Medical Herbalism

Consulting an herbalist

For many, that first visit to a medical herbalist can be a life changing experience, a chance to experience true healthcare as it should be practised.

Your medical herbalist is a genuine, caring partner in health from the cradle to the third age. Many come to appreciate the power of correctly prescribed, natural herbal medicines dispensed by a highly trained medical professional.

Patients are often amazed at the opportunity to discuss in depth their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and the sense of freedom and empowerment this imparts to the individual which, combined with the knowledge of an experienced healthcare partner gives the security that your healthcare needs receive the best attention. The results then speak for themselves.

- NIMH

Jeanette ‘Lilly’ Blanks BA (USA), BSc (Hons) (UK) MNIMH, MNHAA After working more than a decade as corporate professional in the USA, Europe, Japan and Asia, Jeanette returned to university to pursue a career in holistic medicine. She received her BSc (Hons) Health Sciences: Herbal Medicine at the University of Westminster in London, one of the premiere universities for complementary therapies in Europe. After graduation she gained membership in the oldest and most internationally prestigious professional medical herbal associations: The National Institute of Medical Herbalists and The National Herbalists Association of Australia. Before setting up practice in Singapore in 2006, she maintained a thriving practice in London. She is available for consultation Monday-Thursday 9:30 am to 3 pm Friday 10 am to 6 pm. To book a consultation, contact Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Tel: 6734 6440 Fees: $130 - 1 hour first consultation $80 - 30 minute follow-up consultation $42 - 2 week herbal prescription (slightly higher if rare herbs are used). Supplements, if needed, range in price

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine and is still the most widely practiced form of medicine worldwide, with over 80 percent of the world’s population relying in herbs for health.

Modern herbal medicine has developed from the traditional use of plants and their extracts from many parts of the world; this knowledge has been confirmed and updated by scientific understanding and research.

What conditions can be treated by an herbalist?

Most conditions that you would take to your doctor can be addressed by an herbalist. These include:

• Female & Male health and wellness
• Arthritis and rheumatism
• Allergies
• Autoimmune conditions
• Children’s ailments
• Cystitis, urinary & prostate disorders
• Asthma and respiratory aliments
• Eczema, psoriasis and skin conditions
• Digestive and bowel disorders
• Headaches and migraines
• Heart and circulatory conditions
• High/Low blood pressure
• Infections and immune dysfunction
• Stress, anxiety and emotional problems

What is a western herbalist's approach to treatment?

Western medical herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox physicians but take a holistic approach to healing, and aim to cure disease by taking advantage of the body's self-regenerative powers and harnessing the restorative power of nature.

Herbalists endeavour to treat the whole person by taking into account the emotional, genetic, and environmental factors that have influenced their state of health.

Herbalists emphasise natural remedies: herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, dietary advice and lifestyle counselling are the cornerstones of an herbalist’s treatment protocol.

Herbalists work to identify and eliminate the underlying cause of disease, and are guided by six basic principles:

1. Do no harm
2. Utilise the healing power of nature
3. Identify and treat the causes
4. Treat the whole person
5. Focus on preventive medicine
6. Practice in partnership with the patient

How do herbs work?

People have always relied on plants for food to nourish and sustain the body.

Herbal medicine can be seen in the same way. Plants with a particular affinity for certain organs or systems of the body are used to ‘feed’ and restore health to those parts which have become weakened. As the body is strengthened so is its power and ability to fight off disease and when balance and harmony are restored, health will be regained.

Where do the herbs come from and are they organic and traceable?

I import all of my herbs from the UK and they are all traceable from the origin. I use organically grown herbs which are purchased from farms that I have personally visited and have met the growers, all of whom are also professional herbalists.

How are the herbs prescribed and prepared?

At the end of a consultation, I prescribe and prepare one or more herbal remedies for the individual’s needs. I formulate the prescription and compound the herbal preparations in my dispensary. I do not use any animal or mineral materials in my prescriptions, nor do I prescribe or employ any orthodox pharmaceuticals.

Herbs that are to be taken internally are dispensed in either a tincture format, in which the raw plant material has been extracted in an alcohol base, or in a dried format to be prepared as a tea.

Occasionally I dispense in capsule format, where a blend of dried, powdered herbs has been packaged into a capsule.

When treating children, the remedies are often flavoured with herbal syrups to make them more palatable.

If a topical preparation is required, I will also make that up based on what the condition calls for, be it an ointment, cream, lotion or pessary, utilising a relevant range of essential oils, herbal infused oils, decoctions and tinctures.

Do herbalists prescribe supplements?

I often recommend supplements where I feel it is necessary. I always look to adjust the diet so that the maximum nutrition is being supplied; however, sometimes the level of certain minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids required cannot be easily obtained from diet alone and therefore needs to be supplemented.