The Philosophy

At the heart of the practice of herbal medicine is the understanding that, given the removal of obstacles and the right support, the body has an incredible, sometimes almost miraculous ability to heal itself from injury and illness.

The effect of taking herbal medicines, especially when a problem has been long-standing, is to slowly but surely build a tonic, healing response from within. This focus is far removed from simply treating symptoms; largely the role of allopathic drugs, which are often more appropriate for short periods of time in acute need.

The correct herbs, used at full strength, can have a phenomenal effect on your health. You will be taking the highest quality herbal medicines available; given their great history along with the many validations of modern research they deserve the confidence that they will make a positive impact on your health.

The medicines

For all the tremendous history and heritage of herbal medicine, we have never been as well resourced as we are in modern times. Without any exaggeration, Richard Whelan has gone to enormous lengths over the years to ensure that his clinic dispensary and storeroom are stocked with the highest quality herbal medicines. Mail-order supplements and health-store herbs do many people well and have a place; however they just can't be compared to what can be achieved with expert treatment.

In recent times Richard has been manufacturing some of his own herbal extracts using methods both old and new. He makes some tinctures the old way, according to moon cycles, and is also the first herbalist in New Zealand to be using the equipment pictured on the right from Eden Labs in the US. This unit enables a deep extraction of certain herbs that has been unequalled by anything he has seen previously.

For each individual patient, along with the diet and lifestyle changes they may need to make, a unique treatment course is selected from hundreds of the best natural remedies from around the world. Professional herbal medicine allows for a potency, targeting and depth of effect that is simply in a different class.

Length of Treatment

Remember that herbs do not suppress the symptoms of illness; rather they help the body to heal itself. Herbs are generally slower than drugs to affect changes but their long-term benefits can also be much greater. In many cases the effects are gradual and accumulative, which means that the longer you take herbal medicines the better they work.

Having said that, it must be noted that many people report feeling the action of their herbal medicines very rapidly. Often after a short while of taking herbs people begin to feel an improvement in their overall vitality and general well being, an excellent sign that the body has engaged in the healing process of self-repair.

There is usually a follow up visit arranged within a few weeks of the initial appointment to see that the right changes are already taking place and to make whatever adjustments are necessary.