FAQs

Frequently asked questions

I don't know which service I need, how can I choose?

To ensure you purchase the service that's right for you, please set aside some time to sit down, relax and browse through the site at your leisure (maybe with a cup of herbal tea!). A good place to start is the Home page, then the About page followed by the Services tab. Having an exploratory, free, no obligation conversation can be helpful also and can be arranged by completing the contact form or emailing the clinic. Of course, you can schedule an Initial Consultation which enables you to experience the consultation process and see if its the right fit for you. With that said, for those intending to have several or more appointments, it's more cost effective to purchase a plan and you receive a welcome gift. In addition to this, once the plan is completed, any additional appointments within six months of completion will be at a reduced rate. A plan investment is likely to increase your committment to your health programme and your plan appointments are scheduled in advance, ensuring you have your appointments when you want them.



Can I just book one appointment?

Yes. Our consultations are available as stand alone appointments where you simply pay for the consultation as you go. So, you can have one, or two or twenty two! The first stand alone consultation will be an Initial Consultation or Extended Initial Consultation. Follow up stand alone consultations can be scheduled provided you have had either Initial Consultation within the last six months or have recently completed a plan and would like a little extra support.



Can I transfer between plans?

Your management plan will be created with you at the beginning of your journey with us so it is unlikely you will need to change plans. However, in exceptional circumstances, this would be considered. Should you move to a cheaper plan, no refund is due. Moving to a higher fee plan would incur additional fees (the difference between the amount paid, and the new plan price, plus an administration fee of £30.00).



Can I take a break during the plan term?

We strongly encourage regular attendance to achieve the best results. However, life does not always go according to plan and should you need to take a break in your plan or programme, we can usually arrange this. All plans must be completed within 12 months of purchase or they will expire and cannot be used later.



What is your refund policy for consultations?

All consultations, plans and programmes are refundable within 14 days of purchase, subject to the following criteria. 48 hours notice must be given before the scheduled appointment. You have not attended an appointment. For cancellations of plans and programmes with less than 48 hours notice, there is a £100 cancellation fee. For example, a plan/programme purchased on the 1st of January, with the first appointment scheduled for the 18th January, and cancelled on the 14th of January, would be fully refunded. A plan/programme purchased on the 1st January, with the first appointment scheduled for the 18th January and cancelled on the 17th Janurary would incur a £100 cancellation fee. For cancellations of stand alone consultations with less than 48 hours notice, a 50% fee of the full price appointment is charged except for thirty minute follow up appointments which incur a £25 fee. For all missed scheduled appointments, the full fee is charged. If you have purchased a plan or programme, and attend the first appointment only, the fee is refundable subject to a £100 cancellation fee. This must be communicated within seven days of the first appointment and at least 48 hours before the second appointment is due. Plans and programmes cancelled later are non-refundable. Missed scheduled appointments are non refundable and cannot be rescheduled if notice was not given. For further details, please see "Can I reschedule my appointment?"



Can I reschedule an appointment?

Yes, but we kindly ask you to observe the following information to avoid unnecessary fees. Appointments can be rescheduled without penalty provided you notify us at least 48 hours before the scheduled appointment. Rescheduled appointments with less than 48 hours notice will incur a fee. Missed scheduled appointments will be charged in full and count as one of the appointments included in your plan/programme. All fees must be paid prior to attending the next scheduled appointment.



Do you offer remote consultations?

For any appointment that requires a bespoke herbal medicine prescription, the first consultation must be attended in-person. Subsequent appointments can be in-person, over the telephone or via zoom. Appointments for a Health Review, Health Coaching and Health Coaching Plus can be in-person or remote from the first appointment.



Which countries do you offer your services to?

At present, the services at Santi Clinic are available to people in the UK only. We are sorry for any disappointment this may cause. If you are not in the UK and are interested in the services, please register your interest so that we may consider your request where possible.



What is a bespoke prescription?

A selection of carefully selected herbs prepared for you based on your specific needs that is not available for sale to the general public.



Can I use herbal medicine if I am taking a pharmaceutical drug?

Yes. Herbal Medicine can be safely prescribed by a qualified Medical Herbalist who has also trained in pharmacology and understands drug-herb interactions. The herbs selected for a formula depend on many factors, including a persons medication regime. It is not advisable to self medicate with some herbs and guidance is strongly advised if you take any pharmaceutical drugs, whether prescribed or purchased over the counter. Herbal medicine can be an effective and safe adjunct to your health programme with the guidance of a qualified Medical Herbalist.



Can I use herbal medicine during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for most women but it can come with its health challenges too. It is common for nausea, constipation and backache to accompany it and women are limited in the choices of medicines they can take. Fortunately, there are many herbs that can be safely taken during pregnancy to ease the journey and many herbs can be used during childbirth too. After giving birth, herbs provide a safe way to help the body to heal and return to normal and herbs can assist in milk production too. Breast-feeding mums can also pass on some safe herbal remedies through their breast milk so that baby can benefit too. It is extremely important to work with a qualified Medical Herbalist when taking anyn herbal remedies during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. (nimh.org.uk/_resources/seeing-a-herbalist/what-does-a-herbalist-treat/fertility-pregnancy-childbirth/)



Can I use herbal medicine while I am nursing my baby?

After giving birth, herbs provide a safe way to help the body to heal and return to normal and herbs can assist in milk production too. Breast-feeding mums can also pass on some safe herbal remedies through their breast milk so that baby can benefit too. It is extremely important to work with a qualified Medical Herbalist when taking any herbal remedies during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. (nimh.org.uk/_resources/seeing-a-herbalist/what-does-a-herbalist-treat/fertility-pregnancy-childbirth/).



Where are you located?

47 Bancroft Hitchin Herts SG5 1LA 16a High Street Hitchin Herts SG5 1AT See contact page for directions.



Where can I purchase recommended products from?

Anywhere of your choosing although we strongly encourage you to ensure it's a reputable retailer. We're strong advocates of supporting independent health retailers, particularly those in your local area. We like www.healthemporium.co.uk. But we would say that as Amanda is the Assistant Manager here and the resident Medical Herbalist and Health Coach! The Santi Clinic website also stocks a small range of products available without a consultation. Plan purchasers at the clinic in the Bancroft, Hitchin clinic, will also be given access to the clinics health product supplier. They stock many of the leading brands and plan holders are eligible for a discounted price on selected products. This offer is not available at the High Street clinic in Hitchin. However, patients seen here are eligible for a 10% discount from selected products purchased on the day of the appointment (cannot be used in combination with any other offer in store).



Is there wheelchair access?

Unfortunately, the clinics are on the first floor and do not have elevators or escalators. If you're unable to navigate the stairs, an alternative venue may be used. Please inform the clinic at the time of booking to ensure the correct venue is booked. Alternatively, it may be possible to schedule a zoom call instead if this is preferred, depending on the reason for the appointment.



What are your qualifications?

A first class degree with honours in Herbal Medicine with Foundation from the University of Westminster. A certificate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Various CPD activities to keep my skills up to date, includings courses, lectures, webinars and research. I do this because I enjoy education, although it is also a requirement of my professional body membership.



How do I book a consultation or purchase a plan?

We are currently booking appointments manually, so please contact the clinic via phone or email to schedule the consulation. Payment is arranged at the time of booking. We use Paypal so your payment details are never retained on our system.



Are you a member of a professional body?

Yes. I am a full member of the following organisations. National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) www.nimh.org.uk Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (ANP) theanp.co.uk General Naturopathic Council (GNC) gncouncil.co.uk