Herbal Medicine is a safe and effective system of medicine which exclusively uses plants. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine on our planet, and is still used as the primary form of medicine by over 75% of the world’s population. In fact it is the traditional medicine of all cultures, and is based on observation and experience passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. Today scientific research supports these claims.

What can herbal medicine treat ?
Herbal medicine can successfully treat many common health problems. One of the greatest strengths of herbal medicine is the way it can improve the functioning of the immune system. Good immune function is vital given the demands of modern living.
It is highly effective for the treatment of men and women’s reproductive health disorders. Chronic conditions such as insomnia, depression, arthritis, asthma, skin disorders, liver and digestive problems. Herbal medicine can very effectively treat acute conditions such as influenza, stomach upsets and childhood illnesses. A number of herbs have the ability to support the adrenal glands, and nervous systems, providing support for the stress of our busy lifestyles that we lead.

Is herbal medicine safe ?
Used properly under the guidance of a registered Medical Herbalist the answer is an emphatic yes!

Why would you come to see us?
We give you a very friendly, personal service, both in the shop and in the clinic. We are very aware of client confidentiality and will treat you with the utmost respect. We encourage you to take an active part in your own health care. Our aim is to restore your body to optimum function, achieving healthy body, mind and soul. We can do this by using a combination of herbal formulas, nutritional supplements, dietary advice, Bach flowers and herbal teas as appropriate for your own health.
Meet the team

What makes herbal medicine special ?
Herbalists believe :-

* that the whole of the plant is greater than the sum of parts,
* that we must use the whole plant, not just the single active principle of the plant,
* we have an innate ability to heal ourselves,
* that medicine should be used to restore and support your body’s own very capable defence and restorative mechanisms,
* that we must treat the whole person and root cause of your current health issues, rather than just the disease and symptoms,
* as part of our philosophy, we must empower you to play an active role in your own healing by providing you with the information needed so that you can bring about positive change into your daily life.


What happens during a consultation with a medical herbalist ?
During a consultation with a medical herbalist, which will take approximately one hour, the problem itself is examined, along with an assessment of diet, lifestyle, emotional factors and other body relationships.Then a diagnosis is made, not just in terms of the name of the disease, but also in respect to what is perceived to be the underlying cause in holistic terms. According to our assessment of your health, a prescription will be formulated which may be in the form of liquid, tablets and teas to suit your preference. Also included are dietary and lifestyle advice as appropriate.
Nourish Clinic

Q. What is herbal medicine?
A. Herbs and plants were our first medicines and food, and predate recorded history. Herbal medicine is the oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine in the world today. This medicine is made exclusively from plants and is used in all societies and cultures. Using plants as medicine provides significant advantages for treating many conditions. The therapeutic activity of a plant is due to its complex chemical nature with different parts of the plant providing certain therapeutic effects.

Q. Is herbal medicine backed by science?
A. Herbal medicine is increasingly being validated by scientific investigation. Modern science seeks to understand the active chemistry of medicinal herbs, and to confirm their safety and efficacy by clinical trials. Many modern pharmaceuticals have been modelled on or derived from chemicals found in plants. An example is the heart medication digoxin, derived from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Q. What can herbal medicine treat?
A. Herbal Medicine can treat almost any condition, both acute and chronic, that patients might take to their doctor, e.g. skin and circulatory problems, digestive and gynaecological disorders etc.

Q. What is a medical herbalist?
A. A Medical Herbalist is a practitioner highly trained in the philosophies, principles and practice of western herbal medicine and medical science, who takes a holistic view towards health and illness and who will assess you as a person not a disease They prescribe and dispense plant medicines in a safe and effective manner, seeking to treat the underlying cause of the problem, while acknowledging the body’s innate ability to heal itself. They aim to prevent illness and restore health by providing dietary and lifestyle advice.

Q. What is the NZAMH?
A. The NZAMH is the professional body for Medical Herbalists in N.Z. It maintains a register of Medical Herbalists of skill and repute, fosters a uniformly high standard for the teaching of herbal medicine, ensures ongoing professional education for members and promotes herbal medicine to the public and other health professionals.

Q. What are the benefits of consulting a NZAMH accredited medical herbalist?
A. It is your guarantee that a practitioner is fully qualified to practice herbal medicine, abides by a professional code of ethics, and maintains continuing professional education. Accreditation by the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists is your guarantee that a practitioner is fully qualified to practice herbal medicine. They will have the letters MNZAMH after their name, and may use the title "Registered Medical Herbalist".

Q. What to expect when consulting a registered medical herbalist.
A. A comprehensive consultation which includes a detailed case history taking at least an hour for your first appointment. Individually prescribed herbal medication with clear dosage instructions. Learning through discussion how you play an active role in the healing process, and through this process, further your understanding of the importance of diet and lifestyle and how they influence health and well being.
Confidentiality and Professionalism, offered according to a strict code of ethics.

Q. How long does treatment take?
A. Treatment can depend completely on the individual and their condition, ranging from days to months.. Both chronic and acute problems may be amenable to treatment with herbal medicine.

Q. Is herbal medicine safe?
A. Herbal medicine is very safe and effective when taken as prescribed by a fully qualified Medical Herbalist. Self-medication of herbal remedies is not recommended. If you are taking any other medication or drugs it is important to tell your Medical Herbalist.

For professional and confidential health care in your area contact your local NZAMH accredited Medical Herbalist