Medical Herbalist MNIMH
BSc. Hons (herbal medicine), PG.Dip (nutritional medicine)
Nikki Hawkes
Medical Herbalist MNIMH
Are you looking for safe and effective, natural healthcare? As a medical herbalist, I see many people who would choose natural therapies but need help to make the herbal remedy choices that are right for them. I have over 20 years of experience in helping people take control of their health using natural plant medicine.
Instead of focusing on disease, my role as a herbalist is to restore health. Medical herbalists train to use plant-based medicine to reverse the causes of ill health rather than focusing on only the symptoms. A major part of this is to empower you into active participation in the transformational journey to health.
So, following a comprehensive consultation that includes your health history, sleep, stress, mindset, and nutrition, we will discuss your bespoke health plan. I may recommend diet and lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements in addition to your personalised blend of herbal medicines.
When considering your plan, I can take into account any prescription medication you are already taking. In fact, I am often asked for herbal help to avoid the side effects of prescription drugs or even to avoid the prospect of needing higher doses.
The majority of my patients do not need to take herbal medicine for life. The goal is to maintain your long-term vitality and well-being with a healthy diet and lifestyle choices wherever possible.
I have qualifications (Honours degree level) in Phytotherapy (Herbal medicine). In addition, I also completed post-graduate training in Nutritional Medicine. And more recently, I continue to engage in advanced specialty training, particularly in the field of functional medicine. So, I have a thorough background in the application of natural therapies and plant medicines in a clinical setting. And it would be my privilege to be your guide towards a healthier life.
I can offer optional comprehensive functional medicine testing to help identify what keeps you from getting well. We can discuss hormone testing, gut health tests, environmental toxins, homocysteine, vitamin and mineral status, liver health, thyroid health testing and more.
If you struggle with a long-term health condition and are looking for professional advice on reaching your health goal, a holistic approach and the power of herbs can help. What's more, I'll take all of your diet and lifestyle choice preferences into account when creating your personalised healthcare plan.
People often have questions about how functional herbal and nutritional therapy can help. For instance, you might want to know what to expect from a consultation. To make things easier here are the answers to my most frequent questions.
Just as your body knows how to use the goodness in foods to keep you healthy, so it is with herbal medication. The human body can use the medicinal properties of these natural remedies to maintain your health or even prevent disease.
"There were times when I felt worry from certain symptoms and Nikki was only ever an email away to provide a reassuring ear and offer any advice that would help."
"After an extremely stressful period of my life, different acid suppressant drugs from the doctor and antibiotics, my tummy was in a terrible state... I was very down about it and it was affecting my life, that's when I started to look into alternative support and found Nikki..."
"I have been able to get my life back, maintain a healthy weight and be happy again, I couldn't recommend Nikki highly enough she is a very supportive, professional and experienced herbalist who will tailor-make a plan to support your recovery and be by your side the entire way."
"All in all - major progress in a fairly short space of time and all credited to your wonderful help and advice! Thank you so much - couldn’t have done it without you and I’m truly appreciative of all your support, understanding and guidance at what has been, a very trying and emotional time for me."
"I knew something in my diet needed to change but could not work it out for myself. After a comprehensive intake process and initial consultation... I adopted the diet and noticed an immediate difference..."
"Great service, in a lovely relaxed setting. I had a couple of acupuncture appointments for digestive issues, it worked wonders! I was given fantastic advice which I follow religiously..."
"I cannot recommend Nikk's services enough when she has patiently guided me through the minefield of trying to deal with a serious autoimmunity/thyroid disorder. My GP simply didn't want to know..."
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Nikki to any of my friends or to anyone out there who wants to try a more 'natural' approach to healing themselves..."
Professional natural healthcare to optimise your health, wellbeing and quality of life
This is not an exhaustive list. Herbal medicine is suitable for everyone and for almost any condition for which you might see your doctor. If you would like more specific information on how a herbalist may approach a specific health issue, please book a complimentary chat with me.
My mother often speaks of the father that she adored. A man that I never met. He died long before I was born of tuberculosis (TB). Only a short time before the release of the antibiotics that his family believed could have cured his disease.
A herbal consultation will take much longer than a visit to your medical doctor. Usually, your initial visit will last around 90 minutes. This allows plenty of time to discuss your health concerns.
Migraine is a common and debilitating condition. Many different prescription drugs and over the counter medications are available. Yet, migraineurs are often not satisfied with their efficacy. Which is understandable since they are sometimes not effective. At the same time, these drugs may have undesirable side effects. So are there other options for migraine treatment?
There are around 2500 herbalists in the UK. So, if you are trying to find a local registered herbalist, doing an internet search will likely give you some options. Google helps out a bit and offers you a "herbalist near me" search. Click this, and you might even have a list of websites for local practitioners. But, how do you choose? This article will explain how.
Herbal medicine and homeopathy have similarities but they are not the same. They differ in both the remedy itself and also in how we choose the remedy. Let me explain...
As a herbalist, I regularly see patients with acne and help them to achieve clearer skin. In this post, I discuss my acne free diet plan. This plan includes my general dietary recommendations that I find to help reduce acne outbreaks.
Nikki has an honours degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of Wales (College of Phytotherapy). This was followed by a course in Nutritional Medicine from the University of Surrey, where she was awarded a postgraduate diploma. She is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH) and the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (MCPP). Nikki is also a registered naturopath and acupuncturist.
Consultations are available online or in person at the Holistic Health Centre, Oakham.
Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists MNIMH, the largest body of western herbalists in the UK.
Member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy MCPP, a professional herbalist membership organisation with the highest standards in clinical practice.
Approved to use the Herbmark symbol by the European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners.
The GNC is the body that sets the standards for naturopaths in the UK.
The ANP is the leading professional association representing practitioners of naturopathy, such as naturopathic nutritionists, medical herbalists, homeopaths and acupuncturists.
I am a qualified herbal medicine practitioner and acupuncturist. Continually adding to my knowledge and continuing professional development is important to me. So, I have trained with several institutions in functional medicine.
Here you can find out more about my clinical training and credentials.
In many ways, functional medicine principles are the same as those used in alternative medicine practices such as naturopathy and traditional herbalism. We are looking for the underlying causes or perpetuating factors of ill health. And, then we address these issues and try to resolve them.
As a herbalist and functional therapy practitioner, I believe that ensuring adequate rest, purpose in life and social connection is vital for my patients.
Get in touch to find out more!
Studied Women's Functional and Integrative Medicine Professional Training Program, at The New Medicine for Women Institute
Graduate of the Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice Course, with the Institute of Functional Medicine.
Completed the Advanced Diagnostics and Personalised Treatment Level One Course at the Kresser Institute for Functional and Evolutionary Medicine
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