Herbal Medicine

Herbalist

BHSc, ADV. Dip. Herb. Med, Dip Couns, Dip. Aroma, DRM, Doula Cert.

Samantha is available in the clinic Wednesdays 2pm 6pm

Please call the College for bookings 02 9560 8288

Samantha practices naturopathic herbal medicine, in which she assesses the clients' whole lifestyle to find the underlying cause of symptoms presenting in the body and prevention of future illness.

Samantha specialises in women's health and reproductive conditions such as, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, fibroids, menstrual issues, menopause issues, menopause, fertility support, preconception care, pregnancy, birthing, herbal and nutritional support for babies, children and holistic advise for family nutrition.

She also treats other health issues such as, insomnia, stress, anxiety, digestive disorders, lowered immunity, fatigue and allergies.

Samantha uses iris diagnosis to help understand the cause of imbalances presenting in each individual. Samantha manufactures her own organic herbal tinctures and makes individual mixes after a thorough consultation. A health plan is then recommended using herbs, supplements, wholefoods and dietary lifestyle modifications. Samantha has a gentle holistic approach aiming to restore vitality to the body. She is passionate about empowering women to use natural therapies to look after their bodies. Samantha is a mother who has been working in the natural therapies industry for 12 years. During this time she has spent two and a half years working with pregnant and parenting adolescents.

Frequently Asked Questions:

WHAT IS YOUR TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY?

I believe that good nutrition is the basis to good health and to be healthy we need to eat wholefoods and eat organic where possible. I often find clients think that they have good eating habits but are unaware of the nutrients they may be missing out on and how this can be causing many of their health imbalances. I recommend mainly wholefood and herbal supplements – products of the earth that are naturally meant for the human body and absorbed easily. Occasionally, I recommend a short course of vitamin supplements.

My aim is to educate and strengthen the patient to overcome any health imbalances.

When seeing a patient I do a thorough consultation asking many questions about current health issues and family history. I use iridology to get an understanding of their health. I then prescribe a course of treatment which usually includes a mixture of herbal extracts and a nutrition regime. I recommend wholesome nourishing foods that are enjoyable to eat. Sometimes I recommend lifestyle changes and refer to other practitioners. Treatment can last 6 weeks to 18 months depending on the condition that is being treated. Some improvement should be seen within 6 – 12 weeks. Appointments are usually at 6 week intervals.

WHAT IS PRE CONCEPTION CARE?

Pre conception care is generally started at least a minimum of 4 months before trying to conceive a baby. The reason for this is the ova (egg) take approximately 3 1/2 months to mature (throughout this time the possibility of harm to the quality of the ova is at its highest). Sperm can take approximately 4 months to form. When a woman and man are in optimum health they will produce healthy offspring and achieve pregnancy easily. Pre conception care focuses on eliminating all processed foods, increasing nutrients by eating healthy wholefoods, giving up any stimulants such as coffee and alcohol, eliminating any possible environmental toxins such as chemicals around the home, gentle exercise and relaxation and herbal supplements to balance and tone and cleanse the reproductive organs and body systems.

WHY SHOULD I LOOK AT MY HEALTH IN THE PRENATAL PERIOD?

Firstly, we all understand the importance of building a house with good foundations – if we build a house with poor foundation the house will fall down! Yet many people do not give thought to the health of the sperm and the egg – the building blocks of the beautiful baby we want to create. During the period of formation of sperm and maturation of ova (egg) any environmental, lifestyle and nutritional toxins we encounter can affect their quality. Good quality sperm and eggs are essential for fertilization and attachment of the blastocyst (egg that has been fertilized by the sperm) to the uterine wall. If the quality is not good enough fertilization will fail or the egg will fertilize but attachment will not take place properly and an early miscarriage can result. The diet of the mother and father greatly affects the couple’s reproductive health and the health of the baby. Healthy bodies create healthy eggs and sperms which create a healthy pregnancy leading to a healthy baby.

WHO USES PRECONCEPTION CARE?

Women and Men who have been trying for a baby without success and would like to work to heal their bodies through natural remedies (and avoid IVF).
Women who have fertility issues such as endometriosis, irregular periods/ovulation, PCOS, fibroids and other hormonal imbalances. Males who have poor sperm count, motility and quality.
Women who have been on the pill for a number of years before deciding to start a family. It is important to give the body a break from the contraceptive pill or implanton as the hormones are very strong.
Older couples wanting to achieve a healthy pregnancy (female fertility starts to decline at 35 and male fertility at 40).
Healthy women and men who would like to create a healthy pregnancy, labour and most importantly baby through eliminating toxins, increasing nutrients and cleansing and balancing their body reproductive and other body systems.

HOW CAN PRE CONCEPTION CARE HELP ME GET PREGNANT?

Many conditions that affect fertility can be treated though nutrition and herbal medicine.

For example – Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be treated through diet and specific herbs. Many people with this condition achieve successful pregnancy through eating a diet of low GI (glycemic index) foods and taking a herbal mixture to balance their hormones.

For some women who have been trying to conceive without success it may be as simple as losing or gaining a few kilos, increasing certain nutrients in their diet, reducing stress and taking a herbal tonic for the reproductive organs. Many women are starting a family in their mid to late 30’s and finding that it is taking longer than they expected. Good nutrition and herbal supplements can nourish the body and help prepare the body for a successful healthy conception.

Pre conception diet and herbal supplement regime also increases the chances of pregnancy for couples undergoing IVF treatment.

HOW CAN GOOD NUTRITION AND HERBAL MEDICINE AID MY PREGNANCY AND LABOUR?

It is now common knowledge that a lack of folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects such a spina bifida. Throughout the first trimester a healthy intake of dietary (from foods) vitamin A is important for the development of the baby’s eyes. These are just two examples of how nutrition helps the developing fetus and lack of nutrients can lead to birth defects. Pregnant women need to look at how they can include vitamin and mineral rich foods in their diet to support the baby’s growth and development. An adequate intake of these nutrients is imperative to creating a healthy baby.

Research has also shown that good nutrition throughout pregnancy can lead to shorter labours. There are also many herbs that can prepare the female body for labour and birth.

CAN I DO ANYTHING FOR MY POST NATAL DEPRESSION?

Yes, antidepressants can be avoided! Nutrition and herbal medicine can help to bring your body back to balance. A herbal tonic can do wonders to balance your hormones and give your body support. Counseling or other supportive therapies may also be recommended.