Dee Atkinson - MNIMH

Herbal Medicine

Dee qualified as a Medical Herbalist in 1988 and has been running Napiers Herbal Dispensaries and Clinics and practicing as a Medical Herbalist since 1990. She built Napiers up from one small clinic into the UKs largest Complementary Medicine Clinic.

Professional Engagement

Dee is a Council Member for the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, and has represented the herbal profession in the Department of Health consultation into registration of herbal practitioners. Dee is currently on the UK Herbal Forum working on UK and European legislation regarding the sale of herbal products. She has been voted by Tatler magazine as one of the top 250 UK private doctors in both 2006 and 2007.

Approach to Treatment

In herbal practice you often find that you see patients who have tried other routes in health care and have not managed to find solutions. Working with the patient to unravel the problem, often makes the practitioner feel like a detective. The problem and the solution is in front of you. Herbalists support patients in the management of all areas of health, working very much like as a general practitioner.

Herbs may be especially helpful in treating chronic health problems. I have recently opened up more clinic time and specialize in working with patients who are being treated for Cancer. This is a management role, whereby herbs are used to support the patient and work alongside other health care practitioners in providing a rounded approach to treatment.

I also work a lot with woman's health issues from managing complex hormonal problems including endometriosis and polycystic ovaries to supporting women through menopause. Herbs have been used in supporting and re-balancing the body for centuries. Herbal medicine can be used as part of a treatment plan when working with a range of health problems, including hormonal change and imbalance, skin complaints, IBS, joint problems and respiratory problems.