Chinese Herbal Medicine with Donna
Through detailed consultation and diagnostic skill, I prescribe unique plant-based formulae to suit individual needs. Chinese herbal medicine is usually consumed as a tea (made easily from granules) or applied externally to the skin. Your symptoms are then monitored, and the prescription tailored, as we progress to resolving your condition.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine is a stronger and deeper form of treatment than either Acupuncture or Shiatsu.
I utilise herbs when there is either an acute condition that needs resolving quickly such as a viral or bacterial infection or when deeper physical changes have already occurred in the body.
Conditions treated include:
Your Herbs
All Chinese medicine used in the UK is herbal. No animal products are used. Shells may be used for external applications if you are happy with this
Herbs can be taken as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with Western medication
If you are already undergoing medical treatment with your GP or consultant, I will consider your medications and any procedures that are coming up. I will never discourage essential medical care nor advise you to stop taking medication without consulting your GP or consultant.
Your Consultation
Initial consultations involve an in-depth case study looking holistically at your symptoms and medical history.
Where possible this takes place in person to enable diagnosis by palpation of the body, taking your pulse and looking at your tongue
Follow-up consultations are carried out every 2-4 weeks, either in person or via zoom, before prescribing you any further herbs. This involves a review of your progress to date and to see how well the herbal prescription is working for your symptoms.
Once your symptoms have improved, herbal treatment is usually tapered down gradually to allow your body time to adjust to being without the herbs.
Taking Chinese Herbs
Granulated herbs
I most commonly prescribe herbs as a granulated formula. They come in individual sachets and look like instant coffee. They are prepared by adding hot water and stirring well to dissolve. They are quicker to prepare and more convenient to take than dried herbs and have equally good outcomes in clinical trials.
Dried whole herbs
I use dried herbs to make individually formulated soaks, poultices and creams for external applications. These are helpful for painful conditions such as sports injuries and inflammatory arthritis or for dermatological conditions such as eczema and fungal or bacterial infections. Dried whole herbs may also be boiling to produce a strong herbal tea for the treatment of acute conditions
"Becoming a Chinese Herbalist has allowed me to deepen and expand the range of conditions that I can treat effectively in my clinic."
BOOKING
You can select the appointment type by clicking on the titles below, and use the booking system to schedule your appointment.
Prices are listed under each schedule type. Reductions and a sliding scale are available for those who most need. Please contact me to discuss
Research
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome including irregular or absent periods, excessive hair growth and acne (Liao at al. 2018, Lai et al. 2017);
Other gynaecological conditions such as painful periods, endometriosis, male and female subfertility, IVF support (Zhu et al. 2008, Ried et al. 2011, RCOG 2012, Flower et al. 2012, Hullender Rubin at al. 2015, Sosorburam at al. 2019, Zhou et al. 2019, Li et al. 2020);
Dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and urticaria (Shenefelt at al. 2011, Weng at al. 2016, Luo et al. 2021, Yang et al. 2018);
Respiratory illnesses such as frequent coughs and colds, bronchitis, allergic or perennial rhinitis (Wong et al. 2006, Zhang et al. 2017, Hu et al. 2017, Zheng at al. 2018, Yarnell 2018);
Gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation (Bensoussan et al. 1998, Shi et al. 2008, Cheng et al. 2009, Huang et al. 2020);
Musculoskeletal conditions such as sports injuries, frozen shoulder and arthritis (Li et al. 2007, Chen et al. 2016, Sellami et al. 2018, Xin et al. 2019, Xing et al. 2020, Rotter et al. 2021).