Herbal medicine is the use of plant remedies in the prevention and treatment of disease. It is one of the oldest forms of medicine and, from a global perspective, is still the most common form of medicine practiced today.
The history of Western herbal medicine, as opposed to Oriental herbal medicine, can be traced back to both the herbal traditions of the indigenous inhabitants of the British Isles, and to the Greeks and Romans.
There are also links to North America, where Native Americans had their own herbal lore. In fact, many North American herbs are still used in Western herbal medicine, such as Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia).
More recently, international travel and cross-cultural exchange have broadened the frame of reference of Western herbal medicine. It is common to find plants from all over the world, such as Ginseng from Asia, being used regularly by Western herbalists.
What’s so special about herbal medicine
Unlike orthodox medicine, where drugs are targeted at specific symptoms and diseases, Western herbal medicine is very much focused on the individual. It is the patient who is the focus for the practitioner, not the disease or illness.
The relationship between patient and herbalist is based on trust and honesty. The herbalist will assess the patient holistically, considering their personal health history, lifestyle and family history. Using this information, they will assess the all round well-being and constitution of the patient.
The herbal therapy they recommend is then directed at the underlying cause of the illness as it presents itself in that particular patient, not just the obvious symptoms. Because of this person-centered approach, it is common for recommendations to vary between patients with similar illnesses. The actual herbal treatment is often backed up with advice on lifestyle and nutrition. It is an individual, personal approach that means Western herbal medicine is suitable for everyone, from the young to the old, delivering a safe, effective and research-based approach to health care.
Your Holistic Health Consultation – First consultation
Your consultation will begin with a 50-minute case history with your herbalist. Factors such as diet, lifestyle, past and family illness, work and home pressures, trauma and worry are examined. This is done to get a complete picture of your body systems functioning and to hear from you what you most need help with. One or two other herbalists may be sitting in. Your herbalist will make an herbal formula for you, possibly a tea and/or tincture that will assist your body in its own self-healing. You may also be given a salve, balm, essential oils, flower essences, recommended nutritional and lifestyle changes, or recommendations for bodywork or energy healing.
Clinic Dates and Times
Appointments will be scheduled for 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:15 pm. Plan to be here for an hour and a half to allow time for the herbalist to explain preparation and administration of your remedies. The clinic is located at the school facility in Ocean Beach.
Consultation fees are $20 per visit. Fees for remedies are $50 per month and are normally dispensed to last 1 month. Payment for each consultation and remedies is due at the conclusion of each visit. Payment may be made in cash or check.
Supervising Herbalist, Co-Founder of Self-Heal School
Jane Richmond is an herbalist in clinical practice and has supervised the Clinic since 1996. She has studied herbs and nutrition for more than 25 years with Amanda McQuade Crawford, John Finch, Bernard Jensen and many others.
Student Clinic Herbalists
Our herbalists have completed herbal training with John Finch, Jane Richmond, and others, including at least seven months of pre-clinical training. They have also completed advanced studies in nutrition, aromatherapy and herbal therapeutics with some of the most highly regarded herbalists in the US. today. Many of them are also trained in flower essences, counseling, massage, yoga, meditation, and energy healing. They are all personable, good listeners and great communicators.
Notice: We are not licensed M.D.s. We don’t diagnose disease nor prescribe.
Please give at least 24-hour notice of cancellation or need to reschedule. The consultation fee will be billed if 24-hour notice of cancellation is not given.
Call Jane for appointments & inquiries (619) 224 1268.