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Drew McNaughton
Medical Herbalist
Update: For the time being I have decided to stop seeing patients in order to explore other aspects of herbal medicine. Apologies for any inconvenience this might cause. Please watch this space for further updates.
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What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is a traditional form of healing practiced in many cultures that uses plants as medicine.
The herbs prescribed will vary according to how the herbalist is trained. A western trained herbalist will include plants that more commonly occur in the western hemisphere however they may also use some herbs which were originally from other systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda (from India).
Western trained herbalists employ diagnostic techniques that are similar to a G.P. based on an understanding of medicine that is part of the western scientific tradition.
The healing properties of the plants in western herbal medicine are classified and defined by their traditional use, as recorded in herbal texts, as well as through the findings of research currently being conducted on commonly prescribed herbs. The findings of modern research often back up the traditional use of the plants and may provide a detailed profile of the plant’s chemical makeup.
The effectiveness of the treatment thus depends on the skill of the herbalist in choosing the best remedy for their patient which can be a single herb or an individually made-up combination.
Who can benefit from herbal medicine?
Anyone can benefit from the multitude of ways in which herbs can be used to promote health, particularly when used under the guidance of a fully qualified herbalist.
Common ailments such as coughs and colds, mild fevers, digestive upset and headaches can all be treated with herbs.
Herbs can also be used to treat more complex conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, allergies, arthritis, menopausal symptoms and PMS, as well as helping to alleviate mild depression and anxiety.
As all patients are considered on an individual basis then a treatment plan can be discussed to meet specific needs and a holistic approach is aimed at improving the patient’s overall well-being.
If you are unsure as to whether herbal medicine might be able to help you, contact me for more information.
What happens in a consultation?
Once you have decided that you would like to see a herbalist, the initial consultation will last about an hour. In this we can discuss in detail the symptoms which you have been experiencing as well as other areas in order to build up a complete picture of your current state of health. Lifestyle and dietary factors are also taken into account as changes to these may also form part of the holistic treatment plan.
Everything that is discussed in the consultation is confidential. Also it might be necessary to carry out some physical examinations in order to come to the correct diagnosis.
Once the diagnosis is made, herbs will usually be prescribed and other advice may be given such as changes in diet. A follow up consultation is scheduled for around 2-4 weeks later, depending on the condition, and the herbs are to be taken daily between the consultations.
The follow-up consultation is usually shorter (around 45 minutes) and any changes in symptoms are noted. This is so progress can be checked and further follow-up consultations may be necessary depending on the condition being treated.
About me
I have long been interested in plants and nature since my early childhood in New Hampshire, USA. I decided to study herbal medicine after I had travelled to India and experienced first hand some of the treatments and theory of Ayurveda, however I wanted to learn about the healing properties of the plants we see all around us in Britain. I undertook a four year BSc (Hons) course in Herbal Medicine at Napier University and graduated in November 2006.
For the time being I have decided to stop seeing patients and explore other aspects of herbal medicine such as cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants as well as deepening my understanding and broadening my knowledge of herbal materia medica.
I have been living in Peebles for a couple of years now with my wife Jill, who is also a herbalist, and our family. We continue to be inspired by the amazing countryside all around us in this beautiful part of Scotland.
Initial consultation (1 hour) *Currently unavailable*
£35
Follow up consultation (45 mins) *Currently unavailable*
£25
Herbal prescriptions *Currently unavailable*
£7 per 100g of dried herb or
per 100ml of tinctureThis works out to be about £6 or £7 per week for medicines.
(Postage and packing are additional if required – charges vary accordingly)
Herbal Educational Services
Workshops
Herb Walks
Also available for talks and presentationsDrew McNaughton MA BSc
Mobile: 07858 162 163
Email: drew@spiritwiseherbs.co.uk
Text by Drew McNaughton © Spiritwise Herbs 2008
Photos courtesy of Jill McNaughton © 2008