Herbal medicine uses the therapeutic properties of plants to support your body's natural healing processes. Unlike conventional medications that often suppress symptoms, herbal remedies work on a cellular level to restore balance and address the root causes of health issues.

Different herbs contain active compounds - like alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils - that interact with your body's systems. Some herbs reduce inflammation, others support hormone balance, improve digestion, calm the nervous system, or strengthen immune function. When prescribed by a qualified herbalist, these plant medicines are carefully selected and combined to match your unique health needs, working gently but deeply to support lasting wellness rather than quick fixes.

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While there's overlap, herbalists specialise specifically in plant-based medicine. A Western medical herbalist like Michelle focuses on using herbs - teas, tinctures, creams, oils - to treat health conditions, with extensive training in herbal pharmacology, plant chemistry, and how herbs interact with the body and medications.

Naturopaths typically take a broader approach, incorporating herbal medicine alongside nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and sometimes other modalities. At Inner Peace Holistic Herbal Therapy, Michelle's advanced training in Western medicinal herbalism means you receive deep, specialised expertise in therapeutic plant use, combined with personalised nutrition guidance and holistic health support where needed.

Herbal medicine has been used therapeutically for thousands of years across cultures worldwide - and modern research continues to validate what traditional healers have always known. Many pharmaceutical drugs are actually derived from plant compounds (aspirin from willow bark, digoxin from foxglove).

Clinical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of herbs for conditions like anxiety (passionflower, kava), digestive issues (peppermint, chamomile, slippery elm), hormonal imbalances (vitex, black cohosh), and inflammation (turmeric, boswellia). The key is working with a qualified herbalist who understands proper dosing, quality sourcing, and how to create targeted formulas for your specific health patterns.

At Inner Peace, every remedy is custom-blended using high-quality, mostly organic herbs - many grown in Michelle's own garden or wild-harvested locally - ensuring therapeutic potency and purity.

Yes, they come from different healing traditions with distinct philosophies and plant species. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses herbs based on energetic properties (warming, cooling, dampening, drying) and works within a framework of qi, meridians, and elemental balance.

Western medicinal herbalism - Michelle's specialty - is rooted in European and American herbal traditions, using plants like St. John's wort, echinacea, hawthorn, and dandelion. It focuses on the physiological and biochemical actions of herbs within body systems (nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system) and integrates with modern scientific understanding.

Both systems are valid and effective; it's simply a different lens for understanding how plants support health. At Inner Peace, you receive care grounded in Western herbalism with over 15 years of clinical experience.

Most of the time, yes - but safety requires professional guidance. Some herbs can interact with certain medications, either enhancing or reducing their effects. This is exactly why personalized consultations matter.

During your appointment, Michelle carefully reviews your complete health history, current medications, and supplements to identify any potential interactions. With an Advanced Diploma in Western Medicinal Herbalism and over 15 years of clinical experience, she knows which herbs are safe to combine with common medications and which require caution or alternative choices.

Many clients successfully use herbal medicine alongside conventional treatment to support their healing journey. Michelle creates protocols that work safely and integratively with your existing care, and can communicate with your GP or specialists when appropriate.

Book a Free Discovery Call to discuss your specific situation

Some herbs are beautifully supportive during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while others should be avoided. Safety depends on the specific herb, the trimester, your individual health, and proper dosing.

Herbs like ginger (for nausea), raspberry leaf (in later pregnancy), and chamomile (for gentle relaxation) are generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, herbs that stimulate the uterus, affect hormones strongly, or haven't been adequately studied in pregnancy require caution or avoidance.

Michelle has specialised training in women's health and understands which herbs are safe for each stage of pregnancy and postpartum. If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, this will be discussed thoroughly during your consultation to ensure both your safety and your baby's wellbeing.

Quality matters enormously in herbal medicine - and it's something Michelle takes seriously. Many of the herbs used at Inner Peace are grown organically in Michelle's own garden, where she controls growing conditions, harvesting timing, and processing methods to ensure peak therapeutic potency.

For herbs not grown locally, Michelle sources from reputable Australian suppliers who provide organic or wildcrafted herbs that are tested for purity, potency, and contaminants. Every herb is carefully selected for its therapeutic properties, and formulas are hand-crafted in small batches with intention and care.

You'll never receive mass-produced, generic formulas. Every remedy is freshly made specifically for you, using the highest quality plant materials available.

Your first consultation is a comprehensive conversation about you - your health history, current concerns, lifestyle, diet, sleep, stress levels, and health goals. Michelle takes time to understand not just your symptoms, but the patterns and root causes beneath them.

For in-person consultations in Lithgow: Michelle may check your pulse, tongue, or other physical indicators as needed. You'll discuss your health holistically, exploring how different body systems connect and influence each other.

For online consultations: The process is similar via video or phone call, with adjustments for remote assessment. You'll still receive the same thorough, personalised care.

After understanding your unique situation, Michelle creates a custom herbal protocol tailored specifically to your body's needs - selecting herbs, determining optimal forms (tincture, tea, cream, capsule), and explaining how to use your remedies. You'll also receive guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, and any other support that will enhance your healing.

Your remedies are typically ready within a few days and can be collected in Lithgow or posted anywhere in Australia.

Book your first consultation

This depends on what you're addressing and how long you've been experiencing it. Every body heals at its own pace.

Acute conditions like colds, flu, UTIs, minor injuries, or sleep issues often respond within days to 1-2 weeks with the right herbal support.

Chronic conditions like digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, or autoimmune issues typically take longer - often 6-12 weeks or more to see significant improvements as we work on deeper healing and root causes.

Remember, herbal medicine isn't about suppressing symptoms quickly; it's about restoring balance and function so your body can heal sustainably. Some shifts happen quietly - you might notice you're sleeping better, feeling calmer, or experiencing fewer flare-ups. These subtle changes build into lasting transformation.

You'll be supported throughout your journey with follow-up consultations to track progress, adjust formulas as needed, and celebrate improvements along the way.

This varies based on your health situation and goals.

For acute issues: You might only need one or two consultations - an initial appointment to receive your remedy, and possibly a quick follow-up to ensure everything's resolving well.

For chronic or complex conditions: Initial consultations are typically followed by check-ins every 2-4 weeks for the first few months, then spacing out to monthly or as-needed as you improve. This allows Michelle to monitor your progress, adjust herbal formulas as your body responds, and support you through the healing process. Best outcomes are generally experienced when you stay on the herbs for at least 3 months.

For ongoing wellness support: Some clients continue with seasonal check-ins or maintenance consultations every few months to stay balanced and address minor issues before they escalate.

The goal is always to empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain your own health long-term - not create dependency on ongoing appointments.

Consultation fees:
Initial comprehensive consultations are $130 for 60-90 minutes. Acute care consultations are $25 for 15-20 minutes. Follow-up consultations are $90 for 30 minutes.

Herbal remedy costs: This varies depending on the herbs used, the form (tincture, tea, cream), and how much you need. Typically, custom herbal formulas range from $50 for 100mls to $70 for 200mls (dependant on herbs used at times) and last approx. 2-6 weeks depending on dosage.

Unlike generic supplements, every remedy is hand-crafted specifically for you using high-quality, often organic herbs - many grown in Michelle's own garden. You're investing in truly personalised medicine made with care and expertise.

Programs: Specialised programs like the 12-Week Weight Management Program or Fatigue Recovery Journey have their own pricing structure.

Contact us for program details

Private health insurance with extras cover may partially rebate your weight management consultations and plan, depending on your level of cover and provider. At the current moment, Herbal Medicine consults are not yet covered by private health insurance, however there has been positive movement forward and this should be implemented later this year. Michelle is a member of the NHAA (National Herbalists Association of Australia), which many funds recognise.

We provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your health fund for potential rebates. We recommend checking with your specific provider about herbalist coverage before your appointment.

Medicare does not cover herbal consultations as herbalists are not Medicare-registered practitioners.

Herbal medicine can support a wide range of health concerns. At Inner Peace, Michelle specialises in:

Digestive Health: IBS, bloating, reflux, constipation, food sensitivities, gut inflammation, leaky gut

Women's Health: Menopause, perimenopause, hormonal imbalances, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, vaginal health, recurrent infections (UTIs, thrush), low libido

Fatigue & Energy: Chronic fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, burnout, low vitality

Weight & Metabolism: Sustainable weight management, metabolic support, insulin resistance

Immune Support: Recurrent infections, low immunity, post-viral recovery

Mental Health: Anxiety, stress, depression, sleep disturbances, nervous system support

Skin Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, acne, wound healing

Pain & Inflammation: Arthritis, joint pain, chronic inflammation

This isn't an exhaustive list - herbal medicine takes a holistic approach to supporting your body's healing capacity across multiple systems.

Explore our specialised services

This depends on the condition. Some health issues can fully resolve with herbal support, while others require ongoing management.

Conditions that often resolve: Acute infections (UTIs, colds), minor digestive issues, some skin conditions, some hormonal imbalances, temporary sleep problems, stress-related concerns

Conditions requiring ongoing support: Chronic autoimmune conditions, some hormonal issues (like menopause), chronic digestive disorders, genetic predispositions

Even with chronic conditions, herbal medicine focuses on addressing root causes - reducing inflammation, supporting detoxification, balancing hormones, healing gut lining - rather than just masking symptoms. This often leads to significant improvements in quality of life, reduced flare-ups, and better overall function, even if complete "cure" isn't realistic.

Michelle's approach is always honest about what's achievable and works with you to create sustainable improvements in your health and wellbeing.

Absolutely. Menopause is one of Michelle's specialties, with advanced training in women's hormonal and intimate health.

Herbal medicine offers powerful support for menopause symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, low libido, weight gain, and brain fog. Herbs like black cohosh, sage, vitex, red clover, and dong quai (among many others) can help rebalance hormones, calm the nervous system, and ease the transition.

Beyond herbs, Michelle provides guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, and holistic strategies to support your body through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond - helping you feel like yourself again rather than at the mercy of hormonal chaos.

Learn more about women's health support

Many herbs offer gentle, effective support for anxiety and nervous system balance - without the side effects of pharmaceutical options. Some of Michelle's most-used nervine herbs include:

Passionflower: Calms racing thoughts and eases tension

Withania (Ashwagandha): Adaptogen that helps your body cope with stress

Lemon balm: Soothes anxiety and supports restful sleep

Skullcap: Eases nervous tension and mental overwhelm

Kava: Powerful anxiolytic for moderate to severe anxiety

Lavender: Gentle calming support for mild anxiety and restlessness

The right combination depends on your unique anxiety patterns - whether you experience racing thoughts, physical tension, panic, insomnia, or overwhelm. During your consultation, Michelle creates a personalised formula that addresses your specific nervous system needs, often combining calming herbs with adaptogens for sustainable stress resilience.

Book a consultation for anxiety support

Yes - chronic fatigue is at the heart of Michelle's Reclaim Your Spark Fatigue Recovery Program, designed specifically for women who are tired to their core.

Chronic fatigue rarely has a single cause. It's usually a combination of adrenal depletion, thyroid imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep quality, chronic stress, inflammation, and sometimes underlying infections or hormonal issues.

Michelle's approach investigates what's truly driving your exhaustion, then creates a personalized protocol using:

• Adaptogenic and energy-restoring herbs (withania, rhodiola, licorice, ginseng)
• Nervous system support for "wired but tired" patterns
• Sleep-enhancing herbs for restorative rest
• Anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting remedies
• Nutritional guidance to rebuild cellular energy
• Lifestyle strategies that honour your depleted state

This isn't about pushing through - it's about rebuilding your foundations so you can feel like yourself again.

Learn more about Fatigue Recovery

Absolutely. Dogs (and other companion animals) respond beautifully to herbal medicine when prescribed safely and appropriately.

Michelle creates customized herbal formulas to support pets with:

• Skin conditions and allergies (itching, hot spots, dermatitis)
• Anxiety and stress (separation anxiety, fireworks, travel)
• Digestive issues (diarrhea, vomiting, sensitive stomach)
• Arthritis and joint pain (mobility support, inflammation)
• Immune support and vitality
• Post-surgery recovery
• Senior dog support

Every remedy is carefully dosed for your pet's size, species, and specific needs. Michelle uses gentle, effective herbs that are safe for animals, and can work alongside veterinary care when needed.

Just like with humans, herbal medicine for pets addresses root causes and supports the whole animal - body, mind, and environment - to restore balance naturally.

Learn more about pet herbal support

Inner Peace is based in Lithgow, NSW, where Michelle offers face-to-face consultations in a warm, welcoming clinic space.

Can't get to Lithgow? No problem. Michelle provides online consultations via phone or video call for clients anywhere in Australia and internationally. Online sessions are just as thorough and effective - you'll receive the same personalised care, and your custom herbal remedies are posted directly to your door.

Yes! Online consultations work beautifully for clients across Australia and beyond. Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, rural NSW, you can access Michelle's expertise from the comfort of your home.

Your consultation happens via phone or video call, where Michelle takes a full health history and creates your personalised treatment plan. Your custom herbal remedies are then crafted and posted to you, with clear instructions on how to use them.

Many clients prefer online consultations for the convenience, privacy, and flexibility - and the results are just as effective as in-person care.

Book an online consultation

Yes, Michelle welcomes new clients for both face-to-face consultations in Lithgow and online appointments.

If you're not sure whether herbal medicine is right for your situation, book a free 10-minute Discovery Call to chat about your health concerns and explore whether this approach feels like a good fit.