Paula
has a first
class honours degree in herbal medicine from the
University of Westminster.
Practice
Times
Paula practices at Lemon Balm on
-
Tuesdays 10-7
-
Wednesdays 10-7
-
Thursdays 10-2, though other days and times
may be available on request.
To book a session call the shop on
020 7267 3334.
My
philosophy
I love working
with people to help them improve their health and well
being, developing a therapeutic relationship, where
treatment and herbal prescription is tailored specifically
to each individual’s current issues and underlying
tendencies. No two treatments are exactly the same, since
every person is different.
Herbal medicine can be very effective and I find that when
used with knowledge and care herbs work on many levels –
physical, psychological, emotional and even spiritual.
Who
uses Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine
is a holistic and natural style of treatment which
considers the health and wellbeing of the whole person,
rather than simply addressing symptoms. Treatment is
usually in the form of whole plant extracts and teas, which
are taken in small quantities and are quite palatable.
Factors such as diet and lifestyle are also discussed, and
recommendations made where appropriate.
Many people are finding that herbal medicine can help
restore their health and wellbeing. Some of the conditions
which can be treated are:
- Gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn, irritable
bowel syndrome, food intolerances and other chronic and
acute problems
- Women’s health including PMS, polycystic ovarian
syndrome, fibroids and endometriosis
- Fertility problems
- Management of menopause without artificial hormones
- Candida overgrowth
- Disordered immune function which is often found in
post-viral fatigue and ME as well as allergies such as
hayfever and asthma.
- Stress, anxiety, sleeplessness and depression
- Cardiovascular problems including hypertension (high
blood pressure), elevated cholesterol levels, poor
circulation leading to varicose veins and other circulatory
disorders.
- Skin disease including acne, eczema, dermatitis,
psoriasis etc.
- Urinary problems such as recurrent cystitis
- Childhood illness such as glue ear, frequent infections
and eczema.
- Acute conditions such as colds and viruses.
- Generalised fatigue often caused by a stressful
lifestyle, bringing up young children or simply modern city
living.
What
happens during the consultation?
The first
appointment takes around an hour. During this time Paula
will try to build up as complete a picture as possible of
your health, taking into account many elements to gain a
holistic perspective on the current problem. This covers
discussion of the presenting complaint and current symptoms
as well as personal and family medical history, diet and
lifestyle and a general health check. Tests may be
performed as appropriate including blood pressure,
cholesterol, blood sugar (high levels of which can indicate
diabetes) and haemoglobin (which if low can indicate
anaemia). It is helpful if you can bring details of any
prescribed medication, supplements or herbs you may be
taking along to the first consultation. At the end of the
first appointment, Paula will usually devise a herbal
prescription or prescriptions.
A follow up is usually scheduled for two weeks later. This
takes half an hour and is an opportunity to see how the
herbs are working, whether the condition is improving and
to further develop an understanding of your constitution
and individual health needs. The prescription may be
changed slightly at this point as the body and mind start
to respond to the herbs. Frequency of subsequent
consultations depend on the condition and are agreed
between you and Paula. Typically they might be anything
from fortnightly to six-weekly. As well as monitoring
progress, specific issues such as diet may be addressed.
‘My
partner and I have been consulting Paula for several years
and I can honestly say that she has provided solutions to
health issues where all other methods we've tried have
failed. I have a chronic skin condition that all
conventional medical treatments (including very painful
lasering) was failing to ameliorate but thanks to Paula, it
is now under control, is far less unsightly and gives me no
trouble at all. My partner is prone to bronchial conditions
that were resisting repeated courses of antibiotics, but is
now completely healthy following his last course of herbal
medicine. I've also found Paula's prescriptions excellent
for easing digestic/gastric problems and her
tonic/immune-system boosters are a boon, particularly in
winter. Added to that, she's just a joy to consult - thumbs
up all round!’ EM