The Consultation

The first consultation is rather like a visit to the doctor would have been in years gone by. It will last about an hour and provides an opportunity for the patient and herbalist to get to know each other. You will be asked about your medical history, your family history, your diet, and many other factors so that a full picture of your health and lifestyle can be built up. There will be simple investigations such as blood pressure, or perhaps a physical examination. If appropriate, further tests may be advised through your own doctor or an independent laboratory.

If you are taking any prescription medication, it is important that you tell the herbalist about it at this time. Medical herbalists are trained to work with doctors’ prescriptions and the medicine will be specifically designed to avoid interactions with other forms of medication.

It goes without saying that your consultation is conducted with the same level of confidentiality as with your doctor. Members of the National Institue of Medical Herbalists all make an affirmation very similar to the Hippocratic Oath before they are admitted to full membership.