The Consultation

How long does Herbal treatment continue for?

Most people report a shift in their symptoms and an improvement in their health after 4-6 weeks of taking Herbal Medicine.

However, as individual as you are, your response to the medicine is also individual, thus the amount of time you will work with a Medical Herbalist will also vary from person to person.

Herbal Medicine is not a quick fix, Herbs do not work in the same way as orthodox drugs.

They are powerful medicines which need to be respected, but at the same time they assist the body by initiating its own self healing mechanism, and reinstating health.

Most conditions did not appear overnight, therefore it makes sense that in some cases patience and time are required.

However the general response to Herbal Medicine is positive.

If a Medical Herbalist feels that you would benefit more from treatment from another practitioner or your GP, they will always refer you.

What happens during a Consultation?

The inital consultation with Andrea lasts for up to an hour and a half.

When booking your appointment you will be asked to bring a list of your prescribed and non prescribed medications together with a urine sample.

During your first visit you will discuss the main reason you sought Andrea’s advice and the condition(s) will be looked at and discussed in detail.

Andrea will take a full medical history from you which includes your family history of illness as well as your own past medical history and questions pertaining to your general state of health and wellbeing.

You will also discuss your diet and lifestyle.

This information helps Andrea to identify the problem, how it begun and its possible causes, as well as giving her a clear picture of you as an individual person, rather than just as a person with a condition which needs help.

As Medical Herbalists are trained in conventional medical examination procedures, Andrea may give you a physical examination if appropriate to do so.

Andrea will always undertake simple diagnostic procedures during the first visit and will check your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and perform a urinalysis.

Most people are surprised at the depth of the first consultation and compare this with visiting their Doctor who only has 5-10 minutes to give and will only consider one condition per consultation.

A Medical Herbalist has time for you and all information is relevant and important, sometimes just being able to talk about our health and have somebody with an understanding of Medicine as well as an empathic ear helps us to feel better as we take our first steps on the road to health and wellbeing.

Follow up consultations.

The next visit is usually between 3-4 weeks from the first and usually lasts for an hour.

Andrea will check on your progress and maybe look at certain aspects in greater detail, especially if you have many conditions that need treating simultaneously.

Most people find that they are responding to the Medicine and experience an improvement in their symptoms.

Andrea may adjust your prescription to reflect your needs or she may continue to prescribe the same mix of herbs.

  • Andrea Hughes

    Western Medical Herbalist with a clinic in Worthing, West Sussex
  • Testimonials

    I don’t know whether you remember me, but I came to you about 18 months ago because I had had recurrent miscarriages. After a course of treatment you gave me, I conceived at the beginning of the year, and have just had a beautiful little boy. I am so grateful to you for all your help, and especially for linking together a lot of my medical issues. My irritable bowel has also been much better since your treatment. Thanks again for all you did, I will definatly recommend you to friends and fa…Sensitive & kindMary, Worthing, West Sussex
    Hi Andrea, Thank you so much for a fantastic workshop! I really enjoyed it – I’m sure we all did! I’m enjoying those wonderful bottles of syrup magic – I’ve never tasted anything more delicious – tastes of the countryside, sunshine, fresh air, of the pulse of life. You gave us lots of info, and lots to think about. Collected a few rosehips today too, on the Downs. I’d love to do more workshops – even if the subject isn’t something I’d necessarily do at home, it broadens one…Fantastic workshopKriya, Worthing.
    I felt a complete sense of trust and safety after my visit to you.Complete sense of trustJill, Rustington
    I am so pleased I was introduced to Andrea Hughes as my Doctor prescribed Statins and I had bad side effects in the liver. Since seeing Andrea and taking the Herbs my cholesterol levels have gone down considerably with no side effects. She also added extra herbs to help relieve Arthritis in my wrist which is no longer a problem. I have just been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and again she has helped me. Thanks Andrea.No to StatinsHelen Arscott, Rustington, West Sussex
    Everything seems to make sense and tie in perfectly.  You know I have only felt the anxious feelings a couple of days since starting the herbs and that was just before my period a week ago – and really mild This is the best month I have had for at least 6months – so something must be working! I am so grateful for all your help. The anxiety/moods really were taking over my life – affecting my relationship with my partner and the kids!Everything seems to make sense and tie in perfectlyTracy, Kent
    Andrea: my mum is so much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my whole family is deeply thankful to you. She has made it off to Morroco this week, and would not have made it without your wonderful herbs and care.Mums BetterDebbie, Worthing, West Sussex
    I felt very uplifted after our appointment, and have remained so today. I am also hopeful that I may still be able to avoid surgery after all, thanks to your expert ministration of the beautiful healing herbs. I really appreciate all your support and caring attention. You are a true Light-Worker.UpliftedLR, Worthing