Nikki Hawkes

Medical Herbalist

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functional medicine

What’s the difference between herbal medicine and homeopathy

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Herbal medicine and homeopathy have similarities but they are not the same. They differ in both the remedy itself and also in how the remedy is chosen. Let me explain…

Herbal medicine

Herbal remedies can be either the medicinal plant material itself or an extract produced from it. In some cases, the remedy might be a whole plant including the leaves, stems and roots. More often a remedy is from a specific part of the plant such as the flowers, bark, leaves, berries, seeds or roots. For example, elderflowers, willow bark, peppermint leaves, goji berries, fennel seeds and dandelion roots are all herbal medicines.

So, how do we use these plants to make herbal medicine? We can sometimes extract the herbs with just water, as in making a herbal tea, infusion or decoction. Or, we can make a tincture using a mixture of alcohol and water. There are other herbal preparations but as a herbalist, the herbal infusions and tinctures are the extracts I use most often. [Read more…] about What’s the difference between herbal medicine and homeopathy

Are group appointments the answer to the healthcare crisis?

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The BBC recently reported a story about the success of group appointments within the NHS. The article said that both patients and GPs benefited. Patients enjoyed peer support. And, GPs said they saved time and did not need to repeat their advice. But are group appointments really the answer to our healthcare crisis? [Read more…] about Are group appointments the answer to the healthcare crisis?

Why you should consider DUTCH hormone testing

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Since I work with people with complex heath issues, I sometimes suggest appropriate lab testing. This can include hormone testing. The test results can really help to identify underlying causes of chronic illness. When it comes to formulating a treatment protocol for you I believe it is better to test, than to guess.

Hormone testing can be useful for men and women. I’m talking here about the reproductive and adrenal hormones. The hormone testing I use in my practice is the DUTCH test. DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. This unique testing was developed by the lab Precision Analytical, in the US. It is simply the best hormone testing available. Providing a complete assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites.

Why are these hormones important?

Hormones are chemical messengers in the body. They are present in tiny amounts. Yet they co-ordinate and regulate the important body processes such as reproduction, sleep and immune function. [Read more…] about Why you should consider DUTCH hormone testing

Functional herbal therapy – because prevention is better than cure

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For thousands of years, humans have used plants for medicine. A tradition passed down through families and folklore. Though herbal remedies are still the sole source of medication in part of the world. Some might believe that in a first world country we don’t need such simple remedies anymore. But the truth is that herbal remedies are still very much in demand. I offer functional herbal therapy because my patients recognise that plants offer, for the most part, safe and gentle medicine. And, sometimes gentle medicine is enough.  [Read more…] about Functional herbal therapy – because prevention is better than cure