Buy your prescription tincture blend here. Select the size that you need. At 5ml three times a day: 100ml will last a...
Ease and relax your hardworking joints and muscles. Napiers warming cream is used to comfort muscles, joints, backs a...
Quick moisturising relief from dry, irritated, itchy skin. Moisturises and soothes dry, itchy skin Cools and calms h...
A Cooling, Soothing, Calming Eye Cream for Itchy and Puffy Eyes. Cooling, refreshing, and soothing to puffy, irrit...
A complete blend of friendly bacteria, vitamin D, digestive enzymes & prebiotic fibres
Buy your prescription herbal tea blend here. Select the size that you need. Please enter the following into the Comme...
An Introduction to Essential Oils Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are obtained through steam distillation, cold pressing, or other methods. These oils are known for their distinct aromas and therapeutic properties, and ...
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We offer a wide range of high-quality aromatherapy and essential oils, carefully curated from aromatic plants and known for their therapeutic properties. Our collection includes pure essential oils, fragrance oils, carrier oils, and bath oils, amo...
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At Napiers, we are committed to supporting women at every stage of their lives. We understand the unique health needs and challenges that women face, from reproductive health and menstrual health to fertility and pregnancy, hormonal health, and me...
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Managing stress, sleep, and mood are crucial aspects of maintaining overall well-being and mental health. At Napiers, we understand the impact that these factors can have on our customers' lives and offer a range of herbal and natural products to ...
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Alan is a fully qualified Five Element Acupuncturist and has been practising this wonderful system of medicine at Napiers Clinic in the West End of Glasgow for the past 18 years.
Angela practices Herbal Medicine at Napiers Bathgate, Edinburgh & Glasgow, as well as with the Napiers CLAID Clinic.
Audrey is a Medical Herbalist, graduating in 2007 with a BSc (Hons) in Herbal Medicine & Phytotherapy from Edinburgh’s Napier University and is a registered member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH). Audrey is a practicing member within the Napiers CLAID Clinic.
As a fully qualified, experienced Holistic Therapist, Bettina works with clients on a one-to-one basis to establish an optimal treatment plan or therapy to best support your skin health and well-being.
Cat offers a range of massage including holistic, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, advanced sports stretching and pregnancy massge.
Claire is an experienced Western Medical Herbalist (BSc), a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) and works at Napiers online clinic.
Clare is an experienced medical herbalist based in the West Highlands of Scotland, home to deer, livestock, ticks, and Lyme disease. She works for the Napier's CLAID clinic on a Thursday morning.
Clare began training at Edinburgh’s Napier University in 2005, gaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Herbal Medicine in 2009. She joined the Napiers Clinic team shortly after her graduation, initially working in the dispensary before beginning her herbal practice in 2010. Since then she has been a key member of our clinical team, working alongside Dee Atkinson in running the general herbal clinics, as well as heading the Baby & Child Clinic.
Cybele is a passionate Sophrologist and founder of Chamapola, Healing Yourself - Healing Together.
Dean is a Naturopathic Practitioner experienced in Nutrition and Herbal Medicine. With interests in nerve problems, cardiovascular health, digestive disorders as well as male and female reproductive system wellbeing.
Dee is the senior herbal practitioner at Napiers the Herbalists in Edinburgh. She runs a general medicine clinic with a special interest in women’s health, managing hormonal health and ageing. More recently, Dee set up the Napiers Long Covid Clinic to facilitate an integrated approach between doctors, herbalists and nutritionist to this new disease.
Isabelle has over 20 years helping individuals and couples achieve their fertility goals through nutrition.
Jill is a fully qualified and insured Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist offering Outcome Based Treatments
John is a friendly and experienced counsellor offering 1-1 sessions on Fridays at Napiers Clinic in Edinburgh city centre and online via FaceTime/Skype. He has worked in private practice supporting people for over 18 years and brings a wealth of experience.
Kate is a BANT registered Nutritionist who owns and runs the Edinburgh Clinic of Nutrition. She trained for three and a half years at Patrick Holford's renowned Institute of Optimum Nutrition in London and is currently studying with The Institute of Functional Medicine in the US.
Kim is qualified in Aromatherapy Massage and Indian Head Massage. Working with the needs of her massage clients led to a deeper interest in their health and Kim studied the BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine degree at Napier University, Edinburgh. Kim is one of the lead herbalists within the Napiers CLAID Clinic and sees many patients.
Kirstin is a fully qualified member of the Society of Homeopaths and holds an RSHom distinction in Classical Homeopathy. Kirstin qualified from the Northwest College of Homeopathy's four-year training course in Manchester.
Lynn is a registered osteopath and has been practicing osteopathy for nineteen years. She studied osteopathy and cranial sacral therapy at the European School of Osteopathy and graduated in 1991. Lynn has a background in physiotherapy and is trained in structural, craniosacral, functional, fascial and visceral osteopathy.
Malgorzata graduated from the College of Naturopathic Medicine where she studied Western Herbal Medicine and Naturopathic Nutrition /Diplomas in Herbal Medicine (2017), Naturopathy (2017), and Naturopathic Nutrition (2020). She is also qualified in KORE Therapy, Anmo-fu - 5 Element Abdominal Massage, Craniosacral Balance and Stress Release Therapy and Cupping. Her first degree is a PhD in History.
Margaret practices Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy at Napiers Edinburgh.
Mark runs the podiatry clinic, offering diagnosis and treatment of various disorders relating to the feet, ankles, legs and lower back. He offers podiatry, chiropody, orthotics and nail surgery.
Mary is a qualified therapist in Swedish, Indian and Thai Foot Massage.
Mary trained in Edinburgh, and has been working as a complementary therapist since 1999, holding diplomas in Clinical Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Therapeutic Massage and Hopi Ear Candling gained from the International Therapy Examinations Council (ITEC). She is a member of, and is fully insured to practice with, the Complementary Therapists Association (CThA).
Melissa qualified from Middlesex University in 2000. She runs a general herbal practice from her boat, The Herbal Barge, which is based on the river Lea in North London. Melissa joined the CLAID Clinic Co-operative to work collaboratively in an integrated and specialised context to support patients with long covid.
Mike is a body worker and NLP Practitioner who is passionate about working with the person as a whole; offering treatments that integrate body and mind.
Monica has a Masters degree in herbal medicine from the University of Central Lancashire. She is the research herbalist heading up the Napiers CLAID Clinic. The CLAID Clinic specialism is Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi and co-infections - crypto-infections Bartonella, Babesia, Rickettsia, Erlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasma, etc. A research herbalist is not the same as a medical herbalist and Monica does not run a general clinical practice. This allows her to focus on Lyme disease and bacterial and viral infections.
Natasha is an experienced and qualified medical herbalist in Western herbal medicine, a forager and mycotherapist. As well as practicing as part of Napiers' general herbal medicine practice, she also sees patients as part of the CLAID Clinic.
Nikki was awarded a first class honours degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of East London and trained at clinics in Glasgow and London. She was also awarded the Arthur Barker prize for her final examination grades. Nikki also has ITEC Diplomas in Holistic Massage and Aromatherapy. She is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists which is the UK’s leading professional body representing herbal practitioners. NIMH members follow a strict code of conduct and are committed to ongoing and continual practitioner development and training.
Ona Madorell is a qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist, graduating with distinction from the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM). She has further enhanced her expertise through a course in blood test interpretation and a postgraduate program focused on the microbiome.
Pearlyn is a licensed acupuncturist and a registered member of the Acupuncture Society, and is fully insured to practice acupuncture, tuina, cupping and moxibustion.
Rebecca is an Associate Nutritionist, specialising in gut health and women's health, from hormone imbalance to fertility, pregnancy and beyond.
Sara is qualified Medical Herbalist, Ayurvedic Therapist and Yoga teacher, holding an MSc. in Western Herbal Medicine from Middlesex University.
Satya trained at the School of Natural Medicine where she graduated with a Diploma in Healing Diets and additional immersion studies in Herbal Medicine, Healing Diets, Iridology & Naturopathy, Quantum Botanicals and Flower Essences. Satya has a Nonviolent Communication Leadership Certificate with Bay NVC and an MA in European Dance Theatre Practice from Trinity Laban.
Sheila is a Holistic Therapist who qualified in KCR in 2019 with the KCR Academy. After a long career in retail, an ankle injury led her to seek an alternative approach to healing.
Shona has worked at Napiers Clinic for 30 years where she has picked up a wealth of knowledge about various complementary therapies. She trained as a Food Sensitivity tester with The Health Partnership Company, where she was taught how to use the 3 point marker system.
Thanos is an experienced Medical Herbalist and practises as a Herbalist and Orthopaedic Acupuncturist at Napiers in Edinburgh and at Napiers Bathgate.
Wendy qualified in 2002 with a BSc(Hons) in Phytotherapy. Since then she has practiced in Fife, Angus and the Lothians. She is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.
Over the last few years many patients have approached us, looking for alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. The onset of the menopause can bring with it a lot of unpleasant symptoms, and the ones that often persuade women to take hormone re...
Over the last few years I have seen many many patients who are looking for alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. The onset of the menopause can bring with it a lot of unpleasant symptoms, and the ones that often persuade women to take hormone replacement are hot flushes and mood swings.
Varying in intensity from mild episodes of heat to extreme fluctuations in temperature and sweating they can make ones life miserable. At the other end of the scale the most common reason for women to want to come off their hormone replacement is worry about the possible side effects of the drugs, especially if they have been on them for over five years and unhappiness with the weight gain that often goes hand in hand with hormone replacement.
Many of my patients are directly referred to me by their doctor, this has been increasing over the years as Herbal Medicine has moved more into the realm of main stream medicine, and the worries about HRT have increased. The decision on whether or not to take hormone replacement needs to be made by the patient themselves in discussion with their doctor or herbal practitioner.
There are certain foods that can help to ease menopause symptoms. The buzz word here is ‘phyto oestrogen’. These are plants and even foods that have oestrogen like actions. Their chemical structure resembles that of oestrogen, but is not identical. They are able to occupy oestrogen receptors in the body with out actually activating them. A bit like putting a key in a lock but being unable to turn it.
Soya, linseeds, beans and pluses are some foods that exhibit these properties. Liquorice, Red clover and Sage are plants that also exhibit these properties. By combining herbs such as these, making dietary changes and using gentle hormone regulators such as Vitex agnus castus the herbalist is able to tailor make the prescription for the patient.
Exercise and diet are important parts of everyone’s health care, and this is especially important for women going through the change of life. Exercise helps to keep the weight under control, the cardio vascular system healthy and helps prevent osteoporosis. This is a time when many women can feel particularly low and unable to motivate themselves to exercise and eat healthily.
Qualified practitioners will be able to help women work out a treatment plan that includes all aspects of the problem and will use natural remedies to help the body through what is after all a very natural process. The length of time one needs to take herbs for can vary. The majority of my menopause patients are on herbs form anywhere between 6 to 18 months.
In the early days, when they are peri-menopausal, we often find that a few months of herbs will correct the problems and we then have a good spell symptom free spell. Often herbs regulate the cycle and the peri-menopausal symptoms are eased The longer the gaps between periods, we often find that menopause symptoms become more pronounced. One is not considered menopausal until a year has elapsed since their last period.
Menopause symptoms are varied, and can include, hot flushes and night sweats, mood swings, forgetfulness changes in the texture of skin and hair, palpitations, anxiety, sleeplessness, weight gain, joint pains, vaginal dryness and lack of libido. These symptoms can come and go, and they don’t all happen at the same time. It can be a confusing time and often a time when women have other stresses with teenage children and elderly relatives to care for. Herbal formulas, as prescribed by a herbal practitioner are built for the individual and can have a profoundly beneficial effect.
One word of caution. Just as one would never take hormone replacement with out first consulting their doctor, only embark on a course of herbs after consultation with a qualified practitioner. If you are on HRT and want to stop, do consult a herbal practitioner before you stop.
If you have undergone treatment for cancer and are wanting to use herbs, you must never try and self treat. I help many women who have undergone cancer treatment to manage their health, and we can use herbs to reduce menopause symptoms, but we do need to make sure that we use the correct herbs. Many herbs are contraindicated in this situation.
SELF-TREATMENT
If you are experiencing the symptoms of menopause and prefer to try an across the counter remedy first, here are some suggestions:
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SAGE |
Sage is one of the first supplements to try for menopausal hot flushes and night sweats. It has a cooling drying action and contains plant oestrogens. It not only reduces sweats but also helps the body adapt to the hormonal changes involved. It has a long history of use as a nerve tonic, calming and stimulating the nervous system. Cold sage tea is also great to use in the summer months. Sage is available as a liquid tincture supplement either on its own or as part of a blend. |
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VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS
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This is of most use in treating menopausal symptoms which exist prior to the cessation of menstruation. It has a hormone balancing action and is best taken in the morning when the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in the brain is most active as it will have the best hormonal influence at this time. It is, to date, the only herb with a progesterone–type activity. Vitex may also help with migraines linked to the menstrual cycle. Vitex is usually used when there are still menstrual periods. Vitex is available as a liquid supplement or as licensed herbal tablets. |
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ST JOHNS WORT
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This is a very useful herb for menopause. It is of particular use for symptoms of low mood or anxiety which are common in menopausal women. Interestingly, St Johns wort has been show to reduce hot flushes. St Johns wort is available in capsule or liquid form, either on its own or as part of a blend, or as licensed herbal tablets. Caution – contraindicated with a number of medications please consult product leaflet or label for full list. |
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BLACK COHOSH AND SAGE |
This is a formula that I developed for women who have uncomplicated menopause symptoms. It is a gentle formula that will support the management of a number of menopause symptoms. Black cohosh for hormone balance; Sage to reduce flushing; St Johns Wort for mood swings; Clivers for cooling and lymphatic help; and Red Clover for its hormone balancing properties. Available as a liquid supplement. |
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HEMP OIL |
Hemp oil provides the essential fatty acids, omega 3,6, and 9. It can be used during the menopause to combat the dry skin that is often experienced when oestrogen levels fall. A good vegetarian alternative to fish oils. |
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VITAMIN E
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This is a useful supplement for menopausal women, with 400iu daily of vitamin E recommended to combat hot flushing. It is also beneficial for dry skin complaints, including vaginal dryness, and can protect the heart and the arteries by keeping vessel walls clear of fats. Finally, because it is an antioxidant, it is useful in combating the signs of ageing. |