Dr Catherine van Dorsten

What is Herbal Medicine?

Many modern medicines have their origins in plant medicines, but only the isolated active constituent is used. Phytotherapy maintains that it is the vast array of constituents in a plant that work synergistically to restore the balance of the body, and to mobilise the body’s innate healing powers.

For example, the anti-inflammatory chemical Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) was derived from salicylic acid, a constituent initially isolated from plants such as Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet) and Salix alba (willow bark). In its isolated form salicylic acid irritates the stomach lining, but when it is consumed as whole plant extract, the constituents act together to reduce inflammation without causing irritation to the digestive tract.

Phytotherapists only prescribe whole plant extracts, based on the principle that the whole plant contains a perfect balance of therapeutic chemical constituents. The prescription is tailored to suit the individual.

Phytotherapists prescribe herbs in the form of:

• Teas (whole dried herbs)
• Tinctures (alcoholic extracts of whole plants)
• Tablets (powdered dried herbs)
• Creams (herbally infused vegetable-based carrier cream)
• Ointments (herbally infused beeswax-based)
• Oils (infused with herbs)
• Gels (aloe gel based)

How do herbs work?

Each herb is unique; it is composed of a distinctive combination of different active constituents, and as such has its own identity.

• The constituents work synergistically within the human body to achieve the herb’s specific action.
• They may include nutrients as well as chemically active substances, which makes herbal medicine unique in its action of simultaneously nourishing and healing the body.
• Herbs are chosen by the Phytotherapist to suit the individual.
• Potent medicinal substances have the potential to harm as well as heal. It is important, therefore, to avoid self-medicating and always to seek professional individualised herbal treatment from a registered Phytotherapist.
• During the course of treatment, the prescription may be altered according to the body’s changing requirements.

A Phytotherapist’s approach

As a Registered Phytotherapist I am trained in the same diagnostic skills as conventional doctors and combine this knowledge with a holistic understanding of disease.

• The cause of the disease is treated, not only the symptoms. Herbs are used to restore balance in the body and mobilise the body’s innate healing powers.
• The first consultation with me will generally take 1 to 1.5 hours.
• I will take notes on your medical history and perform physical examinations as deemed appropriate.
• The treatment will be tailored to suit you as an individual. It will include a herbal prescription and may include advice on diet and lifestyle.
• The second appointment may follow in two to three weeks, subsequent consultations occurring monthly or as dictated by the health problem. No two patients receive the same prescription.

What can Phytotherapy treat?

Phytotherapy can treat most conditions on which patients might consult their doctor.

• As a qualified Phytotherapist I know when you would be best treated by another healthcare professional and I will refer you for other treatment as required.
• As Phytotherapists we are trained to understand herb-drug interactions and can safely treat patients who are using pharmaceutical medication.

Fees

Initial Consultation
1 to 1.5 hours – R1200
Less complex cases will require less time and be charged accordingly.

Follow-up consultations
60 mins – R600
30 mins – R400

Follow-up communication
Questions/queries via Telegram/WhatsApp, phone or email:
First 10 minutes are FREE, and a R200 charge every 15 minutes thereafter.

Tinctures (±15ml taken per day usually)
100ml – R200
200ml – R400
500ml – R1000

Teas (±5g taken per day usually)
50g – R70
100g – R140

Creams or Ointments
50ml – R80
100ml – R160

Please feel free to ask about payment plans or a discount if you are under financial strain.