Clinical Herbalism

Natural remedies supported by the latest research and knowledge.

Deirdre from DP Herbals mixing herbal remedies at a wooden table with multiple similar bottles lined up.

Herbal Medicine in Today's World

Herbalism spans various cultures and practices, from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic traditions to Western Herbalism and Homeopathy. Each approach has its own unique perspective on the body and its healing processes.

As a Western clinical herbalist, I use medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements to facilitate positive change in the body, complemented by lifestyle recommendations to support optimal health and overall well-being.

Six bottles of herbal remedies on a wooden shelf, labeled with various health benefits from DP Herbals.

A History of Herbal Medicine

Over the world, including in New Zealand, plant medicine was widely used by the medical fraternity as part of their practice. However, shortly after the development of medical devices and the establishment of pharmaceuticals, herbal medicine and conventional medicine took different paths. In New Zealand, plant medicine was once a cornerstone of medical education, taught in medical schools well into the 20th century. Before the rise of synthetic drugs, doctors relied on the safe and effective use of plant medicines to heal their patients. Over time, however, conventional medicine and herbalism took different paths. But at DP Herbals, we believe in a collaborative approach, or what we like to call “shared care.”

The Best of Both Worlds

Today’s herbal medicine is a blend of time-honoured traditions and modern medical science. By visiting a clinical herbalist, you can benefit from both worlds—natural remedies supported by the latest research and knowledge.

Many people who already embrace natural healthcare also recognise the value of conventional medicine, turning to it when necessary while preferring natural methods as their first choice for maintaining health and wellness. At DP Herbals, we’re here to support your journey to optimum health, combining the best of both approaches as you will appreciate, this just makes sense!

  • "Highly recommend Deidre! So easy to talk to, trustworthy, professional and takes such a holistic approach to health and well being. Great for children also. I really value her advice and opinion and she has supported my families health in so many ways and it really has made a difference. So grateful!"

    — Fluer Kelso

  • “I spent over 8 months working with Deirdre on helping me deal with weight loss, lack of energy & sleep issues… I would highly recommend Deirdre, she made the whole experience enjoyable, I looked forward to my appointments and was really pleased with the results.”

    — Wayne Calvert

  • “For many years I have battled with stress and energy levels….after a few visits to Deirdre, using her medical background and knowledge of the natural medicine industry, she has put me on the correct mix of products for my stress management and energy, highly recommended”

    — Sue Geddes

  • “I totally recommend her [Deirdre] and her practice. She was/is informative, professional, very helpful and approachable and most importantly assisted me to regain my health and stamina. ”

    — Michele Taylor

  • "Deirdre has been amazing, helpful and supportive, and I can not be more grateful. she is a superb practitioner with incredible insight. Thank you for all your help."

    Alexa


  • "Really excellent service, great knowledge and have seen great improvements in overall health. Will keep using this service"

    Matthew Brew

  • "Deirdre is a wealth of knowledge my family and i are so grateful we have found her. She is kind and understanding and we have had a huge change in my eldest daugthers health so far that we had not had through our gp. The herbalist approach has been so amazing and Deidre is the lady to see."

    Alicia Sinclair

  • "I've been seeing Deidre for over 18 months now, and she's been a constant source of support and guidance on my health journey. She's a highly skilled herbalist who also offers live blood analysis, which has been incredibly insightful and helpful in understanding what is going on in my body."

    Christine Hunt

  • "It's hard to put into words how wonderful Deirdre is. I refer lots of my clients to her. My family all go to her, and for me it is DP Herbals I'm calling first if I have any health related things to talk about. Deirdre is a caring, open, lovely practitioner who has given so much help over the years."

    Dayle Hunt

  • "I have only met Deidre a couple of months ago and she has already made a huge impact on my health issues. To find someone to review all aspects of health concerns and symptoms is nearly impossible but Deidre does exactly that. She goes above and beyond and genuinely cares for her clients and wants the best outcome for them."

    Nadine

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A Clinical Herbalist shares a common approach to wellness with other practitioners, such as Naturopaths, Homeopaths, and those practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Ayurveda.

    However, a Clinical Herbalist has specific training in phytotherapy—the use of plants as medicine—including knowledge of phytopharmacology, nutrition, pharmacology, and mainstream medical diagnostics. This allows us to blend traditional wisdom with modern medical science for a holistic approach to your health.

  • It’s common for people seeing a Clinical Herbalist to be on prescribed medications. Herbs can interact with these medications, so it’s important to work closely with your herbalist for proper guidance. I strongly advise against discontinuing any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.

  • The effectiveness of herbal treatment varies depending on several factors, including the duration and severity of your condition, as well as how diligently you follow the treatment plan. Many clients notice changes within 3-4 weeks, and sometimes even sooner.

  • While herbal remedies are generally safe, allergic reactions can occur, just as with any medicine. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using the herb or supplement immediately and consult your Herbalist or Doctor.

    It’s crucial to use herbs from reputable sources to ensure quality and efficacy. Issues typically arise when individuals self-prescribe, leading to incorrect remedies or interactions with existing medications.

  • At DP Herbals, we only stock high-quality herbs and supplements from trusted companies. These are "Practitioner-only" products, meaning they contain therapeutic dosages that should only be dispensed by a qualified practitioner.

    Herbs may be provided in various forms, such as liquid tinctures, herbal teas, fluid extracts, powders, or creams. Our suppliers follow strict quality control procedures to ensure that you receive the best possible products.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.