Welcome to Verbena Herbal Clinic
Located in Glanmire, Cork, the clinic is run by Ewa, a Medical Herbalist, and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.
Herbal medicine is an ancient natural health system and today most of the world’s population (over 80%) still use plants as their primary source of medicines. Plants are both our food and our medicine.
“And may we ever have gratitude in hearts that the great Creator in all His glory has placed the herbs in the field for our healing.”
Edward Bach
About
Ewa Rafalowska
Medical HerbalistHerbs were always present in my life. However, it was only when I became a mother that I became deeply interested in them and their medicinal properties. I wanted to give my children the best care possible, leading as natural a lifestyle as possible. I once made a cough syrup for my son who had nighttime cough fits. He stopped coughing and was able to fall back asleep within 15 minutes of taking the syrup. I was amazed!
This led me to start studying the Herbal Medicine Professional Course at Heartwood Education. During my studies, I did 500 hours of clinical training with some of the best herbalists in Ireland. I am also a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the oldest institution of herbalists in the UK. Members of that professional body must have degree-level training in herbal medicine, adhere to a strict code of ethics and undertake continuous professional development.
Besides running my own clinic, I also work as a medical herbalist at Roscore Clinic in Blueball, Tullamore.
Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine, an ancient practice, is the oldest medicine known to us. It is a very safe plant-based medicine which treats the root causes of a wide range of health conditions from acute illnesses to chronic ailments. Medical herbalist approaches patients’ ailments in a holistic way, looking both at physical and psychological aspects of human health. Herbal medicine is suitable for people of any age, including children and the elderly.
Medical herbalists use whole plant extracts, ensuring synergistic actions between all chemical compounds in the plant. A great example of that synergy is the dandelion leaf. The leaf is a diuretic and as with all diuretics, we lose potassium in our urine. However, the leaf is a very rich source of the mineral, thus preventing deficiency.
Herbs are gentle for our bodies; they support and nourish us and gently nudge our bodies back towards a healthy balance, with very few side effects.
Herbal medicine treats the root causes and body imbalances and not just the symptoms. When the internal flow of the energy in the body is obstructed, disease occurs. Herbs are here to restore the ease of flow.
Herbal remedies can be taken alongside conventional medicines, as the medical herbalist is trained to appropriately prescribe herbs which will not interact with conventional medications.
Consultation
The first consultation lasts about one hour. During this time the patient has time and space to talk and to be heard. The medical herbalist is dedicated to listening to the patient’s medical history (including both their physical and emotional issues) to unveil the root causes of the disease.
The patient will be asked questions about their presenting complaint, past medical history, family history, diet, exercise, and review of all body systems and drugs he/she is currently taking. Patients are asked to bring a list of their current medications. This is done to avoid any possible herb-drug interaction when tailoring herbal prescriptions. Where relevant with the patient’s permission a physical examination will be performed. Following this, diet and lifestyle modifications will be suggested to support the long-term well-being of the patient.
When needed, a follow-up consultation will take place 2-4 weeks after the initial consultation. This is to monitor the progress of the treatment, provide any additional information, and answer any questions the patient may have. Herbal prescription can also be modified depending on the needs of the patient.
Herbal consultations are offered in the following areas:
- Seasonal and infectious diseases
- Digestive problems
- Allergies
- Children’s health
- Women’s health
- Men’s health
- Skin and joint diseases
- Fatigue and debility
- Inflammatory and auto-immune diseases
- Cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems.
Fees
* Please be advised that the cost of the medicine will be added on top of the consultation fee.
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Adults
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- € 75
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for the first consultation.
€50
for the follow-up visit.
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Children (under 16)
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- € 60
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for the first consultation.
€45
for the follow-up visit.
Cost of herbs
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Dried herbs
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- € 6 per 50g
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Tinctures
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- € 18-€23 per week
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Oils and creams
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- € 15 per 100ml
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Capsules
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- € 0.25 per capsule