Herbal Medicine
Caroline Sheldrick MNIMH
Caroline Sheldrick MNIMH is a qualified medical herbalist and has been working for over ten years in Stroud, Nailsworth and Cirencester. www.carolinesheldrickherbalist.co.uk
Herbal medicine uses plant remedies which have been trusted since ancient times, and many of which are used in orthodox medicine in stronger form. Medical herbalists have a four-year science degree and diagnose illness in the same way as a GP, but approach every patient holistically and when prescribing, will create an individual mixture of herbs.
Herbal medicine, while it is holistic and seen as an alternative to orthodox medicine, is part of the same tradition; herbalists are trained similarly to GPs: they understand drug interactions and can liaise with doctors about treatment.
First Things First
Herbal medicine is effective in normalising the hormone balance in women, and is therefore helpful in some cases of infertility. It can also help overcome some of the emotional barriers to pregnancy, in either partner. Herbal medicine is effective in treating other causes of infertility, notably polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Pregnancy
Most medicines are avoided in pregnancy, but the gentle nature of herbal remedies makes some of them ideal to help with the minor ailments of pregnancy, including nausea, constipation, anxiety and circulatory problems. It is important to choose herbs carefully and consult a qualified herbalist in this matter. Herbs have been used by women all over the world since pre-history to help ease childbirth; Caroline can liaise with midwives and consultants on your behalf.
Babies
The gentle nature of herbal remedies makes them safe to take for breastfeeding mothers, and many can be used to ease a baby’s problems, by using as infusions in the bath, or as essential oils in a baby massage.
Children
Many childhood ailments respond well to herbal medicine, particularly digestive problems and skin troubles. Caroline has many herbs in her dispensary which are palatable to children. As a mother herself, and with knowledge of mainstream medicine’s priorities, she understands the dilemmas often faced by parents and can advise on safe courses of action.
Herbal medicine uses plant remedies which have been trusted since ancient times, and many of which are used in orthodox medicine in stronger form. Medical herbalists have a four-year science degree and diagnose illness in the same way as a GP, but approach every patient holistically and when prescribing, will create an individual mixture of herbs.
Herbal medicine, while it is holistic and seen as an alternative to orthodox medicine, is part of the same tradition; herbalists are trained similarly to GPs: they understand drug interactions and can liaise with doctors about treatment.
First Things First
Herbal medicine is effective in normalising the hormone balance in women, and is therefore helpful in some cases of infertility. It can also help overcome some of the emotional barriers to pregnancy, in either partner. Herbal medicine is effective in treating other causes of infertility, notably polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Pregnancy
Most medicines are avoided in pregnancy, but the gentle nature of herbal remedies makes some of them ideal to help with the minor ailments of pregnancy, including nausea, constipation, anxiety and circulatory problems. It is important to choose herbs carefully and consult a qualified herbalist in this matter. Herbs have been used by women all over the world since pre-history to help ease childbirth; Caroline can liaise with midwives and consultants on your behalf.
Babies
The gentle nature of herbal remedies makes them safe to take for breastfeeding mothers, and many can be used to ease a baby’s problems, by using as infusions in the bath, or as essential oils in a baby massage.
Children
Many childhood ailments respond well to herbal medicine, particularly digestive problems and skin troubles. Caroline has many herbs in her dispensary which are palatable to children. As a mother herself, and with knowledge of mainstream medicine’s priorities, she understands the dilemmas often faced by parents and can advise on safe courses of action.