Clinics

Frequently Asked Questions

"What happens during an initial Clinic Visit?"

The initial visit is 90 minutes, prior to which, the patient completes an extensive intake form. In the consultation the intake form is reviewed and further information is elicited as necessary. We will discuss current health concerns, past medical history, family health, nutrition, exercise habits, lifestyle, how to minimize external stressors, promote emotional well-being and enhance your state of mind.

"What are the benefits of an herbal consultation?"

• Identify common lifestyle, environmental and nutritional habits which contribute to ill health.
• Acquire the skills and knowledge to improve your health profile
• While focusing primarily on your main health concern, preventative medicine can reduce the risk of future health problems and genetic conditions.
• Herbs can cleanse and detoxify, improve immune system function, enhance digestion, reduce fatigue, improve endurance and balance hormones.
• Herbal medicine can be used safely for chronic conditions and are also strong enough to address acute, immediate illness. In fact, herbs can be used to treat almost any condition you would visit a doctor for.

"What is my role in the health program?"

• To believe in your ability to influence the outcome of your health.
• To believe that my recommendations have your best interest at hand.
• To realize that your health is your responsibility.
• To be disciplined and consistent with making the recommended lifestyle changes.
• To have patience to achieve your goals using herbal medicine.

"What types of medicine are used during the consultation?"

Through utilizing lifestyle assessment and dietary counseling, botanical (plant) medicine, nutritional supplements and Bach Flower Remedies; a personalized health program is created; tailored to your specific health problems and goals.

"What should I expect in a follow up consultation?"

Follow up visits are 30 minutes and are usually held every 4-6 weeks. In these sessions we will evaluate the progress of treatment, discuss any problems or concerns that have arisen and review the treatment protocols. Periodic follow up visits are important to revise the program as the symptom picture changes.

"How many follow up visits are needed?"

Depending upon the severity of the health concern, generally 4-6 visits are required to monitor the condition, establish lifestyle changes and make any needed adjustments to the program to minimize the likelihood of recurrence of a disorder. Do not make the mistake of stopping the program too soon –herbs take longer to work than the instant quick fixes that we have become so accustomed too in our society. Although everyone responds differently to a program, a very general rule of thumb for a timeline is a month of treatment for every year the condition has been present.

"Will extended health care cover the costs of a clinic visit?"

Herbal Medicine is not yet covered by MSP. For those with extended medical coverage I recommend that you keep your receipts and try to claim them –some people have been fortunate enough to receive reimbursements. If you are self employed you may be able to write it off –ask your accountant.

"Can herbal medicine be combined with prescription medicine from my medical doctor?"

Generally yes, although it is imperative to communicate to both your Medical Herbalist and your Medical Doctor the fact you are using complimentary medicine. As body functioning and symptoms improve, it is important to monitor the use of pharmaceutical drugs, as the strength and dose of the pharmaceutical medication may need to be adjusted by your doctor.

• Herbs can be used as the first choice of dis-ease treatment and herbal medicines consistently have fewer side effects than prescription medication while supporting the bodies’ capacity to heal itself.
• Herbs, when monitored, can be used in conjunction with prescription medication resulting in a lower dosage of medication needed.
• Herbs can reduce the side effects from prescription medicine.
• Herbal medicine can be used to wean the body off potentially addictive medications and can be used as an alternative to many habit-forming medications.

"What happens if I run out of medicine?"

I am happy to send medicines by mail for individuals living out of town or for clients who are immobile or you may pick up what you require during a follow up visit.

"Is Herbal Medicine regulated?"

There are several professional governing bodies for herbal medicine although in Canada, there are no provincial laws governing herbal practitioners. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists is one of the oldest most respected bodies of Medical Herbalists, established in 1864 and has worldwide recognition.

Another governing body is the American Herbalists Guild; both organizations have high standards for professional membership and are self-governing bodies. When looking for a herbalist remember to look for the designation of Medical Herbalist, Clinical Herbalist (ClH), Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH) or American Herbalists Guild (AHG) after a clinicians name to ensure extensive training in botanicals, therapeutics and medicine.

There are numerous educational facilities offering Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree programs in herbal medicine, further expanding the current knowledge and understanding of plant medicine.

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