Category: Herbal Medicine

More people now rediscover the gentle yet effective healing power of herbal medicine in our fast-paced world. At Lismore Clinic, we see patients benefit daily from this ancient healing tradition that remains remarkably relevant for today’s health challenges.

What Is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine uses plants and plant extracts to treat and prevent disease. Many pharmaceutical companies base modern drugs on isolated or synthesised plant compounds. In contrast, herbal medicine employs the entire plant with all its natural constituents. This holistic approach allows active components to work in harmony with other plant compounds. The result? Enhanced effectiveness with fewer side effects.

Though often labelled “alternative” or “complementary,” herbal medicine stands as the most widely practised form of medicine globally. Over 80% of the world’s population relies on herbs for their healthcare needs.

The Scientific Evidence

Research Validates Traditional Knowledge

Irish healers have used herbal remedies for thousands of years. Modern scientific research now validates what these traditional practitioners have always known. Advanced research methods confirm both the safety and effectiveness of many herbal preparations. This creates a valuable bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary healthcare.

Evidence-Based Practice at Lismore Clinic

Our Medical Herbalists combine traditional knowledge with current scientific understanding. We develop treatment plans that address both symptoms and their underlying causes for lasting health benefits.

Common Conditions We Treat

Herbal medicine offers remarkable versatility. Our practitioners successfully treat patients with:

Pain Management

• Headaches and migraines – Using herbs that target both pain and underlying triggers
• Chronic pain conditions – Effective approaches to arthritis and fibromyalgia

Mental Wellbeing

• Mood support – Natural remedies for depression and anxiety
• Sleep solutions – Herbal options to improve sleep quality without side effects

Respiratory Health

• Breathing better – Targeted treatments for asthma and sinusitis
• Immune support – Herbs that reduce recurrent infections

Heart and Circulation

• Vascular health – Herbal approaches to poor circulation and varicose veins
• Heart support – Complementary care for conditions like angina

Digestive Comfort

• Gut healing – Gentle relief for IBS and other digestive complaints
• Regular function – Natural solutions for constipation and digestive imbalances

Women’s Health

• Hormonal balance – Support for irregular periods and PMS
• Fertility enhancement – Herbs that improve reproductive health
• Menopause care – Relief from hot flashes and other symptoms

Men’s Health

• Prostate health – Natural approaches to prostate enlargement

Skin Health

• Clear skin solutions – Healing remedies for eczema and acne
• Anti-inflammatory options – Topical and internal treatments for skin conditions

Cancer Support

• Complementary care – Herbs that manage symptoms and support conventional treatments

Your Consultation Journey

First Visit Experience

Your herbal medicine journey begins with a thorough initial consultation. This one-hour session allows you to discuss your health concerns in detail. Our Medical Herbalist will:

• Take your comprehensive medical history
• Ask about your current lifestyle
• Explore other aspects affecting your health
• Conduct physical examinations when needed
• Arrange any necessary additional testing

Follow-Up Care

We schedule shorter follow-up consultations every 2-4 weeks initially. These visits help us monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan.

Your Custom Treatment Plan

Tailored Just for You

We create deeply individualised treatment plans instead of standardised protocols. Your unique health profile guides every recommendation we make.

Comprehensive Support

Your personalised plan includes:

• Custom herbal formulations – We primarily use convenient tinctures
• Additional formats – Tablets, teas, or creams when appropriate
• Dietary guidance – Specific food recommendations to support healing
• Nutritional advice – Targeted supplements to complement herbal treatment
• Lifestyle strategies – Practical steps to enhance overall wellbeing

All our prescribed medicines require minimal preparation. You’ll find them easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Our Expert Medical Herbalists

Advanced Training

Our Medical Herbalists train in the same diagnostic techniques as conventional doctors. They also bring a holistic perspective to your healthcare. This approach helps identify and address root causes rather than simply masking symptoms.

Safety First

Our qualified practitioners recognise potential interactions between herbal and conventional medicines. This expertise ensures your treatment plan remains both safe and effective. They also know when a condition requires referral to another healthcare provider, making them valuable members of your overall healthcare team.

Professional Standards

All Lismore Clinic Medical Herbalists hold membership in the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH). This credential reflects their professional qualifications and commitment to the highest standards of practice.

Affordable Options

Student Training Clinics

We believe everyone deserves access to herbal medicine. That’s why we host student training clinics approximately once monthly on Saturdays. These sessions offer:

• Free consultations with final-year herbal medicine students
• Observation by other advanced students
• Patients pay only for their medicines

This creates an excellent opportunity for those who might otherwise find herbal medicine financially out of reach.

Start Your Herbal Medicine Journey

Do you struggle with a chronic condition? Seek preventive care? Feel curious about natural approaches to wellness? Herbal medicine offers a gentle yet powerful path to better health.

Contact Marie Reilly, our Medical Herbalist at Lismore Clinic, at 058 53200 or 087 9345910 to learn more or schedule your consultation.

Existing patients: Order repeat prescriptions by calling 058 53200. We dispense prescriptions on Tuesdays and Fridays. Collection available between 2:30-5:00 pm, with alternative arrangements by request.