The initial consultation is a space where you and your herbalist have the opportunity to take a deep dive into all aspects of your health. The consultation usually lasts between 1½ and 2 hours and will include a comprehensive discussion, as well as a physical examination at the end, which is typically a blood pressure check
The consultation will begin with your herbalist explaining how herbal medicine works. They will ask about your previous experiences with herbal medicine, if any, and what your expectations are. This allows the herbalist to work with you and provide realistic guidance on how herbal medicine may support your health and what you can expect during your first month of treatment.
The consultation will then continue with questions about your main reason for seeking support. Whether you would like help with lowering high blood pressure, reducing stress levels, or addressing another health concern, there will be an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, concerns and health goals. Together, you will explore where you would like to see yourself moving forward with your health.
After discussing your primary health concern and goals, your herbalist will ask more general questions about each body system, as well as your diet and lifestyle. This helps the herbalist gain an in-depth understanding of your health as a whole person. Herbalists can work with up to 300 different medicinal plants, and selecting the most appropriate herbs requires a thorough understanding of your individual health picture. The more information that is gathered, the better your herbalist can tailor a treatment plan to suit your specific needs.
Following this, there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about anything that has arisen during the consultation, as well as any questions you may have about herbs, herbal medicine or your health in general.
Towards the end of the consultation, your herbalist will discuss the next steps in your treatment and explain your personalised treatment plan. Arrangements will also be made for you to collect your bespoke herbal medicine prescription.
In Summary
Your herbalist will act as a guide, helping you to explore and better understand your health from a new perspective. The aim is for you to leave the consultation feeling empowered, informed and more aware of the underlying imbalances that may be affecting your health. A tailored treatment plan will then be created and supported by a bespoke herbal medicine prescription, helping you to make positive and sustainable changes to your health and wellbeing.
What you can do to help yourself be prepared for your initial consultation
The right clothing:
If you are happy to have a blood pressure check at the end of your consultation, then it would be beneficial for you to wear a short sleeve top, so that the blood pressure cuff can fit easily around the arm. If you are worried about being cold, please feel free to wear a long sleeve top of thin lightweight material.
Medication and supplement list:
If you are taking any medication, please write a list of all your medication with the appropriate spelling, dosage and frequency of taking your medication per day. This is the same with all of your supplements too. We ask this so that the herbalist can cross-check your medication against the prescribed herbs to make sure that there are no contra-indications.
Food diary:
You are what you eat! If you could write a food diary for at least three days, which notes down what foods you are eating (including snacks), the times you are eating these foods, as well as your fluid intake that would be helpful for the herbalist, However, if you are someone who struggles with food and do not feel comfortable writing a food dairy, then please do not feel pressured to write one.
Thank you!
We look forward to seeing you for your initial consultation and helping you to take your next positive steps in improving your health in a natural way!