Alyssa Smith
Hi, I’m Alyssa and I’m a qualified medical herbalist.
I am a member of National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), an association that has been around since 1864 to guarantee the highest standards of herbalist care. The programme to study to be a medical herbalist is a rigorous programme that is a level 6 diploma, equivalent to a BSc. It involves studying phytochemistry, anatomy and physiology, physical examination and diagnostic skills, as well as a detailed materia medica on many herbs. It also requires 500 hours completed in clinical training, spending the time with qualified clinical trainers working with real patients.
I have always been interested in plants and plant medicine since I was a child, but it wasn’t until I moved to the UK from the USA that this developed beyond an interest into a profession. Working as a herbalist means having a deep understanding of both the human and the plant world, and using plants to help restore health and vitality in my patients. I really enjoy combining the long history of herbs as medicine with modern research for evidence informed medicine and have seen how much a difference herbal medicine can make in helping people improve their health and vitality.
Herbal medicine is safe and effective medicine and can treat a wide variety of conditions, including those that are a common reaction to our hectic modern lives like stress, insomnia, and anxiety. Digestive issues are another area where herbal medicine, along with diet and lifestyle advice, can be particularly effective. Herbal medicine can also work on circulation, energy, hormonal health, allergies, pain, and skin.
I am happy to have a free 10 minute phone call with you to assess if what you are coming with is something that can be supported. I am only treating adults currently. Herbal medicine is about treating you as a full person, so the consultations are longer than what you may be used to.
An initial consultation is about 60-90 minutes depending on the complexity of your situation. We will start with discussing what has brought you to see me and what your treatment goals are, but will discuss your previous medical history, your diet, lifestyle, other body systems, as well as relevant family history to get a full picture.
Depending on what your case, I may do some physical examination or ask you to follow up with your GP for some tests. Each person is different so each treatment plan is different. I may make up a bespoke medicine for you that could come in the form of a tincture (plant alcohol mixture), a tea, powders, or capsules or topical treatments.
Sometimes I might suggest multiple (ie a tincture and a tea). A tincture is the most commonly used, but if you cannot have alcohol for any reason, there are alternatives. A tincture will cost about £12-15 per week, whereas a 100g of tea which lasts about 1 month would cost £10.
Online and/or telephone appointments are available.