Herbal remedies Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
Answers to questions about herbal remedies
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What qualifications does a herbal practitioner need?
- How much does the treatment cost?
- How many treatment sessions will I need?
What qualifications does a herbal practitioner need?
It's important that you find a trained practitioner who is registered with a professional body. At the moment, anyone in the UK can call themselves a herbal practitioner or herbalist, even if they don't have professional qualifications or experience.
Explanation
There are a number of complementary therapies that use herbs as remedies including Western herbal medicine and Chinese herbal medicine. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) are the two main regulatory and registering bodies for herbal medicine in the UK.
NIMH is the main organisation for medical herbal practitioners in the UK. Members are required to complete a BSc degree in herbal medicine at an accredited college or university. The degree course involves 500 hours of supervised clinical training and theory-based work. Members of NIMH must carry out a continuing professional development programme to ensure that they maintain a high standard of practice. Medical herbalists are qualified to understand which herbs interact with conventional medicines.
RCHM is the professional body for Chinese herbal medicine in the UK. Members of RCHM must complete a course in Chinese herbal medicine at a college affiliated to the RCHM, or pass an application and interview process if they have graduated from a course overseas. Members are required to follow the RCHM code of ethics and use herbal products from suppliers who have been approved by RCHM. Members must follow a continuing professional development programme to maintain their knowledge and skills.
It's important that you find a qualified practitioner as some herbs may interact with conventional medicines. Although herbs are natural, they can still result in serious side-effects if used incorrectly. Side-effects are the unwanted, but mostly mild and temporary effects of a successful treatment.
Members of the NIMH can give you advice on any potential interaction between herbs and your conventional medicines. They will also know about common adverse reactions to some herbs. Let your GP know that you're planning to use herbal remedies too so that he or she can tell you about potential interactions with any medicines you're taking.
Further information
- National Institute of Medical Herbalists
01392 426022
www.nimh.org.uk - Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine
01603 623994
www.rchm.co.uk
Sources
- Report to Ministers from the Department of Health steering group on the statutory regulation of practitioners of acupuncture, herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional medicine systems practised in the UK. Department of Health www.dh.gov.uk, 2008
- Safety of herbal medicinal products. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. www.mhra.gov.uk, 2002
- The provision and practise of herbal medicine in the UK. National Institute of Medical Herbalists. www.nimh.org.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
- A potted history of herbal medicine. National Institute of Medical Herbalists. www.nimh.org.uk, accessed January 28 2009
- Continuing professional development programme. National Institute of Medical Herbalists. www.nimh.org.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
- Well versed in plant medicines. National Institute of Medical Herbalists. www.nimh.org.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
- Home. Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine. www.rchm.co.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
- How can I train in Chinese herbal medicine? Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine. www.rchm.co.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
- Frequently asked questions. Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine. www.rchm.co.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
How much does the treatment cost?
There are no fixed prices for treatment or herbs. The cost will vary depending on the individual practitioner, the number of herbs prescribed and where you receive your treatment in the UK.
Explanation
Ask your practitioner about the cost of treatment when you book your appointment. He or she will talk you through the cost in your initial consultation after assessing your condition and deciding which herbs to prescribe.
Your first consultation will usually cost between £40 and £60 for an hour. You may have follow-up appointments every two to three weeks to review your progress. These appointments are shorter so will cost less, usually around £30.
Further information
- Cancer Research UK
0808 800 4040
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
Sources
- Herbal Medicine: for a naturally healthy life. National Institute of Medical Herbalists. www.nimh.org.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
- Herbal medicine. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
- About Chinese herbal medicine. Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine. www.rchm.co.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
How many treatment sessions will I need?
There is no standard course of treatment and the number of sessions you will need depends on your health condition.
Explanation
The number of sessions you will need depends on your current symptoms and how long you've had the condition. It will also depend on the severity of your condition and how your condition progresses with the treatment.
Your practitioner will review your progress regularly throughout your treatment to give you an idea of the length of treatment he or she thinks you will need. Some herbs may take longer to have an effect on the body than conventional medicines so you might not see an improvement in your condition for weeks or months - your herbal practitioner will be able to advise you. Take this information into account when thinking about the cost of your treatment.
Further information
- National Institute of Medical Herbalists
01392 426022
www.nimh.org.uk
Sources
- Herbal medicine. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
- How long will herbal treatment take? National Institute of Medical Herbalists. www.nimh.org.uk, accessed 29 January 2009
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2009
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