Ruth Chapman no longer works from Only Natural
and can be contacted on 087 9649910 for appointments.
Ruth Chapman has worked as a Medical Herbalist in Wexford for many years now and has deservedly built up an outstanding reputation in her field. We frequently refer customers to Ruth. Although we have a basic herbal knowledge and sell many highly effective over the counter herbal remedies our understanding of herbs can’t match that of someone like Ruth who has undergone four years of rigorous study to become a practicing Medical Herbalist. We’re delighted to announce that Ruth will be offering free monthly consultations in Only Natural starting on 7th February. This is your chance to find out if Medical Herbalism might benefit you. Read on for Ruth’s own story.
Ruth’s Story
Herbal Medicine is the oldest and yet the newest form of health care. People have been using herbs for thousands of years and still today globally it is the most practiced form of medicine. Scientific research produces evidence on a daily basis of the effectiveness of herbs, affirming what age-old wisdom and experience has known for millennia. Herbal Medicine works!
My interest in Herbal Medicine stems from a love of plants, which I learned from my father, and from my longstanding commitment to natural health. The two came together for me in Herbal Medicine; it was a perfect match! I feel privileged to have attended the greatly respected Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, where, alongside high educational standards, there was a true commitment to the essence of herbal medicine – The Plants. We were lucky to be taught by the top herbalists in the UK. The degree was four years full time study, and while it was exhausting, demanding and challenging, it was also very thorough and inspiring.
Our studies included both the conventional medical training of anatomy, physiology, disease and diagnosis along with a rich training in both the science and tradition of herbal medicine with great emphasis on the energetics of herbs and the constitution of the person.
The Wexford Herbal Medicine Clinic is based on the outskirts of Wexford town where I see people of all ages from babies to the elderly with a huge variety of conditions. Just to give you some example of the typical problems people may come to the clinic with, there are digestive problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, reflux or heartburn and IBS; women’s health concerns, in particular menopause, fertility issues, period problems, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. I also see patients with recurring infections such as cystitis and chest infections, as well as skin problems such as leg ulcers, acne, eczema and psoriasis. Very often patients come to me with problems of insomnia, depression and anxiety.
Some of my patients need to take conventional medicine for their conditions. Part of my training as a Medical Herbalist enables me to safely prescribe herbs to patients who are taking medication, often for long-term conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or serious illnesses including cancer. People come for help in managing such conditions and also for help with side effects of the drugs they have to take.
I use only whole herbs in my practice, which are safe, effective and avoid the side effects that often cause problems with conventional medicine. Generally herbs are dispensed as liquid medicine (tinctures) or teas. I make tinctures from herbs I have grown or gathered, as well as those from high quality suppliers committed to organic production and sustainable harvesting practices. Every prescription is made individually for each patient, generally containing six to nine herbs in a tincture or four to five dried herbs in a tea. I choose herbs for a patient because of their actions, their use in a particular condition, and the constitution of the individual person.
If you would like a free mini consultation with Ruth or meet with her to see if Herbal Medicine would be helpful, drop into Only Natural on 7th February from 11am to 1pm or call 053 9123236 to book a slot. You can also contact Ruth on
087 9649910
