المدونة

A neat bottle of granules can seem as soothing as a cup of tea, yet suitability still depends on your health and medicines. Here are gentle questions to bring to Freshwater.

Convenient still deserves care

A neat bottle of herbal granules can seem as simple and soothing as a warm cup of tea, especially when you are tired or caring for others. That gentle image is appealing. Even so, granules are not automatically suitable for every person, and a convenient container does not remove the need to think about your health, your other medicines and why you are seeking help.

Pausing to ask questions is a form of self-care too, and a family member is always welcome to sit in and take notes.

Starting the conversation

When you meet with Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, in Freshwater, it is worth sharing why herbal medicine interests you, perhaps a recommendation from family, something you read or a memory from childhood. Please also mention every other product you use, including prescription medicines, vitamins and over-the-counter remedies, and bring any bottles you already have.

Helpful questions to ask include:

• What is being proposed, and why?
• What might make granules unsuitable for me?
• Which written instructions apply to my preparation?
• How and when will we review the plan together?

Your own formula, not someone else's

Each container of granules Christine supplies is prepared for one individual. A formula that a neighbour or relative found agreeable is not a guide for you, so please do not copy it or share yours. If granules are agreed upon, keep the name, measuring directions and review date with the original bottle.

Tell Christine whenever a doctor changes another medicine. Should something new crop up that puzzles you, a quick question to the clinic is safer than tinkering with the dose.

Wanting something comforting is entirely human, and deciding not to use herbs is always an option. A relaxed chat in Freshwater can help you weigh the choice at your own pace, with your wellbeing and peace of mind firmly in view.