Pickwoad Clinic Herbal Medicine
Alice Martin MA MNIMH
Meet Alice
Medical Herbalist
Seeing how herbal medicine can transform people's relationship with their health and their lives makes me feel honoured to be part of such an ancient tradition.
I have been based in Bridport since 2020, and when I'm not seeing patients I am growing herbs or harvesting them from the Dorset countryside to make into medicine. I believe that having a close hand in the whole process from growth to harvest to treatment is best for both the patient and for the planet, as it yields high quality medicines while reducing reliance on obscure and fragile production chains.
I fiercely believe that a holistic approach can open the doorway to greater health for everybody. If you think the same way - or don't, but want to be convinced! - then get in touch: I look forward to meeting you.
Consultations
For chronic conditions, a herbal consultation takes time as we need to fully explore the multiplicity of factors that influence your case in order to identify the potential root cause of your illness.
Holistic medicine is not about merely treating symptoms, but about effecting deep change in order to restore a state of balance. This is not a quick fix. Significant change may take several months, especially in long-standing chronic conditions.
I usually like to check in with patients every month initially to monitor progress. Over the course of the treatment these follow-ups can become more spaced out until the day you feel independently in control of your health once more. Consultations are held in person, though there is the option of follow-ups being held online if distance is an issue.
At the end of the initial consultation I will conduct some physical examinations including checking your blood pressure, pulse, and tongue, as well as any other examinations as appropriate.
In most cases you can expect some dietary or lifestyle changes to be made as an integral part of the treatment.
Please feel free to get in touch to schedule a free phone call to establish whether seeking treatment with me is right for you.
Initial consultations: £85
1.5-2 hours
Follow-up consultations: £45
~30 mins
Medicines
After our initial consultation I will formulate a personalised treatment plan. Occasionally, dietary and lifestyle changes are all that is needed to bring about significant health improvements, but you can usually expect to be prescribed herbs to be taken on a daily basis.
Herbal medicine can take the form of alcoholic tinctures, teas, or capsules, as well as external treatments such as salves, baths, or compresses. This list is not exhaustive but these are the most common and accessible forms.
I strive to make as many of my medicines as I can by hand in order to produce the highest quality herbal medicine in my power.
Tinctures: £7.50/100ml
Teas: £9/50g
Capsules: from £5/30
Salves & creams: from £6/30g
Repeat prescriptions without a consultation will be charged at £7
Junior Herbalist Club
An exciting opportunity for children aged 7+ to learn about the world of herbs in a safe, informative, and fun environment, in an accessible format of one class a month across the academic year.
Each month we will be learning about the medicinal uses of plants via stories, songs, growing, harvesting, and making something to take home - lip balms, healing salves, bath bombs, lotions, potions, and much more! Classes are great fun and incorporate subjects including English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Latin, and Cookery.
JHC Leaders are all qualified herbalists or naturopaths and have to undergo special training to deliver this course. I am currently the only accredited JHC Leader in Dorset.
Talks & more
I have given talks on herbalism and holistic healthcare to local charities and clubs. I am also available for herb walks and tea tasting sessions.
Coming soon: hands-on workshops where you can learn some of the skills involved to get you confident in practising herbalism within the home.
Get in touch if you are interested in booking me for any events.
