Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine
Catherine Schofield Medical Herbalist BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) MSc MNIMH
Welcome to my web-site -I am a consulting medical herbalist practicing in Stockport, Cheshire (Greater Manchester)
For more information on herbs and natural medicine see my blog
If you are looking for a more natural and gentle approach to health - then herbal medicine could be for you. Herbal medicine is a unique therapy that encourages the body to regain its natural health and balance by using herbal blends specifically tailored for each patient. Its aim is to give you symptomatic relief, address any underlying issues and promote lasting health benefits. This is based on viewing you as an individual, not just a set of symptoms and looking in-depth at your specific health needs.
The practice of herbal medicine is more than just using herbs as remedies, although at its heart is the skillful blending of different herbs by a medical herbalist, it is a therapy which looks at the management of your whole body health and as such can include nutritional and life-style advice. Men and women of all ages, from the very young to the elderly can benefit from herbal medicine
The practice of herbal medicine is more than just using herbs as remedies, although at its heart is the skillful blending of different herbs by a medical herbalist, it is a therapy which looks at the management of your whole body health and as such can include nutritional and life-style advice. Men and women of all ages, from the very young to the elderly can benefit from herbal medicine
Herbal medicine can be used to support a wide range of conditions
- Digestive complaints, e.g. irritable bowel, gastro-osophogeal reflux
- Cardiovascular conditions, e.g. high blood pressure, varicose veins
- Musculo-skeletal problems, e.g. osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, gout
- Respiratory problems
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depressed states
- Fatigue states, e.g. fibromyalgia
- Men's health issues e.g. prostatitis
- Women's health issues: gynaecological problems, heavy periods, menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms
- Genito-urinary complaints, e.g. cystitis
- Skin conditions, e.g. eczema, psoriasis, acne
- And much, much more
What Makes Herbs and Herbal Medicine Special?
It is likely that herbs have been used as medicine since the beginning of mankind, but herbal medicine is not some outmoded ancient therapy, it combines traditional knowledge of healing with plants with modern scientific and medical research.
Plants certainly do contain physiologically active chemicals and many commercial drugs are still derived, at least initially, from plant chemicals. The best known perhaps being aspirin, ephedrine and morphine. More and more is being discovered scientifically about the uses of plants as medicine as more research into old and new plant remedies continues. However, whereas many pharmaceutical drugs usually only make use of an isolated plant chemicals, traditional herbal medicines use the full spectrum of the plant's constituents. It is the whole herb that is used to create the tinctures, teas, creams, powders etc that are used by medical herbalists and it is these synergistic plant chemicals that gives herbal medicines their unique and subtle effects.
Medicinal herbs are as relevant to us today in the modern world, as they ever were and herbal medicine gives you a way of harnessing their potential especially in the management of certain medical conditions that can often be chronic and stubborn to treat by other means.
Plants certainly do contain physiologically active chemicals and many commercial drugs are still derived, at least initially, from plant chemicals. The best known perhaps being aspirin, ephedrine and morphine. More and more is being discovered scientifically about the uses of plants as medicine as more research into old and new plant remedies continues. However, whereas many pharmaceutical drugs usually only make use of an isolated plant chemicals, traditional herbal medicines use the full spectrum of the plant's constituents. It is the whole herb that is used to create the tinctures, teas, creams, powders etc that are used by medical herbalists and it is these synergistic plant chemicals that gives herbal medicines their unique and subtle effects.
Medicinal herbs are as relevant to us today in the modern world, as they ever were and herbal medicine gives you a way of harnessing their potential especially in the management of certain medical conditions that can often be chronic and stubborn to treat by other means.
Why Visit a Medical Herbalist?
A medical herbalist has been trained to treat you as an individual, putting you and your health needs at the centre of the therapy. A detailed health history will be taken at your first consultation to get a clear picture of your health, both past and present, to assess how this may be impacting on the current state of your health. This will include details of any medication you are taking, so that this can be checked against any possible interactions and to make sure that the herbs you are given are safe and suitable for you.
This information will be used to plan your treatment strategy. It will also be used to specially formulate a herbal remedy that will be uniquely tailored to you. Herbalists are trained in diagnosis and physical examination and checks such as blood pressure and urine tests may also be carried out at your consultation, with your permission.
A trained medical herbalist uses their skill and experience to formulate the right medication in the right dosages for you. The herbs that they used will be of high quality and rich with the active constituents of each herb – something that cannot always be guaranteed by many over the counter remedies, which can be ineffective and so wasteful and expensive.
This information will be used to plan your treatment strategy. It will also be used to specially formulate a herbal remedy that will be uniquely tailored to you. Herbalists are trained in diagnosis and physical examination and checks such as blood pressure and urine tests may also be carried out at your consultation, with your permission.
A trained medical herbalist uses their skill and experience to formulate the right medication in the right dosages for you. The herbs that they used will be of high quality and rich with the active constituents of each herb – something that cannot always be guaranteed by many over the counter remedies, which can be ineffective and so wasteful and expensive.
How long might I have to take herbal medicine?
You should see some symptomatic relief of your condition within in a few weeks, but this depends on the type and complexity of your problem.
Can I use herbal medicine alongside treatment from my doctor or with a pre-existing medical condition?
The answer is a cautious yes - with the correct professional advice, herbal medicine is suitable for almost everyone. It can be used as an alternative therapy or as complementary to conventional medicine. If you do suffer from certain conditions or are taking drugs from your doctor, you must check with a professional first before taking herbal medicine. One of the advantages of consulting a trained herbalist is that they will always check that any herbs you are given are OK to take with your existing medication and medical history. Some herbs are safe to take if you are pregnant or lactating, but once more, you will need to check first.
Medical Herbalist at Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine
Catherine Schofield BSc (hons) BA (hons) MSc MNIMH
"I first became interested in herbal medicine many years ago when my father, who suffered from severe osteo-arthritis, benefited significantly from consulting a medical herbalist and taking herbal medicine.
I went on to study herbal medicine at the University of Central Lancashire, where I obtained a first class BSc (Hons) degree. I practice in Stockport, Cheshire, Derbyshire and am a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.
I give my patients time to explore their health concerns in full and endeavour to treat their health problems individually – there is definitely no 'one-size fits all' in herbal medicine. I am passionate about herbal medicine and my practice and want my all patients to experience and benefit from the potential of herbs".
If you are interested in finding out more about if herbal medicine may be suitable for you ring me on 07947128709 for a no obligation short chat. I would be happy to hear from you.
Catherine
I went on to study herbal medicine at the University of Central Lancashire, where I obtained a first class BSc (Hons) degree. I practice in Stockport, Cheshire, Derbyshire and am a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.
I give my patients time to explore their health concerns in full and endeavour to treat their health problems individually – there is definitely no 'one-size fits all' in herbal medicine. I am passionate about herbal medicine and my practice and want my all patients to experience and benefit from the potential of herbs".
If you are interested in finding out more about if herbal medicine may be suitable for you ring me on 07947128709 for a no obligation short chat. I would be happy to hear from you.
Catherine
For more information about my practice
If you are Interested in knowing in more detail about herbal medicine as a therapy or about my practice in Stockport and how herbs might be used for some conditions. Visit my main web-site at www.naturesbestmedicine.info.
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists.
Membership of a professional body - your assurance of a trained and ethical practitioner
Many people are understandably nervous about consulting a new practitioner or trying out a new therapy. One way to ensure that the person whom you consult is appropriately trained and is governed by a code of ethics, is to check that they are a member of a professional body.
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists is the oldest professional herbalists' association in the UK. Practitioners with the letters MNIMH or FNIMH after their names are members of the Institute. Admission is by examination and graduation from an accredited university or other course. You may independently verify members of the Institute by contacting the National Institute by phone or by visiting their web-site at www.nimh.org.uk
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists is the oldest professional herbalists' association in the UK. Practitioners with the letters MNIMH or FNIMH after their names are members of the Institute. Admission is by examination and graduation from an accredited university or other course. You may independently verify members of the Institute by contacting the National Institute by phone or by visiting their web-site at www.nimh.org.uk