Natural Healing…it’s not just about the symptoms it’s about the root cause.

Melanie is a fully certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP) and is an experienced Medical Herbalist, a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and Institute for Functional Medicine. The Functional Medicine approach focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. Careful consideration is taken to diet, environmental and lifestyle influences, alongside the results of functional testing, in this way the origins of many chronic conditions can be identified and treated.

Personalised for you

Building a timeline of your health and illness progression and in-depth functional testing helps us to identify root causes of illness or dysfunction and create a health plan that is tailored to your own specific needs.

Scientific approach

Advanced laboratory testing may be used alongside a detailed case history to reveal the underlying issues causing chronic symptoms and dysfunction.

Seeing the whole picture

In Functional Medicine the person, rather than the disease, is the focus. The body is viewed as one whole, interconnected system, not just an isolated set of symptoms or diagnoses.

Before you read on why not take the Institute for Functional Medicine test on how well you are caring for yourself – you may be surprised by the questions and results?

Click on the Link to Download the Functional Medicine Test: Self Care Questionnaire

A Bottom Up Approach to Health

Instead of suppressing symptoms, Functional Medicine asks WHY has the symptom occurred in the first place? With careful investigation, we can gain an understanding of how each individual functions and what makes them unwell. This knowledge is the key to creating a treatment plan which aims to alleviate the underlying problem. This plan often involves key nutrients, herbs and some lifestyle and dietary changes but it is always in a collaborative approach with YOU the patient making sure the changes are manageable.

Functional Medicine is an approach that is rapidly gaining popularity around the world and only began in 1990 by Dr Jeffrey Bland. This approach integrates cutting edge science and laboratory testing with the latest research on diet and nutrition, with herbal medicine and the ages old holistic approach of looking at the whole person. This means seeing an individual as a complex being a sum of many interacting parts and not as separate systems as modern healthcare practices do. The results from our clinic and those of functional doctors around the world continue to demonstrate this as a safe and effective method for the treatment of many health problems.

“Using plants as medicine has fascinated me since, as a child, I discovered animals knew how to eat the right plants to heal themselves instinctively. Plants have an amazing ability, one plant can have multiple actions within the body working synergistically. Herbs can be used to improve the body’s function, for example, heal, tone, relax or stimulate.

Combining my training and experience in Medical Herbalism and Functional Medicine provides a truly holistic approach to helping my patient’s live a healthier life naturally. “

If you are interested in this approach please give us a call and Melanie will be happy to discuss your options before making an appointment. Call her on 01245 382838.

What is a Medical Herbalist?

Medical Herbalists make use of plants whose traditional uses are backed up by modern scientific research and clinical trials. A Qualified Medical Herbalist has a BSc or equivalent in Herbal Medicine, has studied orthodox medicine as well as plant medicine. Herbalists take an holistic approach to illness, treating the root cause of illness rather than just the symptoms. Herbal remedies are prescribed alongside other medication and treatments, and Herbalists understand drug interactions and will only prescribe appropriate herbs with your current medication.

Medical herbalists who are registered with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) will have trained for at least 3 years, will have received botanical and medical training and must adhere to a strict code of conduct.

Any advice is not a substitute for consulting your GP and obtaining a medical diagnosis and standard medical care for your condition. Everyone is encouraged to consult their medical practitioner and with permission your GP is advised of care received at the clinic.

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicines are plant-based medicines made from differing combinations of plant parts e.g. leaves, flowers or roots. Each part can have different medicinal uses and the many types of chemical constituents require different extraction methods. Both fresh and dried plant matter are used, depending on the herb.

NIMH members are aware of the importance of medicines being being sourced from reputable manufacturers, who maintain consistent quality standards. Traceability (right back to the original batch of herbs) and certificates of authenticity are key ways in which quality is maintained. Sustainability is also of crucial importance.