There are different ways to approach the intricate task of choosing the right herbs.

Methods vary depending on the tradition a herbalist has studied, and herbalists also develop their own style over their years of practice. I trained in Ayurvedic herbalism before I completed my Medical Herbalism qualification and I use a blended approach of my training over the years to find the best treatment for each patient.

I take a detailed consultation to learn about the person's health in every area, and to gather information about possible relationships between symptoms. I also use diagnostics such as manually taking blood pressure, physical examination and pulse and tongue diagnosis, and I might recommend we arrange private blood tests.

I often decide on two or three key herbs that I want to include in a prescription and then I will add supporting herbs that either enhance or complement these herbs. I always make sure I have given some attention to the liver, the kidneys, the gut and the nervous system.

I think about the actions of plant constituents, but also about energetics. Is there a hot or a cold quality to the patient’s presentation. Is there ungroundedness, dryness or overactivity (Vata)? Which herbs could be used to balance these qualities? Which herbs intuitively come to my mind? When this happens, they have usually popped into my head for a good reason!

I may choose herbs that address several issues at once. For example, if someone has muscular tension and is feeling stressed and anxious and struggling to sleep, I might give them valerian or some skullcap in a formula of other supporting herbs. I am also always thinking about root causes. There might be an inflammatory skin condition, but it is important to make sure the liver and kidneys are working properly to allow the skin to clear.

For me, herbalism is an art as well as a science, and I enjoy both the creative processes of coming up with prescriptions and making medicines and also the research and calculations of dosage and analysis of blood tests that are all important aspects of the work of a medical herbalist.