Jennifer Derham BSc MSc BANT CNHC

Herbal medicine has been practised since ancient times and according to the World Health Organisation is still the most commonly used form of medicine across the globe. The healing power of plants was discovered by our ancestors through experimentation and observation and in recent times, science has allowed us to identify the chemical constituents within plants, providing us with a more advanced understanding of plant medicine and it‘s uses.

As we have always relied on plants for food and nourishment to sustain the body so we may think of herbal medicine in the same way. Herbal medicines are made from various plant materials including leaves, flowers, roots or berries and contain an array of phytochemicals. Many of these phytochemicals are strongly antimicrobial, help fight disease and boost the immune system. The aim of treatment is to establish the underlying cause of an illness rather than treating the symptoms alone and to rebalance and strengthen the system overall.

Medical herbalists undergo a rigorous four year training which includes diagnostic skills and 500 hours of clinical training. They are required to adhere to a strict code of ethics, have full professional insurance and part-take in continuing professional development.

Who can benefit?

Herbal medicine be used effectively and safely to treat everyone including infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly.  Most ailments whether short-term complaints or a long-term illness may be treated successfully with herbal medicine and dietary changes.  Medical practitioners are increasingly referring patients who have chronic health problems that conventional medicine finds difficult to treat. Herbal medicine works very well alongside orthodox treatments, often by simply helping relieve physical and mental symptoms caused by illness.

Some of the conditions that may benefit:

Skin	Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Fungal Infections
Respiratory	Coughs/Colds, Asthma, Hay Fever, Bronchitis, Sinusitis
Circulatory	High/Low Blood Pressure, Poor Circulation, Varicose Veins
Digestive	Indigestion, SIBO, IBS, Crohn’s, Ulcerative colitis, Peptic Ulcers, Constipation
Gynaecological	Hormonal Imbalances including Irregular/Painful Menstruation, PMS, Menopausal Symptoms, Fibroids, Endometriosis.
Infections, Immunity and Others	Migraine, Insomnia, Anxiety disorders, Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autoimmune conditions, Prostate problems, Allergies & Food Intolerances, Urinary Tract Infections, Thrush, Low Energy.

What to Expect?

The first consultation takes between 60 and 90 minutes. A full case history is taken in order to build a complete picture of the person. This may also include a physical examination.

The second appointment usually follows within two weeks, with subsequent appointments occurring monthly or so – these should last about 45 minutes. Prescriptions may be reassessed and adjusted at each visit.

A course of treatment may involve specific dietary and lifestyle advice as well as an individually designed prescription. Practical, comprehensive advice for healthy eating is included. A supplementary nutrient programme may be required and is tailored to the individual.

Herbal medicines are mostly prescribed in the form of tinctures. These are alcohol-based extracts of medicinal plants which are taken in small doses in water. Herbs may be prescribed in other forms including teas, capsules or creams. These are of the highest quality and are made from organic fresh plant material wherever possible.

A range of Biochemical and Functional tests as well as genetic testing, are available to help provide more accurate information on the presenting conditions.

How long does the Treatment take?

The length of treatment depends on the individual and condition concerned. Acute complaints may respond quickly while chronic and long term complaints may require a longer period of treatment.

With the appropriate changes in diet and a personalized nutritional programme positive changes may be seen within the first two weeks. It is important to remember that herbs have a gradual, accumulative effect and work more slowly than conventional drugs generally however their long-term benefits are long-lasting.

About Jennifer…

I have been involved in the health industry for almost 25 years.

I completed my BSc Health Science: Herbal Medicine degree at the University of Westminster in London which included over 500 hours of clinical training. After qualifying I returning to practice in Ireland and subsequently undertook my training in Nutritional Therapy as I wanted to further my knowledge in nutrition and diet, experience proving that the two therapies naturally complemented each other.

I have a MSc in Ethnobotany from the University of Kent in conjunction with The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.  For my MSc I conducted my research on dietary changes and gastrointestinal disease amongst Ladakhis in Northern India.

I am also a registered Frequency Specific Microcurrent Practitioner and Instructor

By drawing on my extensive experience and knowledge I have been able to develop a range of innovative consultations and health care programs to suit your individual needs. This ensures you receive the highest level of health care and furthermore gets results.

I am a BANT Registered Nutritionist, and a member of the Nutritional Therapy Council, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council and The Royal Society of Medicine.

I look forward to working with you!

Contact Details

Nutritional Therapist & Medical Herbalist, Dr Jefferies and Partners
Fulham Health Clinic
286 Munster Road
Fulham
SW6 6BQ

Telephone: 0203 953 6661

Email: info@jenniferderham.co.uk

Website: http://www.jenniferderham.co.uk