as fasting or juicing to stimulate the body’s life force to heal itself.
If emotional imbalances are present, which in natural medicine can often affect the physical body, then flower remedies or herbs to support the brain and nervous system are prescribed

Which illnesses can be helped

Many herbalists will say “anything”. Some patients with acute conditions such as colds, coughs and sore throats attend for treatment but most ailments are of a long standing nature and have often not responded to traditional medical treatments.
The list of ailments I have treated is long; digestive ailments of many types, bronchitis, high blood pressure, cystitis, fatigue, menstrual and menopausal problems, arthritis and rheumatism, headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Because of my background I particularly enjoy treating women’s’ problems and children’s’ health issues.

The Consultation

The initial consultation usually lasts one and a half hours as a detailed past and present medical history is needed to explore the root cause of the condition.
Lifestyle, diet and emotional happiness is discussed.   Although I am predominantly a Western herbalist I use TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) principles to help my diagnosis and so the tongue is inspected and the pulse taken.
A diagnosis based on the energy excesses or deficiencies of the body is made and a formula of balancing herbs is produced. Some patients may require dietary advice or supplements to balance vitamin or mineral deficiencies.   Herbal tinctures are given for the ease of administration and a follow-up appointment for a month later is made. The fee is approximately £40 including herbs.