Booking is simple- everything is online through our Book Online page. If you're new to herbal medicine, a free 10-minute Discovery Call is a gentle place to start: we'll chat about what's going on for you and whether this approach is a good fit- no pressure, no obligation. If you're ready to begin, book an Initial Consultation ($130) for a full health assessment, or an Acute Care Consult ($25) for a short, focused chat about a single niggling issue like a cold, poor sleep or period pain.

Some private health funds now offer rebates for herbal medicine consultations with an accredited practitioner. As an NHAA-registered Medical Herbalist, my consultations may be claimable depending on your fund and level of cover. Because every policy is different, the best step is a quick call to your fund to ask whether "Western herbal medicine consultations" are included in your extras. Happy to provide a receipt with everything your fund needs.

Yes. Healing shouldn't be out of reach. For consultations, concession discounts are available for pensioners, students and healthcare card holders- just reach out before you book. For herbal medicines and products in the online shop, PayPal Pay-in-4 option is available at the checkout, so you can spread the cost over smaller payments. If money is tight, please still reach out- the free monthly Acute Care Consults in Lithgow are another way to access support.

Absolutely. Online consultations are available Australia-wide by Zoom or phone, and they're every bit as thorough as an in-person visit. Your personalised herbal medicines are then posted directly to your door- with free delivery on orders over $100. Distance doesn't have to stand between you and feeling well again.

Just a few simple things: a list of any medications and supplements you're currently taking, any recent blood test results if you have them, and a rough note of your main concerns. If you can, jot down how your sleep, energy and mood have been over the past couple of weeks-patterns often tell us more than a single snapshot. And come as you are. This is a conversation, not a test.

Within a few days you'll receive your personalised treatment plan- this may include a herbal formula blended specifically for you from our dispensary, along with simple food and lifestyle suggestions that fit your real life. We'll then book a follow-up (45 minutes, $90) about four to six weeks later to review how you're responding and adjust your plan as your body settles. Healing is a journey we walk together, step by steady step.

A herbal medicine consultation is a comprehensive health assessment that explores your symptoms, medical history, stress levels, digestion, sleep and lifestyle patterns. Rather than focusing on one issue in isolation, the goal is to understand how your body systems interact. Healthdirect Australia notes that complementary health consultations often involve longer appointments to assess overall wellbeing and contributing factors.

Treatment is individualised and may include a personalised herbal formula, dietary guidance and practical lifestyle strategies.

“I’m not just treating a symptom - I’m looking at how stress, hormones and digestion are influencing each other,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

It’s important to bring a list of medications, supplements and recent test results to your first appointment.

A helpful tip: jot down your main concerns beforehand so we can use our time effectively.

Herbal treatment for fatigue or anxiety usually takes several weeks to show meaningful improvement, although some people notice changes in sleep or stress resilience sooner. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners notes that complementary therapies may require ongoing use before measurable benefits are seen, depending on the individual and condition.

Progress often occurs gradually as the nervous system stabilises and energy regulation improves.

“We’re supporting your body to rebalance, not forcing a quick result. Sustainable change tends to build steadily,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

It’s important to review progress regularly and adjust treatment if needed.

A helpful tip: track weekly changes in sleep, mood and energy to notice early improvements.

The cost of seeing a herbalist in NSW varies depending on consultation length and practitioner experience. Healthdirect Australia explains that complementary health services are not covered by Medicare. Private health funds are in the process of reinstating health rebates for herbal medicine, but that won't come into effect until at least April.

At Inner Peace Holistic Herbal Therapy, initial consultations are $130 for a full health assessment, follow-up appointments (45 minutes) are $90, and Acute Care consults (10–15 minutes) are $25.

“Your first consultation is about understanding the full picture of your health, not just a single symptom,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

A helpful tip: check your private health insurance benefits and compare consultation length as well as cost.

Choosing a good herbalist in Lithgow NSW starts with checking qualifications, experience and professional membership. In Australia, Western Medicinal herbalists commonly hold an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor qualification and may belong to associations such as the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA). Healthdirect Australia recommends confirming a practitioner’s training and experience before booking.

It’s also important that you feel comfortable and listened to during consultations.

“You should feel heard, respected and confident that your practitioner understands both your symptoms and your goals,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

A helpful tip: consider booking a brief phone enquiry first to assess whether the approach feels right for you.

Yes, herbal medicine can help support fatigue and perimenopause symptoms, particularly when they are linked to hormonal changes, stress and disrupted sleep. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health notes that common perimenopause symptoms include tiredness, mood changes and sleep disturbance
due to fluctuating hormone levels.

Some herbal medicines have been studied for their role in easing hot flushes, nervous tension and sleep disruption, while others support stress resilience and energy production. Treatment is individualised rather
than symptom-based alone.

“Perimenopause isn’t a condition to fix - it’s a transition to support. When we work with the nervous system, sleep and hormonal balance together, energy often improves steadily,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

It’s important to rule out other causes of fatigue such as iron deficiency or thyroid imbalance.

A helpful tip: keep a brief two-week record of sleep, stress and cycle changes before seeking support - patterns often guide the most effective treatment.

Yes, extreme fatigue can be a common symptom of perimenopause in your 40s. Fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels can affect sleep quality, mood and energy regulation. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explains that tiredness and sleep disturbance are frequent during the perimenopausal transition.

However, persistent fatigue should not automatically be attributed to hormones alone- there can be many underlying factors. Iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance and chronic stress can also contribute.

“Midlife fatigue is often multifactorial - hormones, stress and sleep are usually interacting together,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

A helpful tip: ask your GP for basic blood tests while also tracking your cycle and sleep patterns to identify trends.

Insomnia and fatigue are common during perimenopause due to fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explains that hormonal changes during this stage can disrupt sleep and energy regulation.

However, persistent exhaustion should not be attributed to hormones alone. Iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance and high stress levels may also contribute.

“Perimenopause can feel unsettling, but it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you - it means your body is adapting,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

A helpful tip: consider basic blood tests with your GP while also tracking your sleep and cycle patterns.

Waking at 3am and feeling exhausted the next day is common during perimenopause and periods of prolonged stress. Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt sleep cycles, and rising stress hormones such as cortisol in the early hours may make it difficult to return to sleep. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health notes that sleep disturbance is a frequent symptom during the perimenopausal transition.

Ongoing sleep disruption can then worsen daytime fatigue and mood.

“3am waking is often a sign that your nervous system is overstimulated, even if you’re coping well during the day,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

A helpful tip: avoid checking the clock overnight and focus on slow, steady breathing to help your body settle.

Yes, anxiety and stress can contribute to gut symptoms such as bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders explains that stress can influence gut motility,
sensitivity and inflammation through the gut–brain axis.

When the nervous system is activated for prolonged periods, digestion may slow or become more reactive. This can worsen bloating, abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel habits.

“The gut and nervous system are in constant communication - when stress increases, digestive symptoms often follow,” says Michelle Ringin, Western Medicinal Herbalist in Lithgow NSW.

A helpful tip: notice whether symptoms flare during stressful periods, as identifying patterns can guide more targeted support.

This is one of the most important questions you can ask- and it's exactly why working with a qualified Medical Herbalist matters. Some herbs can interact with medications, so I review everything you're taking before preparing your formula and select herbs that work safely alongside your current treatment. I'll never ask you to stop a prescribed medication, and I'm always happy to liaise with your GP. Please bring a full list of your medications and supplements to your first appointment.

Every liquid herbal formula is blended by hand in our clinic dispensary from practitioner-grade herbal extracts- the same quality standard used by qualified herbalists across Australia. This also applies to our dried herbs that we use in our tea blends. And most certainly organic wherever we can! Nothing is off-the-shelf: your formula is made for your body, your history and your goals, and adjusted as you progress.

That's completely understandable, especially if you've already tried a lot and been left disappointed. This is exactly what the free 10-minute Discovery Call is for. We'll talk honestly about what's going on, what herbal medicine can realistically offer, and whether we're a good fit. If I don't think I can help, I'll tell you- and point you toward someone who can.

An Acute Care Consult is short and focused- 10 to 15 minutes for a single, straightforward concern like a cold coming on, disrupted sleep or period pain, with practical herbal and lifestyle guidance you can use right away. A full Initial Consultation looks at the whole picture- your history, hormones, digestion, stress and sleep together, and results in a complete personalised treatment plan. If your concern has been building for months or touches several areas of your health, the full consultation will serve you best.

Herbal support can be wonderfully gentle for dogs- for anxiety, joints, skin, immunity and recovery, but dogs are not small humans, and dosing matters. Our Herbal Support for Dogs range is formulated specifically for canine use. If your dog is on veterinary medication, has a diagnosed condition, or you're unsure where to start, book a consultation first so we can tailor support safely alongside your vet's care. Your vet always remains your dog's primary healthcare provider.

Often yes, but it depends on the medication and your dog's condition, so please check with me before starting anything new- a quick message or a consultation specifically for your companion is all it takes. Some herbs pair beautifully with veterinary treatment; others need careful timing or should be avoided. I'm always happy to work alongside your vet so your dog gets the safest, most supportive care possible.

Yes- everything in the online shop ships Australia-wide, and delivery is free on orders over $100. Herbal teas, medicinal mixes, healing creams and teawares are all carefully packed and posted from the clinic in Lithgow. You'll find the full details on our Shipping Policy page.

Yes- the Custom Blend Herbal Mix lets you request a blend tailored to your needs, and I'll check in with you about anything I need to know before preparing it, including any medications you take. For ongoing or complex health concerns, though, a consultation gives you a far more complete and safer result- and it means your blend can evolve with you.

We do gift cards are a lovely way to give someone the gift of feeling heard and cared for. They can be used across the online shop or put toward a consultation, and they're delivered by email, so there's no waiting for the post.