Western Medical Herbalism with Rieko Oshima-Barclay MNIMH, Dip Phyt/ITEC, MCPP
rieko@thesunflowercentre.co.uk
NEW: Rieko is now offering monthly herbal medicine clinics for both skin and gynaecological problems. For more information please contact Reception.
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world, and is still extensively practiced today. It is also known as "botanical medicine" or "phytotherapy". Many herbs have powerful medicinal properties and are used to assist the healing process during illness. Herbal medicine can also help in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
What the Herbalist does Medical Herbalists are much like the old style GPs; we have studied and trained in the orthodox diagnostic skills. However we take a more holistic approach i.e. we don't just treat the illness or complaint but treat the whole person. We will try to identify the underlying cause of an illness, thus working holistically and individually.
Prescriptions will be based on and tailor made to the patient's need. We may also advise on diet and lifestyle if necessary, and we can treat people of all ages.
The Consultation The initial consultation will last approximately 60 minutes. During the consultation a full case history will be taken and any necessary physical examination will be made.
Follow-up appointments will last 30-45 minutes. The follow-up appointment will usually take place 2-6 weeks after the initial consultation, depending upon the severity of the symptoms.
The Prescriptions Your herbal medicine will be prepared after each consultation. They will be individual and usually take the form of tinctures (alcohol based herbal extraction), herbal teas, creams or lotions.
If you are already taking medication or other treatments, we always take this into consideration. It is important for you to take professional advice and not to stop any treatment without guidance from your specialist.
What Conditions can Herbal Medicine treat? Herbal medicine can treat a wide variety of conditions. Some examples are Allergies; Asthma; Arthritis; Anxiety; depression & stress related conditions; Circulation problems; Digestive problems; Eczema & other skin problems; Headache & migraine; High blood pressure; Menstrual & menopausal problems; PMS & reproductive problems; Infections & immune deficiency; Respiratory conditions; Urinary conditions; ME/Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Herbs can also work to stimulate the body's own healing power and restore the balance of health.
Monthly Skin and Womens' Clinic - for minor to less serious conditions From November, Rieko is offering a special herbal medicine clinic on Monday afternoons for those suffering from skin or gynaecological health problems.
In this clinic Rieko is offering a friendly and approachable consultation to make patients feel more at ease and to understand that it is not difficult to access natural gifted herbal treatment. A fair and reasonable consultation fee will apply for this.
For people who suffer with chronic health issues or have more complicated problems, Rieko normally advises you to come for a full consultation for a more in-depth talk. However you are welcome to start with your herbal treatment in this special clinic at the Sunflower Centre.
Your herbal medicine will be prepared for you after the 20 minute consultation. The medicine will be in the form of tinctures (alcohol based herbal extraction). If appropriate, the medicine could also be in the form of herbal teas, creams or lotions. Rieko uses as much organic products as possible for your remedies. As well as the above list, there is a wide variety of skin and gynaecological conditions that herbal medicine can treat, including: acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, fungal, bacterial and viral skin infections.
A fee of only £30 which includes 3 weeks supply. *Internal medicine supply. External remedies may be charged extra*
Rieko Oshima-Barclay is a qualified medical herbalist and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalism (www.nimh.org.uk). The NIMH is the oldest body of practicing medical herbalists in the world. She is also a member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP) which is a leading professional organization for the practicing herbalist and gives the highest standards of care to the public.
Rieko studied herbal medicine at the College of Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine) in Sussex. She was a research student at the Medical and Aromatic plant group (Plant science department at The Scottich Agricultural College, Ayr). Here she studied mainly essential oil and medical plant properties.