Tao Naturopathic Health has a considerable dispensary of liquid herbal tonics available. Think of these as liquid gold! Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to target illness. When we investigate the chemical constituents in plant medicine, we understand the isolation and manipulation of these individual chemical components in most orthodox, or pharmaceutical medicines on the market today. If you are interested to learn more, this is a great start – *World Health Organisation list of herbal monographs, chemical structures and constituents Thankfully, scientific investigation is increasingly validating the advantages of Herbal Medicine. As a trained herbalist, I am able to formulate an individualised herbal tonic to target varying complaints, in one small bottle. Sometimes these tonics may not taste very pleasant; however, they pack a serious punch when it comes to making you feel better. It’s personalised medicine at its best!

Nutrients are a broad category and include macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and other substances vital for health. Our metabolic processes rely on nutrients to feed the function of our organs and body systems. Nutritional supplements are prescribed to address and prevent deficiencies and improve overall health and well-being. When you buy over the counter products, you are generally getting a cheaply manufactured product that is poor in dosage and bioavailability. What’s the harm though, right? Wrong! Nutritional supplements also overload the liver, just like medication, drugs and alcohol, so it is important to use practitioner grade products, that are targeted to your specific needs.

A large part of a Health Science degree in Naturopathy focuses on nutrition and it is an area that I love to concentrate on with my patients. Let food be thy medicine is, without a doubt, the most important, and empowering phrase my patients could take away from a consultation. Nutritional advice will form a large part of any protocol given to patients, and may include specific nutrition plans, coordination, implementation and evaluation of dietary interventions. I love to cook, and believe food is one of life’s simple pleasures. I am here to give you real-life advice, ideas and recipes, which will see you in and out of the kitchen in a flash, with a wide smile and a full belly. Whoever said good food is too hard, or consumes too much time, should book a visit!

Flower essences are a vibrational and energetic healing tool. Just as each person has a spirit, or essence, so too do flowers and plants. Taken internally to raise vibration, overcome trauma, beliefs and habits that no longer serve a purpose. Much like herbal medicines, a mix of Australian Bush Flower Essences are formulated specifically for the individual and their own healing process.

A Naturopath treats the whole person, and not just the physical body. Lifestyle recommendations aim to improve overall health and well-being, and let’s face it, who isn’t stressed or worn out these days? Some of the interventions patients may incorporate include;

• Sleep habits & hygiene
• Targeted exercise and physical activity, with referral to specialist services if appropriate
• Relaxation, meditation and mindfulness
• Self-care
• Eliminating and avoiding environmental toxins
• Referral to specialised practitioners for further support