Dee Atkinson

BA(Hons) FNIMH Medical Herbalist

Fellow of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Associate of The Royal Society of Medicine

• Herbal Medicine
• Lyme Disease
• Long COVID Clinic

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.

APPROACH TO TREATMENT

I take an eclectic and wide ranging approach to health and to both assessing and working with my patients. I have learnt that there is no one answer or way to good health, but rather many inter-linking paths and crossovers. I have trained in orthodox medical science and clinical diagnosis but also have an understanding that illness has both a physical and an 'energy' side. I take time with my patients to work on both the presenting symptoms and the possible underlying causes. I will often ask for copies of blood work, or arrange for further testes to be done. I know that flexibility and understanding are needed when working with complex health situations and there is rarely a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I often use different modalities such as nutrition and lifestyle advice and working within a multidisciplinary clinic means that patients have the benefit of access to other therapists and I often cross refer where appropriate.

Ill health and disease are often the expression of internal imbalance. In many cases, we do not fully understand the mechanisms that lead to this imbalance, sometimes seeking help for one physical problem, such as a rash for example, when the real issue comes from an internal imbalance. I always look beyond the presenting complaint to try to understand this imbalance: it might come from the gut microbiome for instance, or it could be an inherited pathway or perhaps be driven by stress. The true aim of a herbal consultation is to restore both physical and energy balances throughout the body and to help the patient with a health road map. Herbal Medicine is the oldest known form of medicine and, in world terms, is the most widely used form of medicine. Herbal medicine can work well alongside orthodox medicine and patients can often benefit from a dual approach.

WHO COMES TO DEE'S CLINIC?

Many of my patients have chronic health issues and come to herbal medicine looking for support in the management of them, whilst others have a single problem that they want to address. Some patients are referred by their GP or consultant, and I often work as part of a patient's healthcare team. I may suggest that other treatments, either orthodox or complementary, would be more appropriate for your condition. It is always my responsibility to make sure that I take the best approach for your health issue.

A large part of my practice is working with women's health care, with an emphasis on managing hormonal change and ageing. I also support patients who are undergoing cancer treatments, often working with their healthcare team. This is an area of special interest in which I have personal experience. I have over 35 years of clinical experience and have worked with many different health scenarios. If you are unsure about whether I can help, please contact me before booking or talk to the Edinburgh Clinic reception team.

ABOUT DEE

Dee qualified in 1988 after four years of intensive study at the now famous School Of Herbal Medicine under the guidance of Hein Zeylestra. With a passion for the UK tradition of herbal dispensaries and the history of plant medicine, Dee was offered the opportunity to take over Napiers in Edinburgh, the UK’s oldest herbal house. She re-built the business and set up integrated health clinics, bringing together students of herbal medicine, doctors and qualified herbalists. Dee has handed over the Napiers business and now she concentrates on her clinical practice.

Dee is a Fellow of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and regularly attends conferences and training workshops both in the UK and abroad. She has been a Council Member of NIMH, and has represented the profession in negotiations with The Department of Health and in Parliament.

Dee is a senior clinical supervisor on the Heartwood Professional Course in Herbal Medicine and a guest lecturer on the Royal Botanic gardens Diploma in Herbology course.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dee please contact Napiers Edinburgh Clinic Reception on 0131 225 5542, or email us at edinburghclinic@napiers.net. 

Nikki Biddiss

BSc (Hons), MNIMH. Medical Herbalist

• Herbal Medicine

• Lyme Clinic

QUALIFICATIONS

• First class honours degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of East London in 2011 
• ITEC Diplomas in Holistic Massage and Aromatherapy. 
• Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the UK’s leading professional body representing herbal practitioners. 
• Diploma in Cognitive Coaching & Mentoring from University of the West of Scotland

SPECIAL INTERESTS

Stress management, Lyme disease, Menopause and Reproductive Health, in addition to general practice.

ABOUT NIKKI 

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.  

NIKKI’S HISTORY 

Nikki’s first degree was a BA (Hons) Economics from the University of Strathclyde and she worked in commercial banking for 14 years, 5 years at Director level before retraining in Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy Massage. At 29, she was one of the youngest females to be appointed a Director in the bank’s history. Amongst many career highlights, Nikki obtained the ‘Healthy Working Lives’ Award for her business in recognition of the Health and Wellbeing Initiative she devised for her division. 

She notes “As a manager with responsibility for nearly 100 staff. I could see the toll modern life was taking on people and was motivated to explore therapies which sought to manage physical, emotional and mental health. I believe we all want to take responsibility for our own wellbeing and I see my role as working with the patient to formulate management plans which puts them back in control and supports them in maximising their health and wellbeing.” 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT A HERBAL MEDICINE CONSULTATION 

The first consultation takes 45 minutes. Nikki will take a detailed medical history covering not only your current complaint and medications, allergies and family history, but also your diet and lifestyle. Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked and sometimes further physical examination may be necessary. 

Your management plan will then be discussed and agreed with you. Following the consultation, Nikki will formulate a mix of suitable herbs individually tailored to your needs. The medicine may be in the form of a tincture (ethanol and water based herb extract), a tea (dried herbs) or a cream. Nutritional or lifestyle advice, if appropriate, may also be given. 

A shorter follow-up consultation will take place 3-4 weeks later to monitor your progress. This will take approximately 30 minutes. If you need further consultations, additional visits are generally at three, four or six week intervals. 

HOW WILL YOU FEEL DURING/AFTER A HERBAL MEDICINE CONSULTATION? 

Many patients are delighted at the opportunity given to discuss their physical and emotional wellbeing in-depth and can feel a sense of relief that their needs are being listened to by a skilled practitioner. 

The same disease does not necessarily affect two individuals in the same way and patients really appreciate that medicines are being formulated and tailored to meet their specific needs. 

Many come to appreciate the power of natural remedies dispensed by a highly trained medical herbalist. 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT AN AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE CONSULTATION? 

Massages can be booked for 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Nikki will start by doing a consultation with you to find out about your health and wellbeing asking questions about your medical history, general health, diet, sleep patterns and lifestyle. This will help decide which essential oils are most appropriate for you and Nikki will discuss with you which areas you would like the massage to focus on such as the back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs feet, face or scalp. 

You will be able to change in private and will need to get undressed (apart from your underwear) for the massage but you will be covered up by towels at all times except for the parts of the body being worked on. 

We suggest that you don’t eat for two hours before the massage and no alcohol should be consumed before or immediately after the massage. 

HOW WILL YOU FEEL AFTER AN AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE? 

You'll probably want to lie back and enjoy smelling beautiful for a while! How you will feel depends on the type of massage you have asked for: either relaxing or invigorating. After a massage, clients often feel calm, relaxed and maybe even a little sleepy or they can feel emotionally uplifted and revitalised. It is important that you relax after having a massage and drink lots of water. 

Sometimes, depending on the oils used, the therapeutic effect can be instant; sometimes it is more subtle and develops over time. Hopefully you will leave feeling more balanced and with an overall improved sense of well being. 

Dr Simon El Nahal

Medical Herbalist & Medical Doctor

• Herbal Medicine
  
  Simon is a dual trained medical herbalist and medical doctor, practising both in Edinburgh and his home on North Uist. 

ABOUT SIMON

Born into a family of doctors, I followed my parents’ path into medicine, qualifying from the University of Birmingham in 2015. Exposed to both the strength and weaknesses of orthodox medicine, I sought a wider perspective throughout my training which included spending several weeks at the Institute of Tibetan Medicine in Dharamsala and spending time with doctors in the UK who practice holistic approaches by integrating mindfulness and healing therapies into their clinics.

I studied herbal medicine with Heartwood UK and completed a Diploma in Herbal Medicine, gaining a distinction. This included 500 hours of clinical training, many of which was spent with Dee Atkinson and her herbal team at her clinic on Bristo Place, Edinburgh.

My work as a doctor has taken place in hospital settings within a wide range of specialities and I currently work in both emergency medicine and general medicine at speciality registrar grade (ST1/2).

I believe the body has a great capacity for healing and, whilst there may never be a magic cure for all the illness a person can face, the power of the body to recover when given the right conditions is not to be underestimated.

I offer an integrated approach to herbal medicine. As both a hospital doctor and medical herbalist, I am able to bring together the best of what these often contrasting disciplines can give. Orthodox medicine has honed its ability to diagnose and understand illness, whilst herbal medicine looks deeper at the root causes and offers medicine from the plants around us to help shift our bodies back towards health.

HERBAL MEDICINE

Through my training in orthodox medicine I have seen, first hand, the limitations of its approach. Whilst powerful and life-saving in an emergency or with severe illness, my experience of orthodox medicine is that it frequently fails to address the underlying reasons people find themselves unwell and in hospital.

Seeking an alternative perspective, I found in herbal medicine an expansive and inclusive world of healing and support. Plants are our oldest healers, and their ancient wisdom has nourished humans and other animals for as long as we know. The huge diversity of plant species, and the variations between individuals of the same species, echoes our individuality as human beings. We are each completely unique and the medicine we need is equally as unique; one size does not fit all, and rarely fits two the same.

Herbal medicine requires an approach that takes into account the entireness of a person, from the problem with which they are seeking help, to the way they eat, sleep, live and move.

SIMON'S CLINIC

I welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to my clinic. Whether your problem is new or longstanding, whether I am the first person you have approached or you are already receiving treatment, and whether your problem is physical, emotional, or spiritual, my door is open to support you on your jouney.

During the consultation, I will listen to your story and the issues you seek help with, asking questions to better understand you and the processes that could be underlying what is going on. I might also suggest an examination of the relevant body system to support this. From there, I will make a treatment plan together with you, using plant medicines alongside nutrition and lifestyle.

If you are already receiving orthodox medicine, I will make sure the herbs prescribed can be used safely alongside any medication you are taking. I might recommend that you see your own doctor for further testing or referral, and can write to them should you wish me to. I might also suggest another therapy to work alongside your treatment plan if I feel it would be particularly beneficial.

I will aim to see you again in clinic after 4-6 weeks to see how you have been doing and to allow any adjustments to be made to your prescription.

I live with my family on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides and practice there as well as my regular face-to-face clinic here at Napiers Clinic in Edinburgh. You can also book a consultation with me on Zoom or on the telephone.

Wendy Kelly

BSc(Hons) in Phytotherapy, MNIMH. Medical Herbalist.

• Herbal Medicine
  

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.

Wendy began her interest in herbal medicine in her early twenties when a persistent health problem just wasn't going away with conventional medicine. She walked into Napiers Herbal Dispensary in Edinburgh to ask for help and was given a bottle of blended herbs to take - and never looked back!

Wendy was so impressed with the power of this herbal remedy, that she decided to find out more and soon began her training as part of the Napiers Dispensary team and studying at the Sussex College of Phytotherapy. Over 5 years she studied hard and worked as a dispensary assistant, deputy manager and finally shop manager in Napiers until she qualified in 2002 with a BSc(Hons) in Phytotherapy. Since then Wendy has practiced in Fife, Angus and the Lothians.

Wendy is a fully qualified member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH). This indicates that she is fully trained and works within the ethical guidelines set out by NIMH. We study the philosophy, principles and practice of herbal medicine and medical science and take a holistic view of health and illness.

As well as seeing patients in clinic for one to one consultations, Wendy loves to spread the herbal joy by running herb walks and workshops as well as doing regular talks on all aspects of herbal medicine. She is a mum of two boys, and an enthusiastic member of her local choir, enjoying the social aspect as much as the singing. Her love of crochet has extended to Wendy teaching beginner crochet lessons online and she really loves to bake!

WENDY'S HERBAL APPROACH

Wendy sees the relationship between herbalist and patient as a partnership. Together you will look at whatever brought you to Wendy in the first place, working out where well-being and health has gone wrong and how it can be improved. Wendy takes into account lifestyle, medical history, diet and anything else that could help with bringing things into balance.

Quite often, Wendy finds that her patients know themselves what needs done, but just need a bit of herbal support and a nudge in the right direction. Wendy is there to provide the herbal knowhow and to champion you and give some accountability to encourage positive change in your life. Nothing is more satisfying than getting a patient better as a result of the team work between the herbs, the herbalist and the patient.

Wendy practices from Napiers Edinburgh Clinic.
To make an appointment or for more information, call 0131 225 5542 or email edinburghclinic@napiers.net

Angela MacRitchie

Dip. Herb. (CNM), Dip. Nat. Nut. (CNM).

• Nutritional Therapy
• Herbal Medicine
• Lyme Clinic
• Swedish Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Therapeutic Massage
• Sports Massage
• Fertility Massage
• Reflexology
• Reiki

Angela practices Herbal Medicine at Napiers Bathgate. She practices Naturopathic Nutrition, reflexology, reiki and massage at Napiers Glasgow. Angela studied her Diploma in Herbal Medicine and her three year Diploma in Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM). She is member of several professional bodies that require members to follow a strict code of conduct, ethics and continuous professional development and training. Angela is also qualified in a wide range of massage therapies, reflexology and has been a Reiki master for the last five years.

QUALIFICATIONS

Diploma Herbal Medicine and a Diploma in Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy from the College of Naturopathic Medicine, Edinburgh

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

BANT (British Association of Nutritional Therapists)

A.M.H. (Association of Master Herbalists)

U.R.H.P. (United Register of Herbal Practitioners)

N.N.A. (Naturopathic Nutrition Association)

C.N.H.C. (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council)

I had been in the fashion industry for 20+ years and always felt there was a deeper and more meaningful aspect to life. This prompted me to embark on learning and understanding about nutrition and the effects that it has on the mind, body and spirit. The stresses of modern life, which I experienced in my previous role, have motivated me to support people holistically through naturopathy and nutrition. I am passionate about helping people take control of their health and wellbeing.

Audrey Marchbank

Bsc (Hons) Herbal Medicine & Phytotherapy, MNIMH

• Herbal Medicine
• Napiers Lyme 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). She has a long career in local government (MSc in Public Service Leadership) but her passion has always been Herbal Medicine, plants and nature, assisting people with their health and wellbeing in a natural holistic way. Audrey practices Herbal Medicine at Napiers Bathgate, runs the Ellwyn Herbal Practice, a private clinic in Midlothian and also works with Grass Roots Remedies, practicing Herbal Medicine at the Wester Hailes Community Herbal Clinic, one of only two examples in Britain of herbalism being offered in an integrated primary care setting alongside local NHS services. Audrey believes it is important for an individual to be given the time to share any concerns and to work in partnership together, in obtaining the best possible health and wellness. Looking at not only a tailored herbal approach but also at diet, nutrition, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing.

Audrey works at Napiers Bathgate on Saturdays.

APPOINTMENTS FOR PATIENTS WITH LYME OR OTHER AILMENTS CAN BE MADE WITH AUDREY AT OUR BATHGATE CLINIC OR BY TELEPHONE/SKYPE/FACETIME. PLEASE CONTACT THE BATHGATE CLINIC DIRECTLY TO BOOK.

Clare McQuade

BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine

• Herbal Medicine

Clare’s interest in natural medicine was sparked in her early teenage years whilst dealing with a severe flare up of psoriasis. Having tried numerous prescriptions with no success she began to explore other treatment avenues, in time leading her to a herbalist and a nutritionist as well as food intolerance testing. After starting on a strict diet and herbal protocol, Clare’s psoriasis completely cleared. Amazed by this change in her condition, she was keen to learn more about health, how our dietary and lifestyle choices can influence our health, and how we can heal using herbs.

This has developed into a lifelong passion and though she continues to have a special interest in treating skin conditions, having had such an experience herself, Clare also treats a wide spectrum of other conditions from lowered immunity to sleep issues, hormonal upsets to digestive troubles.

Over the years Clare has turned time and again to herbal medicine and nutrition to treat her own and her families ails. Herself now a mother to two daughters, she has developed a particular interest in using herbs to guide mothers through pregnancy and new motherhood, as well as treating the common childhood ills such as coughs and cold, eczema, digestive upsets and molluscum.

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.

APPROACH

Clare feels that it is important to view each person individually and holistically; to go beyond the surface symptoms to find out what is disturbing the harmonious balance of health within that person, and to treat that root cause be it dietary, emotional, external or internal.

For her, nutrition and the condition of the digestive system are of paramount importance; providing the body with a healthy, balanced diet and ensuring the proper digestion and assimilation of foods provides a strong platform for overall health. She will always look to address any imbalances in the dietary intake as well as healing the gut and supporting optimal gut function by dealing with acid reflux, ‘IBS’, bloating and constipation.

With so many health problems arising from high stress levels, Clare views emotional health and a balanced nervous system as vitally important to overall wellbeing, and will aim to provide this balance through herbs as well as lifestyle advice. She can also address specific emotional conditions such as anxiety, low mood and depression.

Clare can also use herbs to help bring the hormones into balance to aid treatment of premenstrual tension, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine fibroids, irregular or painful periods, enlarged prostate, and to aid in fertility issues.

CONSULTATIONS WITH CLARE

An initial consultation will usually last 45 minutes (30 minutes for children), during which time Clare will discuss in detail the current symptoms, as well as the past medical history, the diet, stress levels and lifestyle choices. She will then prescribe a herbal treatment tailored to each patient based on the consultation, these may be in tincture, tea, or capsule form, she will also discuss any dietary changes relevant to the case and may recommend dietary supplements to support these changes, and will make suggestions for any lifestyle changes necessary.

Repeat consultations usually last 30 minutes, during which time Clare can assess the progress of the condition, and make any changes necessary to the herbal treatments.

Clare practices from Napiers Edinburgh Clinic.
If you would like to book an appointment with Clare please contact Napiers Edinburgh Clinic on 0131 225 5542 or email us at edinburghclinic@napiers.net. 

Thanos Razis

BSc Hons Herbal Medicine, University of Westminster

• Herbal Medicine 
• Lyme Disease
• Homeopathy
• Low Income Clinic

ABOUT THANOS

Thanos is an experienced Medical Herbalist and Homeopath. He studied Herbal Medicine at the University of Westminster, graduating in 2007, and went on to practice as resident herbalist at a London clinic whilst studying for his Classical Homeopathy degree at the same institution. In 2013, he moved to Scotland and started practicing at D.Atkinson Herbalist in Edinburgh. He now practices at Napiers Bathgate and Napiers Edinburgh Clinics.

APPROACH TO TREATMENT

Thanos' approach to treatment is in accordance with his belief that, to a lesser or greater extent, better health is achievable by anyone who has the will and commitment to make long term changes and incorporate new, more beneficial habits into their life. Illness, and especially chronic one, can be the end result of factors and/or habits that can go back years in a person’s life and so to achieve true health it needs patience, commitment and time.

Thanos has found that blending herbal medicine with homeopathy is a gentle but effective approach particularly suitable for those weakened by long-term chronic illnesses, people with sensitive constitutions and for children. 

APPOINTMENTS WITH THANOS

Thanos’s clinic is on Thursdays and can be in person, through Skype or FaceTime from 10:30 - 13:30 and 14:30 - 16:30. 

Kim Stirling

BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine

• Herbal Medicine
• Lyme Clinic

Kim originally qualified as a dental nurse in 1996 and joined a busy practice. As a Lead Dental Nurse for over 20 years she helped to implement a better ‘patient journey’ including pre and post appointment advice. However, holistic health had always interested her and she qualified in Aromatherapy Massage in 2001 and Indian Head Massage in 2002. 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 - completing her studies in 2007. She stopped practicing and massage to have a family in 2010. 

From 2016, she worked as Compliance Manager for Avena Consultants, reviewing botanical products and herbal supplements. A niche and challenging field that required excellent administration, research, legal and scientific skills. Underpinning both her roles was a love of science, therapeutics and research. 

Kim returned to herbal medicine practice in 2020. She is passionate about herbal medicine, therapeutics, plants and people.

LYME CLINIC

Kim also works as Medical Secretary for the Lyme Clinic based here at Napiers Bathgate. Her research skills make her a valuable member of the Lyme disease team - a much under-documented condition which affects many people across the U.K.

Kim consults with patients who have a wide variety of needs.

In the UK you can find a qualified medical herbalist through: 

Napiers Clinics (Bathgate, Edinburgh, Glasgow and online)

The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (Click and enter your postcode) 

The College of Phytotherapy Practitioners (Click and scroll for your region)

or The Association of Master Herbalists

or The Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners

Online Consultations: It is best for you to consult medical herbalist in person, for a face to face consultation. However, there are some circumstances where this may not be possible. For example if you are housebound, too unwell to travel, there is no herbalist in your geographic area, etc.. In this case, we can arrange an online or telephone consultation. Click here for more details.

Not in Britain? We can arrange a telephone, Skype or FaceTime consultation with one of our herbalists. However, you may be able to find a qualified herbalist in your country. The following links will help you to find qualified Western Medical Herbalists in countries outside the UK:

Ireland: The Irish Institute of Medical Herbalists

USA: The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and The American Herbalists Guild (AHG)

Canada: The Canadian Naturopathic Association (CAND) and The Ontario Herbalists Association (OHA)

Australia: The National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA)

New Zealand: The New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH)